Investing in a new roof is one of the biggest expenses you’ll face as a homeowner. Whether you’re replacing worn-out tiles or upgrading to a more durable material, you’re probably spending anywhere from £5,000 to £15,000 or more. So naturally, you want to know if your investment comes with any protection.
The short answer is yes, you should absolutely get a guarantee with a new roof. But here’s the thing: not all guarantees are created equal. Understanding what type of protection you’re getting, and what it actually covers, can save you thousands of pounds down the line.
Types of Roof Guarantees You Should Know About
When you get a new roof installed, you’re actually looking at two different types of guarantees. Many homeowners don’t realize there’s a difference, which can lead to confusion when something goes wrong.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
This covers the roofing materials themselves. If your tiles crack prematurely or your felt membrane develops defects due to poor manufacturing, this warranty has you covered. These typically last anywhere from 10 to 50 years depending on the material quality you’ve chosen.
Workmanship Guarantee
This is what your roofing contractor provides. It protects you against installation mistakes, poor craftsmanship, or problems that arise from how the roof was fitted. Most reputable roofers offer between 5 to 10 years on their workmanship, though some provide longer coverage.
What Do These Guarantee With a New Roof Cover?
Understanding coverage is where things get interesting. A guarantee isn’t a blanket promise that nothing will ever go wrong with your roof.
Material warranties typically cover:
- Manufacturing defects in tiles, slates, or membranes
- Premature deterioration of roofing components
- Colour fading beyond normal weathering
- Structural failure of the material itself
Workmanship guarantees usually protect against:
- Leaks caused by improper installation
- Issues with flashing around chimneys or skylights
- Problems with roof ventilation
- Faulty underlayment installation
Here’s what catches most homeowners off guard. Neither guarantee typically covers storm damage, normal wear and tear, or problems caused by poor maintenance. And this is crucial: many roof issues actually stem from blocked or damaged gutters, not the roof itself.
At City Guttering London, we’ve seen countless cases where homeowners blamed their roof for leaks when the real culprit was overflowing gutters causing water to back up under the tiles. Regular gutter maintenance isn’t just about keeping your drainage clear; it’s about protecting your entire roofing investment.
How Long Should Your Guarantee Last?
This varies significantly based on what you’re getting. High-quality slate roofs often come with 50-year material warranties because slate can last a century or more. Concrete tiles might offer 30 years, while felt-based systems typically range from 10 to 20 years.
Workmanship guarantees are usually shorter. A 10-year installation guarantee is considered good, though some contractors only offer 1 to 5 years. Be wary of companies offering extremely short guarantees or none at all. It often signals they’re not confident in their own work.
The Importance of Written Documentation
Never, and I mean never, accept a verbal guarantee. You need everything in writing. A proper guarantee document should clearly state what’s covered, for how long, and what conditions might void it.
Keep all your paperwork safe:
- Original guarantee certificates
- Receipts for all payments
- Before and after photos
- Any inspection reports
- Maintenance records
This documentation becomes especially valuable if you decide to sell your property. A transferable guarantee can add real value to your home and give potential buyers peace of mind.
What Voids Your Guarantee?
This is where homeowners often get caught out. Most guarantees have specific conditions you must meet to keep them valid.
Common guarantee-voiding issues include:
- Allowing another contractor to make repairs without approval
- Failing to maintain the roof as specified
- Making unauthorized modifications
- Neglecting obvious problems until they get worse
- Not keeping up with gutter cleaning and maintenance
That last point is significant. Water damage from blocked gutters can void your roof guarantee even if the roof itself was perfectly installed. City Guttering London recommends having your gutters professionally cleaned at least twice a year to prevent this exact scenario.
Choosing the Right Roofing Company
The value of your guarantee depends entirely on the company standing behind it. A 50-year warranty from a contractor who goes out of business next year is worthless.
Look for companies with:
- Solid trading history in your area
- Positive reviews and verifiable references
- Proper insurance coverage
- Membership in trade associations
- Insurance-backed guarantees when possible
Insurance-backed guarantees are worth seeking out. These remain valid even if the roofing company ceases trading, giving you an extra layer of protection.
Can You Transfer Your Guarantee?
This depends on the specific terms. Many manufacturer warranties are transferable to new homeowners, though some require registration or a small fee. Workmanship guarantees vary more widely. Some contractors allow transfer, others don’t.
If you’re buying a property with a recently replaced roof, always ask to see the guarantee documentation and confirm whether it can be transferred to you.
Keeping Your Guarantee Valid
Meeting the maintenance requirements is essential. Most guarantees specify that you need to keep the roof in good condition through regular inspections and prompt repairs of minor issues.
Schedule annual roof inspections, particularly after severe weather. Keep detailed records of all maintenance work. And don’t forget about your gutters; keeping them clear protects both your roof and your guarantee.
For properties across London and Surrey, City Guttering London offers comprehensive gutter maintenance services that help protect your entire roofing system. Our team can spot potential problems during routine gutter cleaning that might affect your roof guarantee.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you absolutely should get a guarantee with a new roof, but don’t just accept whatever’s offered. Ask questions, read the fine print, and understand exactly what protection you’re receiving.
Remember that your roof and gutter system work together. The best roof guarantee in the world won’t help if blocked gutters are causing water damage. Regular maintenance of both systems is the key to long-term protection.
If you’re in London or Surrey and need professional gutter services to protect your roofing investment, City Guttering London is here to help. With over 200 five-star reviews, we provide expert gutter cleaning, repairs, and maintenance for residential and commercial properties. Contact us today for a free quote within 45 minutes and keep your home properly protected.
