The right commercial roof warranty coverage will help you get the most out of your roofing investment by protecting you and your business. If you’re interested in getting a new commercial roof, understanding roof warranties will equip you to make the best decision for your budget.
Commercial roof warranties are offered by roofing manufacturers as well as contractors, and they give you an extra layer of protection against problems with your roofing system. If you’re looking for a new commercial roof, getting the right warranty can help you maximize your investment. Because each roofing company might offer a different level of coverage, there are several warranty types you’ll need to understand before starting your journey:
Roofing contractors offer this type of warranty. It covers workmanship and installation quality, which means it only applies to problems stemming from installation-related processes. Poorly installed materials are an example of responsibilities covered under non-manufacturer commercial roofing warranties, but the coverage would not extend to material defects. Non-manufacturer warranties have a set time limit for their coverage.
Manufacturer warranties protect against roofing material issues by covering your roof replacement if there’s a quality concern. No Dollar Limit (NDL) warranties are a type of manufacturer warranty that provides top-tier coverage. If a material defect happens and an NDL is in place, the manufacturer covers all the labor and material costs to repair it. Additionally, NDL warranties cover work quality issues that cause leaks. This protection level gives you excellent peace of mind. Regardless of the repair cost, the manufacturer will pay for the roofing as long as their materials are the cause of the issue.
While roof warranties and insurance seem similar, they cover different areas. A roof warranty acts like a contract between you and the roofing installer or manufacturer. It guarantees the roof’s performance and durability over a set period, protecting you from material defects or poor workmanship.
Insurance is a deal between you and the provider, where you pay a certain amount each month so that insurance will cover you if something damages your roof. This coverage protects you from events like storm damage, fire or accidents by providing financial compensation to help repair or replace your roof in the event of an emergency. Ultimately, you need both warranties and insurance to ensure you’re fully covered.
Now that you know what a warranty is, you’ll want to consider how each party is responsible for part of the contract and how you can ensure yours stays valid.
Responsibilities under a commercial roofing warranty are usually divided between the roof owner, the manufacturer and the roofing contractor:
If anyone involved in the roofing warranty fails to meet the warranty terms, it becomes invalid, and the responsible party is liable for issues that occur. Keeping your warranty valid is essential for protecting your roof and your financial investment.
If something happens to your roof, using your warranty can save you considerable amounts of money and stress. To use your warranty correctly, you need to promptly report any issues to your roofing contractor or manufacturer. Go through the warranty and follow the instructions for filing a warranty claim, taking care to provide all the necessary documentation and evidence.
Once you’ve talked to the warranty handlers, let them bring in assessors to look at the roof and address your concerns. If you’ve followed the warranty and kept up with maintenance, you’re more likely to have your warranty claim approved. If the issue is covered in the warranty and your claim gets approved, the responsible party will come in and fix your roof.
Because NDL warranties cover so much more, it pays to work with a roofing company that uses materials with this manufacturer’s warranty option.
Voiding a commercial roof’s warranty happens when the roof’s strength is compromised as a result of negligence or misuse, like the building’s owner forgetting to keep up with maintenance or changing something on the roof without approval. Warranties cover the roof as it’s intended to be installed, so neglecting or altering your roof is going to affect the coverage. Things that might void your roof warranty include:
Need to know more about roofing warranty coverage? We’ve answered some of the most common questions here to help you out.
The duration of a commercial roof warranty varies depending on the coverage and parties involved. Material warranties usually last longer than labor warranties, but the exact length will depend on the type of roofing system you have installed.
Not all commercial roofs have a warranty. The presence or lack of coverage will depend on the manufacturer, contractor and roof. Some projects have a warranty included within their total price, while others might offer one as an add-on. Talk to your roofing professional to make sure you get the right warranty for your needs.
If you need a repair that isn’t warranty-related, you can usually work with the contractor of your choice. However, your particular warranty might require certain authorized personnel to perform all roof work to prevent voiding the contract. Review your warranty to find out what flexibility you have regarding roof work.
Warranties usually only extend to issues caused by improper installation or material defects. Situations like extreme weather events, roof neglect, preexisting problems, lack of maintenance or inspections, unauthorized alterations or repairs, or vandalism are usually not covered by a warranty. Read your warranty carefully and ensure you follow its terms so it stays valid.
Your roofing installer will work with you to get you a warranty that works with your needs. Talk through the terms with them and make sure you understand what you need to do to keep the warranty valid for its full duration.
With 50 years of commercial roofing experience, Jottan Roofing is the trusted commercial roofing service for Delmarva, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. If you’re looking for award-winning, industry-leading roofing services, we’ve got everything you need. Our commercial roofing services and warranties ensure your building stays safe and strong through years of wear and tear.
To learn more about our roofing warranties or to schedule a service, contact us online today!
