Installing new siding is a major investment in your home's protection and curb appeal. To safeguard this investment, it's crucial to understand the warranties that cover both the siding materials and installation services. Siding warranties vary significantly in their coverage, terms, and limitations between manufacturers and contractors. As a homeowner, thoroughly reviewing what your warranty includes is essential to avoid unexpected repair costs in the future.
When choosing your siding, look for products with strong, long-term warranties and discuss the specifics with potential contractors. Be cautious of siding with limited warranties, as it may indicate inferior quality. Leading contractors like Mighty Dog Roofing of South Jersey offer comprehensive warranty coverage that demonstrates their commitment to quality work. The best contractors will clarify their installation warranties and help compare manufacturer coverage.
Proper warranty coverage provides long-term value by protecting your siding investment against defects, premature failure, and other issues that could arise years down the road. Investing time upfront to navigate warranties and properly document your coverage with an experienced contractor can provide this valuable long-term protection and confidence in your siding's performance and longevity.
Types of Siding Warranties
When it comes to siding warranties, there are two main types to be aware of: manufacturer warranties and contractor warranties.
Warranty Type | Coverage | Term |
Manufacturer | Material defects, color fading, hail damage, mold/mildew growth | Varies, typically 20-50 years |
Contractor | Installation workmanship and labor | Varies, typically 1-10 years |
Manufacturer warranties are provided by the company that makes the siding materials. These warranties typically cover defects in the siding itself, such as cracking, chipping, peeling, or excessive fading. The length and specific terms of manufacturer warranties can vary, but most cover the siding for a set number of years against manufacturing defects.
Some common aspects covered by manufacturer warranties include material defects that cause the siding to crack, chip, peel or delaminate, excessive color fading or color change, damage from hail or other specific weather events, and mold or mildew growth on the siding.
In addition to the siding materials, you'll also want to consider the warranty provided by your siding contractor for the installation work. For example, Mighty Dog Roofing offers Mighty Watchdog Warranty, which includes a five-year workmanship warranty that covers installation defects, repairs for any issues caused by faulty workmanship, and guarantees that all services meet local building codes and manufacturer installation requirements. This type of comprehensive contractor warranty is crucial for both the performance and look of the siding, as well as warranty validity.
What Voids a Siding Warranty
While siding warranties provide valuable protection, there are certain actions or situations that can void your warranty coverage. One of the most common issues is improper installation. Many homeowners are tempted to save money by attempting to install siding themselves as a DIY project. However, this often leads to improper installation techniques that not only affect the look and performance of the siding but also void the manufacturer's warranty. Siding manufacturers require the siding to be installed according to their specific guidelines in order for the warranty to be valid.
Hiring a certified, professional siding contractor like Mighty Dog Roofing is the best way to ensure your new siding is installed correctly and your warranty remains intact. Professional contractors have the training, experience, and tools to follow the manufacturer's installation requirements to the letter. They can also provide documentation that the installation was done properly in case you ever need to file a warranty claim.
In addition to improper installation, there are some other issues that can lead to a voided siding warranty:
- Failure to properly maintain the siding according to the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning and upkeep
- Modifying the siding to mount equipment or decorations
- Using mismatched or unapproved products and materials during the installation
- Using pressure washers or harsh chemicals to clean the siding
- Defects or damage caused by impacts, pressure, or stressing the siding beyond its intended tolerances
Professional Installation Benefits
To get the most out of your siding warranty, professional installation is essential. Certified and experienced siding contractors provide numerous benefits when it comes to ensuring your warranty remains valid and your siding performs as expected. Professional siding contractors follow the manufacturer's requirements for installing the siding to meet warranty standards. This includes using the right fasteners and spacing, properly integrating flashing and moisture barriers, and correctly handling seams and transitions.
In case you ever need to file a warranty claim, having detailed documentation of the professional installation can make the process much smoother. Professional contractors photograph their work and provide you records demonstrating the siding was installed according to spec.
If any issues arise with your new siding, a professional contractor will be there to help. They can assess the problem and take the necessary steps to either resolve it directly or assist with the warranty claim process. For example, if you notice any siding panels starting to warp or delaminate, a professional installer will come to inspect the issue.
They can determine if it's an installation error they will fix directly or a product defect that needs to be filed as a warranty claim with the manufacturer. Ongoing support and service from your siding contractor provide peace of mind that any issues will be properly diagnosed and resolved.
Common Warranty Claims
Even with professional installation and quality siding materials, issues can sometimes arise that require using your warranty coverage. Some of the most common siding warranty claims include color fading, cracking and chipping, and peeling and delamination. While some fading is normal over time, excessive fading or discoloration can occur prematurely and be covered under warranty.
Impacts from hail, tree limbs, or other objects can sometimes damage siding, leading to cracks or chips. Many warranties cover this type of damage. If the siding starts peeling or separating into layers, this is often a sign of a manufacturing defect that is covered under warranty.
Siding contractors are experienced in documenting and submitting warranty claims to manufacturers. They can help guide you through the process, provide evidence of the issue, and coordinate with the manufacturer on inspections and repairs. The experts at Mighty Dog Roofing know what photos and documentation the manufacturer will require to approve a claim. They can also help fill out the necessary paperwork and submit it on your behalf.
If any follow-up inspections or repairs are needed, your contractor will coordinate directly with the manufacturer to streamline the process. Most siding warranty claims are resolved by either replacing the defective siding panels or providing a prorated reimbursement for the cost of materials and labor. The timeline for resolving claims varies but most manufacturers try to process them within 30-60 days.
Maintaining Warranty Coverage
To ensure your siding warranty remains valid over its full term, there are a few key steps you should take:
- Have your siding professionally inspected every 1-2 years to identify any emerging issues and keep maintenance records
- Clean the siding annually according to the manufacturer's guidelines, which usually involves gentle power washing or soft cloth and a mild detergent solution
- Make any necessary minor repairs, such as caulking gaps, promptly
- Avoid modifications to the siding as much as possible
By working with a professional siding contractor and properly maintaining your new siding, you can enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected for the long haul. Working with certified contractors is especially important to ensure that your warranty remains valid for a long time.
Certified contractors will strictly follow the manufacturer’s maintenance and repair instructions, using the correct tools, methods, and approved materials to prevent voiding your warranty. If you have any other questions about siding warranties or need siding repair or replacement services, contact an experienced contractor for expert advice.
Don’t wait until your siding is in trouble – contact Mighty Dog Roofing today for a comprehensive siding inspection and consultation. Our team of certified professionals is ready to help protect your home with expert siding services. Call us at 856-726-4876 or use our website to schedule a free consultation.