Understanding Siding Warranties

Upgrading your siding boosts your home’s value, curb appeal, and energy efficiency. However, the project can get expensive fast. So, before you dive in, make sure you protect yourself from unexpected costs. The best way to do this is by choosing the right siding warranty. If a product malfunctions or there’s an installation mistake, a warranty provides essential coverage. Let’s explore everything you need to know about siding warranties.

Manufacturer vs. Contractor Warranties

When it comes to warranties, you’ll typically find two main types: manufacturer warranties and contractor warranties. Together, they should fully protect your new siding, covering everything from installation to parts and labor. Here’s a brief look at each type:

• Manufacturer Warranties: These cover defects in the siding materials.
• Contractor Warranties: These focus on the quality of the installation.

Understanding both options helps you make an informed decision for your home.

Manufacturer Warranties

A manufacturer warranty, as the name implies, is supplied by the company that made the siding. It guarantees your siding against defects in the materials themselves. 

It’s important to note that to make sure this warranty is in full effect, you may need to work with a qualified siding contractor or installer. Additionally, a qualified contractor should be able to answer any questions about your manufacturer and their warranty policies. They can also help you register your warranty and help you get in contact with the manufacturer in case of a malfunction. When planning ahead and vetting a contractor, ask if they work with a specific siding manufacturer. 

Contractor Warranties

This type of warranty comes from your siding contractor as an entity and guarantees their workmanship on the siding installation. These warranties typically last a year but may be extended further.

Siding contractor warranties are often negotiable to better meet your unique needs compared to manufacturer warranties, which are usually fixed. Even if workmanship issues arise after the siding contractor warranty has lapsed, a trusted, reputable contractor will usually provide certain support. Ask your contractor about their warranty parameters and consider speaking with former clients to find out about their long-term experience. 

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Elements of Siding Warranties

Before beginning a siding project, both types of siding warranties should be available, in writing and in full detail, for your review. These documents should list the types of problems and remedies that are covered within the agreement, the duration of the warranty, and how problems will be addressed. While the exact terms of your siding warranty will vary depending on the contractor and manufacturer used, here’s a brief list of terms you can expect to see. 

Lifetime Warranties

For home siding, a “lifetime” usually refers to the amount of time the manufacturer determines your siding can maintain maximum quality. Typically, the standard is a 50-year warranty, but it can vary.

The quality of the siding can also determine how long a warranty will be set for. A good rule of thumb is higher-quality materials will usually have a longer warranty timeframe. Sometimes a siding warranty will be prorated, meaning the amount the manufacturer will pay will decrease the longer the siding lasts. Other caveats may include policies regarding whether the siding can be painted or altered under warranty. 

Siding Contractor Warranties

Siding contractor warranties usually cover labor and installation issues for a set period. Many contractors replace the “implied warranty” with their own, guaranteeing workmanship. This may mean you waive the implied warranty by accepting the contractor’s terms.

While common, contractor warranties are not always offered. Some contractors may not provide them. Therefore, choose a trusted contractor who guarantees their work and offers a solid warranty.

Transferability

Siding warranties may or may not transfer when you sell your home. A transferable warranty can boost resale value and attract buyers.

However, transfer terms may change, such as time limits or prorated values. Some contractors offer a “double lifetime warranty” that transfers to the next owner. Always review transferability terms before committing.

Evaluating Warranties 

How do you know if a certain warranty option is right for you? The first step in evaluating a warranty is to read the documents carefully. Siding warranties can vary widely in their terms and it can get confusing. To better understand a warranty’s terms, we encourage homeowners to review warranties alongside a contractor. A trusted siding contractor can answer your questions, help explain the differences between dueling warranty options, and explain any language you don’t understand. 

Here are a few questions to help guide your conversation as you evaluate: 

• How long does the siding warranty last? Warranty duration varies by brand and contractor. Choose one that ensures you get the most value for your money.
• Is the warranty transferable? Know upfront if the warranty stays valid when you sell your home. Also, find out how the terms might change.
• What does the siding warranty cover? Ask which parts are included. Ideally, it should cover everything. Also, inquire about coverage for defects and fading.
• Does the warranty include labor? Many manufacturer warranties cover materials but skip labor costs. Your contractor might also have extra labor fees. Check if it covers installation errors and service visits.
• Is it a limited or full warranty? Full warranties require timely replacements by the manufacturer or contractor. Limited warranties usually cover specific parts or issues only.

As with many home renovations, finding the right contracting partner will be a big help in nailing down your desired siding warranties. 

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