When a commercial roof system is installed, it can carry anywhere from a 10-year to a 30-year warranty from the manufacturer. One of the most common warranty durations in the marketplace is a 20-year warranty. A warranty is an essential part of any roof installation, but what building owners might not know is that warranties have limits, and failure to take care of the roof could void the warranty. All roofs need regular roof inspections to keep the warranty intact and ensure the longevity of the roof.
Commercial Roofing Warranties Explained
A new commercial roof is a significant investment and when properly installed and maintained, can certainly last 20 years+. If the roof develops problems later down the road, a warranty can ensure the issue is fixed without costing the owner more money. Commercial roofing warranties typically protect the property from installation errors or faulty products. The most common types include:
Workmanship Warranty
The contractor who installs the roof plays a critical role in its longevity and performance. Reputable roofers guarantee their work with a workmanship warranty. This warranty protects against failures caused by installation mistakes or poor workmanship. Workmanship warranties typically cover the cost of labor and materials needed to fix any damage related to the defect. The length of these warranties varies from contractor to contractor.
Manufacturer Warranty
A manufacturer’s roofing warranty can cover both labor and materials or just the roofing materials installed by the contractor. There are three main types of warranties offered by manufacturers of commercial roofing systems:
1. No Dollar Limit (NDL) Warranty – An NDL warranty is a complete system warranty that guarantees the manufacturer will fully cover defective materials or premature failure of the materials under proper use and maintenance during the warranty period. This includes coverage for both labor and materials. This warranty covers complete repairs or replacement to warranty related roof leaks or failures, regardless of the final cost. Eligibility for this type of warranty is typically limited to top-tier installers.
2. Manufacturer Labor and Material Warranty – This type of warranty covers defects in both roofing materials and workmanship up to a specific dollar limit. Coverage is often prorated and based on the age of the roof. So, the coverage limit for defective products or poor workmanship will decline over time.
3. Manufacturer’s Material Warranty – This type of limited commercial roof warranty guarantees that the roofing products will not fail within a certain period, typically 10, 20, or 30 years depending on the manufacturer. Manufacturers cover the products against defects and premature aging. This warranty does not cover the cost of labor nor cover the cost to repair leaks.
Other types of manufacturer’s warranties include:
No Dollar Limit (NDL) Total System Warranty (Also referred to as Edge-to-Edge Warranty)
No Dollar Limit (NDL) Warranty Including Consequential Damages
Commercial Roof Inspections And Why They Are Important
A roof inspection involves a commercial roofing contractor assessing the roof inside and out. During the inspection, the roofing contractor will thoroughly examine the roof’s components, including the condition of the installed roofing materials, any points of potential water or air intrusion, the condition of structural components including the roof deck, and any signs of damage in the interior from issues related to the roof.
The inspection also includes the following:
- Assessing vulnerable points in the roof system and providing the client with proper recommendations.
- Clearing the drainage system.
- Cleaning the roof of natural debris.
Commercial roof inspections typically start from the roof’s perimeter and work to the center. The conditions on the roof’s edge are more likely to experience damage from wind and other elements so extra attention is needed at these locations. When the process is completed, the customer will receive a report detailing everything observed and suggested solutions to any problems. The roofing contractor can then perform needed repairs to prevent further damage and extend the life of your roof.
A roof inspection and maintenance program is a great way to stay on top of issues and locate weak spots before they cause extensive damage. This will not only extend the life of the roof, but it will also keep the facility in great shape and save money.
Why Do I Need A Roof Inspection If I Have A 20-Year Warranty?
If the roof has a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty, a customer may wonder if there’s any point in regular inspections. The short answer: Yes. Although warranties offer some level of protection, they are no substitute for periodic, professional roof inspections and maintenance. Roof warranties typically cover product defects and workmanship errors – but they do not cover every possible hazard that could cause roof failure.
In the event that the roofing materials are found to be defective or fail because of worker errors or poor installation techniques, a lack of regular inspections and maintenance could void the warranty. Most commercial roofing manufacturers and contractors include a clause that requires the roof be inspected at least twice a year and especially after any significant weather occurrence.
What’s more, warranties do nothing to extend the life of the roof. A roof maintenance plan allows the roofing contractor to spot a current or future problem, diagnose its cause, and repair the issue before it spirals out of control.
By combining warranties and regular inspections, customers enjoy greater peace of mind knowing the roof is in good shape and should a problem arise between inspections, it can be addressed.
Choose Rackley Roofing for Top-Notch Roof Maintenance Plans
The experienced commercial roofing technicians at Rackley Roofing specialize in evaluating and diagnosing roofs. It’s what we do every day. We offer comprehensive inspections and use some of the latest technologies, including infrared thermography technology, to quickly and efficiently assess roof systems for telltale signs of failure or moisture infiltration.
We pride ourselves on our unmatched customer service, documentation, and safety and always work with integrity and longevity in mind. Contact us today to schedule your commercial roof inspection.