Does your commercial building have a roof warranty? Do you know what it covers? Do you understand what exclusions there are? Are you aware of any factors that might void it? We understand why you might not know all of this information. Warranty documents are about as exciting to read as insurance policies! Even after reading them, you may not remember the information conveyed without understanding specific terminology. That’s why we’ve tried to give you a concise rundown of the most common warranty coverage available. As a building owner or property manager, familiarity with your roof warranty protects your best interests in the event of a catastrophic loss.
What Does A Commercial Roofing Warranty Cover?
A commercial roof warranty is a guarantee from the roofing manufacturer (or, in some cases, the contractor) that the roofing product purchased and installed will perform as intended. Generally, a warranty protects the building owner against specific types of damage, including material defects and installation issues. A warranty will precisely define what is and is not covered.
What Does A Commercial Roof Warranty Not Provide?
A commercial roof warranty does not customarily cover roof or building damage due to:
- Poor maintenance.
- Failure to repair roofing issues reasonably or promptly.
- Unauthorized modifications to the roofing product installed.
- Damage from severe weather.
- Problems caused by normal wear and tear (or aging).
- Inadequate installation.
- Third-party damage.
Are There Different Kinds of Warranties?
Generally speaking, two different types of warranties are offered to commercial clients: workmanship warranties and manufacturer warranties. In many cases, a comprehensive roofing warranty package will include both types of coverage.
Workmanship Warranty
A workmanship warranty typically covers the quality and durability of the work performed by a contractor or service provider. This type of warranty ensures that the contractor will complete the work to a certain standard, and it will be free from defects resulting from poor craftsmanship. For example, if a contractor installs a roof, a workmanship warranty might cover issues like improper installation or errors that could lead to leaks or other problems. These warranties are focused on the labor and techniques employed by the contractor. Moser Roofing provides a 5-year manufacturer warranty on roofing and a 3-year warranty on gutters.
Manufacturer Warranty
In contrast, a manufacturer’s warranty is offered by the company that produces the product and covers defects in materials or workmanship as they relate to the product itself. This type of warranty generally addresses issues such as faulty components or manufacturing errors that affect the product’s functionality. For instance, if a new appliance fails due to a defect in the materials used or a mistake during production, the manufacturer’s warranty would cover repair or replacement. Manufacturer’s warranties tend to be more standardized and longer in duration than workmanship warranties, as they focus on the inherent quality of the product rather than the execution of its installation or use.
What Factors Could Void A Commercial Roof Warranty?
A building owner has a duty to exercise reasonable care of their roof, or they risk jeopardizing coverage. Typically, the commercial roof should receive an annual or semiannual inspection. Any issues (e.g., missing or damaged roofing materials, roof leaks, clogged gutters, etc.) need resolution sooner rather than later. Time is of the essence.
The roofing product must also be installed (and subsequently maintained) per the manufacturer’s specifications. If a building owner modifies the roofing product without authorization from the manufacturer, this action could automatically void the warranty. Proper installation by a reputable commercial roofing contractor can avoid this outcome.
How To Protect Commercial Roofing Warranty Coverage
If you want to preserve the protections provided through a roofing warranty, follow these steps:
- Adhere to industry-provided best practices when maintaining the roof.
- Contact the roofing product manufacturer if you have questions about proposed modifications or necessary repairs.
- File a warranty claim right away to maximize the likelihood of any damage being covered.
- Hire a roofing professional to perform a routine inspection at least once or twice a year.
- Keep a written record of all work performed on the roof, including any repairs.
Working With A Knowledgeable Commercial Roofing Contractor
If you own a business in Lancaster, PA, or surrounding communities, trust the local roofing company that more building owners and property managers prefer. Moser Roofing Solutions has the knowledge you need to help preserve your warranty coverage. Contact us today to schedule an appointment (and receive a free roofing estimate).
