How to spot a good guarantee

When investing in residential roof products, it's essential to ensure their long-term performance, especially those exposed to the elements. Product guarantees provide peace of mind, assuring homeowners that they won’t be out of pocket for issues beyond their control.

Here, Richard Owen, Technical Liaison Manager at Tata Steel, provider of the industry-leading Confidex® Home guarantee, offers insights on how to identify a high-quality guarantee on your next roofing project.

A long guarantee period often indicates product quality, as manufacturers are more confident in the longevity of their products when offering extended guarantees. However, it's crucial to check that the guarantee period isn’t compromised by lengthy terms and conditions. Also, ensure the manufacturer is reputable and likely to be in business long term. A 20-year guarantee means little if the company might not exist in ten years.

While a guarantee may seem favourable, it’s important to read the small print to analyse the terms and conditions. It’s recommended to:

• Delve into the details of the guarantee to understand any complexities.
• Consider if the length or coverage varies based on the property's location (urban, rural, coastal), roof pitch, or colour of the materials.
• Determine if the guarantee requires mandatory annual maintenance inspections or other obligations from the building owner

Guarantees that originate directly from the manufacturer and are written in line with consumer law offer more straightforward claims processes. If a guarantee is offered through an installer, homeowners might face challenges navigating a complex supply chain to resolve issues. Look for guarantees that are provided directly to the homeowner to simplify potential claims.

Consider if the guarantee is transferable should the property be sold during the guarantee period. After all, the quality of a property’s roof and cladding is a key factor for potential buyers. An easily transferable guarantee offers prospective buyers peace of mind, making the property more attractive.

Solar energy systems are becoming more common with rising energy prices and the increasing focus on environmental sustainability. Installing rooftop solar panels can impact material guarantees, so look for guarantees that are ‘solar ready’. These guarantees should allow solar panels to be added without affecting the coverage.

Industry-leading guarantees, from Catnic

A high-quality material guarantee for standing seam roofing and cladding systems ensures peace of mind and confidence in the product's longevity. At Tata Steel, our Confidex® Home Guarantee is an industry-leading 25-year guarantee available on our Colorcoat® branded pre-finished steel products used in Catnic Urban product range.

Written to consumer law and provided free of charge, the guarantee is uniquely offered directly to the homeowner, fully transferable, and even solar-ready, allowing for clip and fix solar panels to be added to the roof at any point. Browse all the Catnic products protected by this guarantee, today.