The Basics of Commercial Roofing Warranties

Knowing what to look for in commercial roofing warranties can help you make informed decisions when comparing proposals. In today’s post, Chase Roofing LLC shares a quick guide on the basics of commercial roofing warranties.

What Does “Limited” Warranties Mean?

The limitations of a “limited” warranty can vary between roofing manufacturers and contractors. Typically, it implies a limitation on which materials that can be covered, or the number of years the warranty will cover. It can also indicate limitations on how much of the repair costs will be covered.

The Two Types of Commercial Roofing Warranty Coverage

Commercial roofing warranties typically cover two areas — manufacturer and workmanship. A standard manufacturer warranty provides coverage for certain materials or a complete roofing system. A workmanship warranty (also referred to as installation warranty or contractor’s guarantee) covers installations and other workmanship issues, and is covered by the commercial roofer. Some manufacturers may offer extended warranties that cover materials and workmanship through designated contractors.

The Four Types of Manufacturer Warranties

Roofing manufacturers typically offer prorated warranties for their commercial roofing systems. This means the manufacturer will cover 100% of the repair costs in the first few years, then the percentage will diminish over the remaining years. The following are the four types of manufacturer warranties:

1. No dollar limit (NDL) warranty — An NDL warranty provides coverage at full value. However, it does not usually cover labor costs.

2. Manufacturer’s material warranty — Some commercial roofs are built using a combination of materials from different manufacturers, in which case a roofing manufacturer may provide coverage just for their materials.

3. Manufacturer’s labor and material warranty — This provides coverage for both materials and labor costs up to a certain dollar limit.

4. Manufacturer’s roof system warranty — This is also known as “membrane only warranty” because it only provides coverage for the main roofing material.

What Are Warranty Exceptions

Conditions excluded by any of the warranties described above or actions that may void coverage are considered exceptions. These actions include acts of neglect like ignoring maintenance and unauthorized modifications. Weather-related damage are typically considered exceptions, as they are typically covered by insurance. However, some warranties may allow extended coverage if the roof is rated for fire or wind resistance.

Need help with your roofing or gutters? Call Chase Roofing LLC at (757) 872-0700 or (757) 206-1948. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Yorktown, VA, and the surrounding communities.