BP Shingles Warranty Claim Guide: Protect Your Roof Investment - A Contractor's 15-Year Perspective
I have installed and repaired roofs for over fifteen years. I have completed more than 1,200 roofing projects across Texas. I hold certifications from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and am a GAF Master Elite® contractor. This experience gives me a unique view of roofing warranties. I see how they work from the installer's side and the homeowner's side. This article exists to solve a real problem. Homeowners often feel lost when their roof fails. They do not know how to start a warranty claim. They worry about costs and being denied. This guide answers your questions clearly. It gives you the knowledge to protect your investment. I gathered this information from real customer projects. I studied manufacturer specifications and building codes. I will explain the methodology behind every recommendation. My goal is to save you time and stress. I want you to feel confident about your BP shingles warranty claim.
Understanding Your BP Shingles Warranty: The Foundation
Before you file a claim, you must understand your warranty. A warranty is a manufacturer's promise. It covers defects in materials and sometimes workmanship. BP Building Products was a major shingle manufacturer. CertainTeed acquired BP's shingle lines in 2010. If you have BP shingles, your warranty is now handled by CertainTeed. This is a critical first point. You need to know what type of warranty you have. There are typically two main types: limited lifetime warranties and limited warranty periods. The warranty details are in your original paperwork. If you lost it, you may need to contact CertainTeed directly. The warranty start date is usually the original installation date. It is not the date you bought the house. Always check your specific warranty document first. It is your contract with the manufacturer.
Types of BP/CertainTeed Warranties
BP and CertainTeed offered several warranty tiers. The most common was the SureStart® warranty. This was a limited warranty. It often covered manufacturing defects for a specific period. Higher-tier warranties like the SureStart® PLUS offered longer coverage. Some included coverage for algae resistance. The key is knowing your warranty's exact name and terms. Coverage often decreases over time. This is called prorated coverage. For example, the manufacturer may pay 100% for the first five years. Then they may pay a smaller percentage each year after. After a certain point, you may get only the cost of the materials. Labor is rarely covered in full. Understanding this proration is essential for setting realistic expectations.
What is Typically Covered and Excluded
Warranties primarily cover manufacturing defects. This means problems that originated when the shingle was made. Common covered defects include premature granule loss. Tab cracking and blistering are also often covered. Algae resistance failure may be covered if your warranty includes it. Warranties almost never cover damage from improper installation. They do not cover damage from storms, trees, or lack of maintenance. Normal weathering is also not covered. Weathering is the natural aging of shingles from sun and rain. It is crucial to distinguish between a defect and storm damage. Storm damage is usually an insurance claim, not a warranty claim. Knowing this difference saves you from starting the wrong process.
The Step-by-Step BP Warranty Claim Process
Filing a warranty claim is a process. Following the steps correctly increases your chance of success. Do not skip any step. First, gather all your documentation. You need your original warranty certificate. Find your original sales receipt or invoice. If you do not have these, gather any proof of installation date. This could be a permit or a record from the previous owner. Next, document the problem thoroughly. Take clear, high-resolution photographs of the defective shingles. Take wide shots of the entire roof area. Take close-up shots of the specific defects. Note the location of the problems on your roof. Write down when you first noticed the issue. This creates a strong evidence file.
Contacting CertainTeed and Initiating the Claim
Your next step is to contact CertainTeed. Visit the CertainTeed website for warranty services. You can also call their customer service line. Explain that you have BP shingles and suspect a manufacturing defect. They will ask for your information and the details of the problem. They will likely open a claim file. CertainTeed will then require an inspection. They usually send a certified independent inspector. This inspector works for a third-party company. They do not work for CertainTeed or for you. Their job is to assess the roof objectively. The inspector will examine the shingles. They will look for the alleged defects. They will also check for improper installation or other non-covered issues. You or your contractor should be present for this inspection. This allows you to point out the specific areas of concern.
The Inspection and Decision Phase
The inspector will file a detailed report with CertainTeed. This report includes photos and findings. CertainTeed's warranty department reviews this report. They compare the findings to the terms of your specific warranty. They then make a decision to approve or deny the claim. This process can take several weeks. If approved, they will issue a settlement offer. This offer details what they will pay for. It is usually a monetary amount based on prorated material value. It rarely includes full labor costs. You will receive this offer in writing. Review it carefully before accepting. If denied, the letter will explain the reason for denial. Common reasons include improper installation, storm damage, or lack of maintenance.
Real Contractor Insights: Why Claims Get Denied
From my field experience, most warranty denials are preventable. The number one reason for denial is improper installation. Manufacturers have very specific installation instructions. If the roofer did not follow them, the warranty is void. This is why hiring a certified installer is so important. For example, shingles must be nailed in the correct place. They must have the proper number of nails. The roof deck must be prepared correctly. Ventilation must meet code. Another common reason is lack of maintenance. You are required to maintain your roof. This includes cleaning gutters and removing debris. If moss or algae grows, you should have it cleaned professionally. Failure to do so can void coverage. Storm damage is often mistaken for a defect. Hail can cause granule loss that looks like a defect. An experienced inspector can tell the difference.
The Critical Role of Proper Installation
Let me emphasize installation. I have seen countless claims denied because of installation errors. The roofer used the wrong type of nails. They nailed too high or too low on the shingle tab. They did not install proper underlayment. They did not follow the manufacturer's requirements for steep slopes. The warranty is a contract. Your part of the contract is to have the roof installed per the manufacturer's specs. If that did not happen, the contract is broken. This is why I always provide customers with a certificate of proper installation. I follow the CertainTeed Shingle Applicator's Manual to the letter. I recommend you only hire contractors who are certified by the shingle manufacturer. It provides an extra layer of protection for your warranty.
Costs and Real Project Examples
Understanding costs is vital. A warranty claim is not free money. You will likely have out-of-pocket expenses. The manufacturer's settlement often covers only a portion of the material cost. You are responsible for the remaining material cost, all labor, disposal, and any necessary repairs to the decking. Let me share a real project example. A homeowner had BP shingles with premature cracking. The roof was 12 years old. The warranty was prorated. CertainTeed's settlement offer was 40% of the original shingle material cost. The total roof replacement cost was $12,000. The settlement was $1,200. The homeowner paid $10,800. This is a typical scenario. The warranty helped, but it did not cover the full cost. Always budget for your portion of the repair.
Comparing Warranty Claims to Insurance Claims
It is important to know when to file an insurance claim instead. Insurance covers sudden, accidental damage. This includes hail, wind, and fallen trees. A warranty covers slow, inherent defects in the product. If a hailstorm damaged your roof, call your insurance company. If your shingles are cracking with no storm history, call the manufacturer. Sometimes, a roof has both issues. An inspector can help determine the cause. Filing the wrong type of claim wastes time. It can also lead to a denial. Your insurance adjuster and the warranty inspector have different goals. Know which path to take first.
Practical Homeowner Tips from Real Projects
Here is actionable advice from my years on the roof. First, find your warranty paperwork today. Do not wait for a problem. If you bought a house with an existing roof, try to get the warranty transferred. Some manufacturers allow this for a fee. Second, perform annual roof inspections. Look for cracked, curled, or missing shingles. Check your attic for signs of leaks or poor ventilation. Clean your gutters twice a year. Third, keep all home improvement records. Keep receipts for any roof maintenance or repairs. This proves you cared for the roof. Fourth, hire a licensed, insured, and manufacturer-certified roofer for any work. This protects your warranty. Finally, be patient and professional during the claim process. Good documentation and a calm approach yield better results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My BP shingles are curling. Is this covered?
Curling can be a manufacturing defect or an installation issue. It can also be caused by poor attic ventilation. The warranty inspector will determine the root cause. If it is a material defect, it may be covered. If it is from poor ventilation or installation, it likely will not be covered. You should have a professional roofer assess it first.
How long does the entire warranty claim process take?
From initial contact to final decision, plan for 4 to 8 weeks. Gathering documents takes time. Scheduling the inspection can take 1-2 weeks. The inspection report review takes another 2-3 weeks. The settlement process adds more time. It is not a fast process. Start as soon as you notice a potential problem.
Can I use my own contractor for the repair if the claim is approved?
Yes, you can choose your own contractor. However, the manufacturer may require that the contractor follows specific installation instructions. The settlement check is usually made out to you, the homeowner. You then pay the contractor. Make sure your contractor provides a detailed invoice for the work.
What if the previous owner did not transfer the warranty to me?
If the warranty was not transferred, you may not be the official warranty holder. Contact CertainTeed with your home's information. They can look up the original warranty using the address. Sometimes they can re-issue it or allow a late transfer for a fee. It is worth investigating.
The inspector said it's storm damage, not a defect. What now?
If the inspector determines it is storm damage, your next call is to your homeowner's insurance company. File an insurance claim. Provide them with the inspector's report if possible. Do not file a warranty claim for storm damage, as it will be denied.
Are labor costs ever covered by a shingle warranty?
Most standard limited warranties do not cover labor costs. Some premium warranties or certified installer programs may offer limited labor coverage for the first few years. You must check your specific warranty document. Assume labor is your responsibility unless stated otherwise in writing.
What is the best way to prevent warranty problems from the start?
The single best prevention is proper installation by a certified professional. Use a contractor who is certified by the shingle manufacturer. They are trained on the exact installation requirements. They often offer enhanced warranties that include labor. Keep all your paperwork in a safe place. Maintain your roof and attic ventilation system regularly.
Real Project Case Studies with Outcomes
Case Study 1: Granule Loss in Year 8. A homeowner in Kingwood had significant granule loss in the gutters. The shingles looked bald in spots. We documented it and filed a warranty claim. The inspector confirmed premature granule loss, a manufacturing defect. The warranty was prorated. The homeowner received a settlement for 60% of the shingle material cost. Combined with an insurance claim for unrelated wind damage, they got a full roof replacement with minimal out-of-pocket cost.
Case Study 2: Denied Due to Ventilation. A client had shingles cracking after 10 years. The warranty claim was filed. The inspector found inadequate attic ventilation. The roof deck was extremely hot, causing the shingles to bake and crack. This was considered a maintenance/installation issue, not a material defect. The claim was denied. The homeowner had to pay for a full roof replacement, including adding proper ventilation.
Industry Statistics and Data
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), proper installation is the leading factor in roof longevity. The NRCA provides extensive technical guidelines. A study by CertainTeed found that roofs installed by their certified contractors have a significantly lower warranty claim rate. The CertainTeed website offers warranty guides and contact information. Building codes, like the International Residential Code (IRC), set minimum standards for roofing. You can reference your local building code through your city's building department website.
Conclusion: Your Action Plan
Your BP shingles warranty is a valuable asset. Protect it by understanding it. Start by locating your warranty documents. Perform regular roof maintenance. Hire certified professionals for any work. If you suspect a defect, document everything thoroughly. Follow the claim process step-by-step. Be prepared for a prorated settlement that may not cover all costs. Remember the difference between warranty and insurance claims. This guide gives you the knowledge from a contractor who has been through this process many times. Your next step is to gather your paperwork and inspect your roof. If you see problems, contact a reputable roofer for an initial assessment. Then, you can decide whether to contact CertainTeed or your insurance company. Being informed puts you in control of protecting your home.