When your contractor completed your roof project, you probably received a warranty of some kind. Did you know that your warranty has limits, and if you don’t take care of your roof…your warranty may not be valid?
In this article, we will cover types of warranties, types of maintenance plans, and why it’s important to have BOTH to protect your facility and everything inside it fully.
Types of Roof Warranties and Why They Are Important
A new roof is a significant investment, a lot of money, and is supposed to last upwards of 40 years. If something goes wrong with your roof system, a warranty makes sure that your problem is corrected without costing you more money.
Most people don’t think about the warranty they purchase, but they receive one at the end of their roof project. Roof warranties are essential to protect yourself and your building from faulty products and installation costing you more in the end.
When you install a new roofing system, you will have a few warranty options. The three most common types of warranties include:
Contractor Roof Warranty
A contractor roof warranty is issued by the contractor or company, that installed the roof on your facility. These warranties cover the workmanship of your roof repair or replacement.
Manufacturer Product Warranty
A manufacturer roof warranty is issued by the company that manufactures the materials used by your contractor. These warranties cover any failures or defects in the materials used and is only issued after the contractor installs the materials correctly.
Manufacturer’s Full System Warranty
A full system warranty that is provided by the material manufacturer covers not only the material used, but it will also cover the flashings and other accessories used for the roof system. These warranties, when used, will cover any materials and labor needed for repairs that are within the warranty guidelines.
Types of Maintenance Plans and Why They Are Important
The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends maintenance and repair be performed at least twice a year. More importantly before and after severe weather seasons such as a winter in the Northern United States.
These inspections are to clean the roof system of natural debris, clear all gutters and waterways, and assess vulnerable points in the roof system to ensure that no degradation can leak in the future.
In addition to scheduled maintenance twice a year, it’s important to have a contractor inspect and perform needed repairs after severe weather such as high winds, hail, and severe storms. These inspections are to clear the roof of any debris such as metal from HVAC units or other penetrations and ensure that there is no damage to the roof system, flashings, copings, and other units.
A maintenance contract is an easy way for building owners and managers to ensure their commercial roof remains under warranty and in good condition while staying in their budget.
There are three main types of maintenance contract options:
- A contract that requires the contractors to visit the facility regularly for gutter and drain cleaning along with a visual inspection and report.
- A contract that requires gutter and drains cleaning, debris removal, along with a visual inspection, small general repairs, and a report.
- A contract that requires gutter and drains cleaning, debris removal, along with a full inspection, medium general repairs, roof survey and a report.
A maintenance contract is a great way to keep your facility in good shape while holding your contractor accountable for the performance of their work.
Why Do I Need a Maintenance Plan if I have a Warranty?
Now that you know the basics of roof warranties and maintenance plans, why do you need both?
The short answer: Warranties don’t make your roof last longer.
As the person in charge of your facility, it’s your responsibility to maintain your roof system. If you fail to have your roof regularly inspected, cleaned and having minor repairs performed, you may void your warranty when a leak comes through into your facility.
An average roof warranty requires at least one roof inspection to be performed a year by an authorized contractor. This requirement is beneficial for the property owner and the company that issues the warranty. During the yearly inspection, the inspector will check for not only current problems but areas that could turn into problems in the future. This allows repairs to be made before they grow larger and become costly.
Read More: Do I Need a Commercial Roof Inspection or Survey?
A good maintenance plan will go a step further; they will clean your gutters, mend your flashings and perform minor repairs for the cost of the program. Having a service team visit your roof regularly not only gives you peace of mind, but it expands your roof’s lifespan and keeps you within your warranty guidelines.
At West Roofing Systems, we take pride in the new roofs we install and the maintenance we provide for our customers and their commercial, industrial and manufacturing buildings. Our M.a.R.S. (Maintenance and Repair Service) Program is available for new and existing roof systems.
Choosing West Roofing Systems as a turnkey roofing company will provide you with highly trained teams and award-winning service. Our services are flexible and diverse; we can recoat, repair or replace your facility’s roof so that it lasts decades.
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