Commercial Roof Replacement: A Comprehensive Guide to Commercial Roof Warranties

In many cultures, rain symbolizes good luck, a blessing of sorts coming down from the sky. And who doesn’t love a good rainstorm, where the thunder gently rolls and the rain comes pouring down, washing the grime off everything it touches.

 

But the peace that rain brings can quickly turn to turmoil when the gentle sound of raindrops on your window transforms into an annoying dripping sound inside. When your roof leaks, panic can ensue.

 

When that leak occurs in your business, you risk a loss of productivity and damaged inventory. A commercial roof repair can get your business back up and running quickly. When you have your roof replaced, make sure you have the proper commercial roof warranty.

 

Do you know what kind of commercial roof warranty you need? If not, keep reading. You will read about the types of warranty available to you when you have your commercial roof replaced.

What Are Commercial Roof Warranties?

When a roofing material manufacturer creates roofing material, they enter into a legal relationship with the property owner and roofing contractor. This legal relationship is the commercial roof warranty.

 

This warranty assures the contractor and property owner that the roofing system will perform as well as the manufacturer promises it will within a given period of time.

 

If the roof fails to perform as expected within the given warranty period, then the roofing manufacturer will offer a refund or a redo on the roof.

 

Warranty terms and coverage promises vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The size of your build or the number of people in it should not affect the warranty. The warranty depends solely on the roofing system.

 

Some states, like California, even mandate roofing warranties.

 

Commercial Roof Warranty Types

 

Commercial roof repair will apply to all types of roofing. The types we are talking about in this article will apply specifically to flat roofs on commercial buildings. So whether you have a multiple-layer or single-ply roofing system, your roof replacement should come with some kind of workmanship and manufacturer warranty.

 

Manufacturer NDL Warranty

 

The NDL in the manufacturer NDL warranty stands for “no dollar limit.” This means the manufacturer must fully cover all defective products. Thus, if fixing the roof costs more than the initial cost for roof installation, the manufacturer will pay for the repairs.

 

Manufacturer’s Materials Warranty

 

The materials warranty is a time-sensitive warranty, guaranteeing the roofing materials will not fail within a given time period. Typically the time period stretches between 10 and 30 years.

The materials warranty will not cover materials your roofing contractor uses if the manufacturer did not produce those materials.

 

Manufacturer’s Labor and Material Warranty

 

The labor and material warranty is typically a limited type of warranty. This means it will only cover a given dollar amount of damage.

Thus, the size of your roof matters in regards to the labor and material warranty since the bigger your roof is, the more fixing it will cost.

Often manufacturers will prorate this type of warranty. Thus the coverage amount goes down as time passes.

 

Manufacturer’s Roof System Warranty

 

The roof system warranty applies specifically to the roofing system’s membrane. Thus often manufacturers will refer to this warranty as the “membrane only” warranty.

The roof system warranty will not cover the decking or insulation. It can come with a no-limit or no-dollar-limit coverage.

 

Roofing Contractor Warranties

 

The roofing contractor warranty refers to the work the contractor performs to install the roof. It also covers the products the contractor uses to install your roofing.

Often labor warranties last only five years, and some will last as short as just one year. Regardless, you can often negotiate a time frame with your contractor.

 

Ways to Void Your Warranty

 

When you have a new commercial roof installed, plan on regular commercial roof maintenance with a professional, insured roofing contractor. This will help maintain the health of your roof and will protect your warranty.

 

Just a few missteps will void your warranty. Avoid the following scenarios.

 

Unauthorized Roofing Changes

 

Sometimes you want to change or improve your roof. But when you do this, you need to make sure you have authorized roofing contractors complete the roof.

 

For example, a new air conditioning unit or extra ventilation can compromise your new roof. Improperly installed, this type of modification will cause hidden leaks. When you attempt to repair your roof on your own or save a few bucks by calling in an inexperienced repairman, you may end up paying far more than you anticipated.

You will void your warranty when you authorize certain changes to your roof. Look at the warranty agreement and read the fine print to make sure your warranty covers the changes you want.

 

Damage Left Too Long

 

Inspect your roof regularly, especially after a major storm. Make sure your document and report all damage to your insurance company and the roofing contractor that installed your roof.

Letting damage go too long will void your warranty, and sometimes your insurance as well. Keep photos on hand of your roof in good shape as well as its damaged shape so you have before and after documentation.

 

Trust Commercial Roof Repair

 

When it’s time for a roof replacement or commercial roof repair, call in a professional. Find a company with proper experience and appropriate bonding and insurance. They should also come with appropriate warranties so you know your roof is covered.