Why 40-50 Year Shingle Warranties are a Scam: The Truth Behind Misleading Marketing | Hercules Homes
40 and 50 year shingle warranties are often marketed as a way to protect homeowners from costly repairs or replacements in the event that their shingles fail. However, in reality, these warranties provide little to no real protection for homeowners. Here are a few reasons why:
Limited coverage: Many 50 year shingle warranties only cover the cost of the actual shingles and not the labor or other materials required to replace them. This means that even if the shingles do fail, homeowners may still have to pay a significant amount out of pocket to have them replaced. This can add ten of thousands of dollars to the overall cost of repairs, making the warranty essentially useless.
Exclusions and restrictions: Many warranties have a number of exclusions and restrictions that limit the circumstances under which they will cover repairs or replacements. For example, many warranties will not cover damage caused by severe weather or improper installation. This means that if a homeowner's shingles fail due to hail/wind etc. or due to poor installation, the warranty will not cover the cost of repairs.
Short lifespan: Many of the materials used in 40-50 year shingles may not actually last that long. This is especially true for some of the cheaper options on the market. As a result, homeowners may find that their shingles begin to fail well before the warranty period is up. This can be especially frustrating for homeowners who have spent a significant amount of money on a warranty that they thought would protect them for 50 years.
Limited transferability: Many 50 year shingle warranties are not transferable to new homeowners if the property is sold or only transferable one time. This means that if you sell your home before the warranty period is up, the new homeowners will not be covered. This can be a major problem for homeowners who are planning to sell their home in the near future and may not be able to transfer the warranty to the new owners also making it worthless.
Difficult claims process: Even if a homeowner does have a valid claim under a 50 year shingle warranty, the process of making a claim and getting the repairs or replacements done can be difficult and time-consuming. Additionally, some warranty companies may try to deny claims or make it difficult for homeowners to get the repairs done, further frustrating homeowners no different than the insurance claims process with some companies.
Lack of regulation: Many of the warranty companies that offer these warranties are not regulated by any government agency. This means that they have little oversight and can make false claims without any repercussions. This lack of regulation also means that there is no one to hold these companies accountable for their actions, making it even more difficult for homeowners to get the repairs or replacements they need.
Misleading marketing: Many manufacturers and sellers may use misleading marketing techniques to promote these warranties. They may make bold claims that the warranty will cover any damage, when in fact there are many exclusions and restrictions. They may also use vague language or avoid discussing the exclusions and restrictions, making it hard for homeowners to understand what they are actually buying.
In conclusion, while 50 year shingle warranties may seem like a good idea, they often provide no real protection for homeowners, especially for the cost. Homeowners should be cautious when considering these warranties and should carefully read the terms and conditions before purchasing.
