It is important to understand the type of roof warranty product that you have or are purchasing in order to manage your roof assets and budget. This will also give you an insight into the quality and condition of your roofing system. The warranty is usually the best — a good warranty on a poor roof will be expensive.
Although most property managers and owners focus on the warranty’s length, there is more to it. You will find the details in the small print. Surprised at what is excluded or what costs extra?
Who Provides The Warranty?
What is the most significant difference between commercial roof warranties? Who is providing the guarantee? One of these entities will provide your warranty:
The materials manufacturer – This is a written guarantee by a manufacturer of roofing products that it will repair or replace its product within a specified time frame. There are many types of warranties offered by manufacturers.
Manufacturer Warranties
These are the most popular types of manufacturer’s warranty:
1. Manufacturer’s Material Warranty
This limited commercial roof warranty assures that the manufacturer’s products will not fail within a specified time period (e.g. 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, etc.). This usually means that the materials are covered against defects and premature aging.
2. Material And Labor Warranty From The Manufacturer
The limited warranty covers both labor and materials defects, it also covers maximum manufacturer responsibilities. This type of warranty is often prorated. The coverage limit for repairing and replacing defective components is determined by the date the defect occurred.
Warranty From The Roofing Contractor
Your roofing contractor’s warranty covers work done to install roofing products. The warranty covers any products that the contractor provided other than those supplied by the manufacturer. The majority of roofing contractor warranties last for no more than five years. Some are even shorter. They are highly valuable because they protect both defective workmanship as well as defective products.
You Probably Don’t Know What Is Covered
These situations are unlikely to be covered by your warranty. You may be charged an additional fee to add them.
Neglect: Problems resulting from lack of maintenance or foot traffic will not be covered. This could invalidate your warranty.
Repair: Any leaks that occur due to physical damage to roofing products or due to a failing non-warranted part of the building such as a wall above the roofline or through HVAC unit cabinets are not covered.
Roof repairs or modifications: Roof problems that are caused by improper or unauthorized modifications to your roof (e.g. adding or servicing rooftop equipment) won’t be covered. Repairs that are not in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications will not be covered.
Acts by God: Damages or leaks due to lightning, very high winds, fires, earthquakes, and tornadoes, as well as other natural disasters, are usually not covered. Depending on the product, hail damage might or not be covered.
Before You Make A Purchase, Ensure That The Warranty Is Properly Understood.
Commercial roof warranties can seem like they are designed to benefit building owners at first glance. However, the truth is that commercial roof warranties often work in the other direction. Lawyers often create warranties to protect the financial interests both of the roof installer and manufacturer.
You should review all warranties, including the transferability of warranties to a new owner. This will allow you to fully understand the value, costs, and responsibilities. Consult a commercial realty attorney if you need assistance in reviewing commercial roof warranties products. Conform Platforms Services is happy to provide advice and assistance.