Commercial Roof Warranties—Key Information You Need to Know

Your commercial roof is one of the most important assets on your property. It protects the physical building, as well as the people, inventory and equipment inside.

Your roof also has a warranty that can provide some protection for your asset. There are various types of commercial warranties with wide differences in what’s covered, and for how long. Roofing system manufacturers are best positioned to explain the specific terms and conditions of various warranties. You may be covered by some type of manufacturer warranty right now, but for it to remain active, among other things, most manufacturers require regular inspections, maintenance and service by a manufacturer approved contractor, as well as detailed record-keeping and pre-approval for any modifications.

If you are not sure about what type of roof warranty you have, or its status, our team can certainly help, but we also suggest discussing the situation with your roofing system manufacturer. As one of the largest roofing contractors in the country, we have established relationships with all major manufacturers and can help you with key points of contact if needed.

Your commercial roof is one of the most important assets on your property. It protects the physical building, as well as the people, inventory and equipment inside.

Your roof also has a warranty that protects you. There are various types of commercial warranties with wide differences in what’s covered, and for how long. Roofing system manufacturers are best positioned to explain the specific terms and conditions of various warranties. You may be covered by some type of manufacturer warranty right now, but for it to remain active, among other things, most manufacturers require regular inspections, maintenance and service by a manufacturer approved contractor, as well as detailed record-keeping and pre-approval for any modifications.

If you are not sure about what type of roof warranty you have, or its status, our team can certainly help, but we also suggest discussing the situation with your roofing system manufacturer. As one of the largest roofing contractors in the country, we have established relationships with all major manufacturers and can help you with key points of contact if needed.

roof safety railing

Regardless of the type of warranty you have, manufactures require that “reasonable care” be taken to maintain the warranty and continue its coverage. Reasonable care typically means that it’s the building owner’s responsibility to properly maintain and care for the roof system. Failure to demonstrate this can potentially void your warranty. Reasonable care includes:

Regular Inspections

Most warranties require annual or biannual inspections by an approved roofing contractor. These inspections will check for proper drainage, verify sealant performance and identify any issues or damage.

Routine Maintenance
The roof also must be maintained regularly, clearing debris that might block drainage, trimming any encroaching tree branches, repairing minor damages, re-securing loose flashings, and resealing or re-caulking as needed.

Prompt, Quality Repairs

Repairs or service work must be performed by a manufacturer-approved contractor, using authorized materials. This work must be performed promptly once the issue is identified.

Detailed Documentation

Records must be kept around inspections and repairs, showing that any issues were addressed by an approved contractor which will also position you to notify the manufacturer of any leaks or potential warranty claims, if such notice is required in their specific warranty.

No Unauthorized Modifications

Any modifications or new penetrations must be pre-approved, properly performed and well-documented. Changes made without authorization or through unqualified personnel can be seen as a failure to exercise reasonable care.

By following these reasonable care requirements, you’ll ensure that your roof warranty remains valid, and you can potentially even extend the warranty of your roofing system. By partnering with an approved contractor, and following a regular schedule of preventative maintenance, you may be able to extend your warranty by up to 5 years at no additional charge, depending on terms offered by the manufacturer.

Regardless of the type of warranty you have, manufactures require that “reasonable care” be taken to maintain the warranty and continue its coverage. Reasonable care typically means that it’s the building owner’s responsibility to properly maintain and care for the roof system. Failure to demonstrate this can potentially void your warranty. Reasonable care includes:

 

Regular Inspections

Most warranties require annual or biannual inspections by an approved roofing contractor. These inspections will check for proper drainage, verify sealant performance and identify any issues or damage.

Routine Maintenance

The roof also must be maintained regularly, clearing debris that might block drainage, trimming any encroaching tree branches, repairing minor damages, re-securing loose flashings, and resealing or re-caulking as needed.

Prompt, Quality Repairs

Repairs or service work must be performed by a manufacturer-approved contractor, using authorized materials. This work must be performed promptly once the issue is identified.

Detailed Documentation

Records must be kept around inspections and repairs, showing that any issues were addressed by an approved contractor which will also position you to notify the manufacturer of any leaks or potential warranty claims, if such notice is required in their specific warranty.

No Unauthorized Modifications

Any modifications or new penetrations must be preapproved, properly performed and well-documented. Changes made without authorization or through unqualified personnel can be seen as a failure to exercise reasonable care.

By following these reasonable care requirements, you’ll ensure that your roof warranty remains valid, and you can potentially even extend the warranty of your roofing system. By partnering with an approved contractor, and following a regular schedule of preventative maintenance, you may be able to extend your warranty by up to 5 years at no additional charge, depending on terms offered by the manufacturer.

skylight with a safety screen

Rely on RoofAdvantage 360 to Ensure Optimal Warranty Coverage

RoofAdvantage 360 is a comprehensive commercial roof service and maintenance solution developed by the reputable and experienced contractors of Roofing Corp of America. With our Defend 360 preventative maintenance program, your roof will be regularly inspected and maintained by a contractor with experience and proven roofing know-how. We’ll provide detailed documentation, and when possible we’ll keep digital copies on hand to help support your needs should they be needed in the future.

Contact us today to learn more about RoofAdvantage 360 and how we can help you extend the life of your roof, lower your overall costs, and get the most from your warranty.

Rely on RoofAdvantage 360 to Ensure Optimal Warranty Coverage

RoofAdvantage 360 is a comprehensive commercial roof service and maintenance solution developed by the reputable and experienced contractors of Roofing Corp of America. With our Defend 360 preventative maintenance program, your roof will be regularly inspected and maintained by a contractor with experience and proven roofing know-how. We’ll provide detailed documentation, and when possible we’ll keep digital copies on hand to help support your needs should they be needed in the future.

Contact us today to learn more about RoofAdvantage 360 and how we can help you extend the life of your roof, lower your overall costs, and get the most from your warranty.

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