Additional info for discussion, comment, and recommendation:

CertainTeed's SureStart Plus warranty covers materials, labor, tearoff,
disposal, and workmanship for 15 or 50 yrs at it's highest level (5
Star). It is essentially a manufacturer's warranty covering everything
and is not prorated over that period. After that period, the material
only warranty is prorated. In order to even be able to offer this
coverage only the highest CertainTeed certified (SELECT Shingle Roofer)
qualify. Very few roofers listed on their website have the highest level
of certification. I'm aware that this could merely be a meaningless
certification that only means the roofer paid to be on the list rather
than being both tested and apprenticed. If it's run correctly it provides
insurance for the buyer that they're covered even if the roofer goes out
of business. For the beginning legitimate roofing companies it can offer
an equalizing sales position to well established roofers with good
reputations because it covers the risk to the buyer from the manufacturer
which is hopefully the least risky party of the equation.

As I read the new CertainTeed SureStart 2004 Asphalt Shingle Products
Limited Warranty Form 20-20-1890 (which supercedes 20-20-1856), I see the
following issues:

A. Transferability (pg 2): Only first subsequent owner; 100% of
remaining SureStart warranty period. However, Lifetime warrantied products
are reduced to 50 yrs. "For product warranties transferred after the
SureStart period has elapsed, the remaining duration of the transferred
warranty will be limited to TWO years from the date of real estate
transfer."

So does this mean the maximum remaining 15 yrs prorated material warranty
is reduced to 2 yrs? What if the house is sold during the SureStart
warranty? Do you then have 15yrs prorated after SureStart or just two
years?

B. SureStart Protection (pg 2): "SureStart protection does not extend to
any shingles applied to any non-ventilated roof deck systems." This is
fine and proper, but is a full-length ridge vent sufficient, or do you
have to balance it with the properly sized under-eave or ventilated
dripstrip? What constitutes a minimally acceptable system?

C. Self-Sealing Strip (pg 3): "Shingles which do not receive direct
sunlight or which are not exposed to to adequate surface temperatures may
never seal and must be hand sealed at time of application." "Failure of
the shingles to seal under any circumstances is NOT a manufacturing defect
and CertainTeed will not be responsible for repairing, replacing or
hand-sealing any shingles under any such circumstances." This is
perfectly understandable but how do you hedge applying in, say, October
when there may not be sufficient warmth?


On Mon, 20 Sep 2004 18:44:02 GMT, GaryRW wrote:

Has anyone had any experiences with their SureStart, SureStart PLUS,
Integrity Roof, etc warranties. Interest in value, claims experience,
etc.