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Commercial roofing is a large investment. If you’re a property owner, you must understand the intricate details of roofing warranties, especially what they cover — and what they don’t. In this guide, we explain the different types of commercial roof warranties, what they cover and how long they last so you can make an informed decision that suits your business needs.

What Are Commercial Roofing Warranties?

A commercial roof warranty is a contract between the property owner and the roofing manufacturer or contractor. This agreement specifies the terms of coverage for replacements or repairs of the roofing. A warranty typically lasts around 20 years.

Roof warranties are essential because of the money involved. On average, you can expect to pay between $5 and $15 per square foot, which works out to around $10,000 to $30,000 for a 2,000-square-foot building. After spending all this money, the last thing you want to do is to have to replace or repair parts of your roofing system because of a manufacturer defect or installation mistake. A warranty helps protect your investment.

Maintaining a Commercial Roof Warranty

Once you have a warranty, maintaining your end of the agreement is essential to ensure you have coverage if you ever need to replace or repair something. Maintaining your warranty will depend on the specific terms of your agreement and might include:

  • Routine inspections to identify potential issues early.
  • Routine roof maintenance, which may involve patching, applying sealant, removing debris or addressing any other issue picked up during the inspection.
  • Keeping a record of all work performed on the roof.
  • Contacting the manufacturer before you start any repair work to ensure they approve of your contractor.
  • Filing a claim within 30 days after learning about an issue.

 

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4 Types of Commercial Building Roof Warranties

Every agreement has its own conditions, and understanding the differences will help you choose the right one for you. There are four types of roof warranties.

1. Material Warranty

A material warranty is often at a low cost. Manufacturers will offer it to cover the materials used for the roof. This warranty guarantees that the materials used on your roofing system don’t have any defects.

Material warranties typically last 10-30 years. While they are more affordable than other types of warranties, it’s important to note that this agreement doesn’t cover the labor costs for the repairs or any issues that may result from poor installation.

2. Labor and Material Warranty

The labor and material warranty covers any defects in the roofing materials and installation at a capped coverage. The amount covered will be based on the roof’s age, meaning an older roof will get less coverage than a newer roof.

This warranty will often only be valid if the roofing system was installed by a licensed contractor approved by the manufacturer. Most of these agreements last 10-20 years, with some lasting up to 35 years.

3. Workmanship Warranty

As the name suggests, workmanship warranties cover any issues resulting from contractor installation errors. Most warranties last two to 10 years, with some lasting up to 15 years. Workmanship warranties typically include costs associated with the labor and materials needed to fix the problem.

4. No Dollar Limit Warranty

Taking up a no dollar limit (NDL) warranty means you will be covered for any repairs related to leaks, faulty workmanship or material issues, regardless of cost. In short, this agreement offers unlimited repair costs. It also requires the contractors to follow specific installation processes during installation and commercial roof inspection procedures after the installation.

An NDL warranty can last up to 30 years, and the cost will depend on the roof’s square footage and the length of the warranty. This type of warranty is ideal for owners who wish to have long-term assurance and be covered when any unforeseen challenges arise.

Warranty Exclusions to Keep in Mind

Warranties don’t cover all damage to your roofing system. Sometimes, you may need to get insurance for specific areas. Here’s a list of key exclusions to be aware of:

  • Unauthorized modifications: If you modify or upgrade your roofing system without approval from the manufacturer, your warranty can be void if any issues arise as a result. It’s essential to check with your warranty provider before making any changes.
  • Neglect and routine maintenance: As the owner, you must perform the necessary routine maintenance on your roofing system. Your warranty will not cover any issues that arise from failing to perform routine maintenance.
  • Severe weather: Roofing warranties generally do not cover damage from severe weather conditions such as hurricanes, hailstorms or tornadoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Commercial roof warranties are essential, but you may have a few questions before the investment. Here are a few frequently asked questions that we’ve provided answers for:

1. How Long Does a Commercial Building Roof Last?

A commercial building roof can last up to 30 years. The longevity of your roof will depend on the climate, the quality of the materials, the workmanship, how well you maintain the roof and the overall type of roofing system you install.

2. What Is the Role of the Roofing Contractor in the Warranty?

The roofing contractor’s role in the warranty is to ensure they use the correct materials and follow the installation processes as required by the manufacturer. Your roofing contractor will also be responsible for any roofing inspections or minor repairs, which they’ll document for verification.

3. What Is Not Included in a Commercial Building Roof Warranty?

It’s essential to understand what you can claim for and what you can’t. Depending on your agreement, your roof warranty may not include damage to your property as a result of issues from the roof. For example, if water comes through the roof and damages furniture inside your building, you would likely need to contact your property insurer instead.

 

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Protect Your Investment With DDP Roofing Services, Inc. Contractors

DDP Roofing Services, Inc. is a leading commercial roofing company dedicated to providing our customers with commercial roofing services that will give them peace of mind. Whether you’re just getting started with one building or have multiple properties, our professional team of experts will provide excellent roof repairs, maintenance, inspections and replacements so you can comply with your warranty. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and receive a customized plan for your roofing needs.