Conroe and the towns around it are full of new homes, and new homes can still have roof problems. When something goes wrong on a roof that's only a few years old, the first question is who should pay. The answer depends on what caused the problem and how old the house is.
Three Kinds of Coverage
| Coverage | What it usually covers | What it usually doesn't |
|---|---|---|
| Builder warranty | Workmanship problems for a limited time, often the first year or two; some cover structural items longer | Storm damage, wear, problems after the warranty period |
| Manufacturer warranty | Defects in the shingles themselves | Installation errors (unless an enhanced warranty applies), storm damage |
| Homeowners insurance | Sudden damage, such as hail, wind or a falling limb | Wear, age, installation mistakes |
The exact terms are in your closing documents and the shingle manufacturer's warranty. Find them before you call anyone.
Is It Workmanship, a Defect or Storm Damage?
- Leaks at walls, pipes or valleys on a new house with no storm involved often point to installation. That's a builder warranty question.
- Shingles blowing off in the first big wind can be either. Shingles that hadn't sealed, or were nailed wrong, may be workmanship. A severe storm may be insurance.
- Shingles failing early across the roof with no storm may be a product defect. That's a manufacturer question.
- Hail bruising or a limb impact is generally insurance.
What to Do First
- Find your builder warranty and check how long it lasts and how to file.
- Photograph the problem inside and from the ground outside.
- Report it to the builder in writing, if it's within the warranty period.
- Have a roofer look if the builder doesn't respond or the warranty has expired. A roofer's report can help you decide where to take it.
- Call your insurer if a storm caused it.
Why a Roofer's Opinion Helps
A roofer who isn't connected to the builder can tell you what they see: missing flashing, wrong nailing, or storm damage. That opinion, with photos, is useful whether you're dealing with a builder, a manufacturer or an insurer.
Questions
Will a repair by another roofer void my builder warranty?
It can, depending on the warranty's terms. Read them, and contact the builder first if the warranty still applies, except in an emergency.
Do manufacturer warranties cover installation?
Standard warranties usually cover the product only. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties that include workmanship when a certified installer does the work.
My house was built five years ago. Is anything still covered?
Possibly, depending on the builder's terms and the manufacturer's warranty. Check both.
Around Conroe
New-home roof questions come up most in Artavia, Grand Central Park and Magnolia. For hiring a roofer, see roofers in Conroe. Problems with a business can be reported to the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
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