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.

At West Roofing Systems, our team of experts help customers with new and existing warranties every day. That’s why we have this article to help clear up popular warranty questions.

 

Scope of Warranty

When you install a new roofing system, you will have a few warranty options.

 

Contractor’s Workmanship Guarantee

 

A contractor workmanship guarantee is issued by the contractor or company that installed the roof on your facility. These warranties protect you against poor workmanship and installation mistakes. Workmanship warranties typically cover the cost of labor and materials for the necessary repairs and last one to ten years depending on the contractor.

 

Manufacturer’s Material Warranty

 

A manufacturer product 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 are only issued after the contractor installs the materials correctly. Unfortunately, these warranties have a narrow scope compared to other types of warranties and last ten to thirty years.

 

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.

 

 

What Do Warranties Cover?

 

You may be surprised by what your roof warranty does and doesn’t cover. It’s important to review your warranty and make sure that you are covered by purchasing more coverage or looking into coverage from your insurance company.

When You’re Covered

 

• Incorrect Installation – If you roof installer improper installs part of your roof that leads to a leak, you should be under warranty to have it corrected.

 

• Material Failure – Although usually rare, if your roof material fails you should be covered to have that material (usually some kind of membrane) replaced.

 

• High Wind – Wind is something that can vary between warranties. Some warranties cover up to certain wind speeds, and you can purchase additional coverage.

 

 

When You’re Not Covered

 

• Incorrect Repairs – If your roof does have damage or a leak, it’s important to stay within your warranty to resolve the problem. If your contractor uses the wrong materials or methods, your bill may not be covered by the warranty.

 

Read More: Roofing Contractor Warning Signs: 4 Red Flags of a Disreputable Contractor

 

• Unauthorized Alterations– If a contractor that is not listed on the warranty makes repairs or changes to your roof system, any leaks or damage will not be covered.

 

• Standing Water – Standing water, or ponding water, on a roof, can cause significant damage to your facility. Standing water typically occurs when there is no proper drainage on your roof. Any damage from standing water is not covered under warranty.

 

• Acts of God – While your warranty may cover some wind, rain or hail, it will not cover major weather instances such as tornados, hurricanes or major

 

Do I Need a Maintenance Plan if I Have a Warranty?

 

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: Why Do I Need a Roof Maintenance Plan if I Have a Warranty?

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.

 

A commercial roof warranty is only as good as the roof installation. 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.

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. Call us today at 1-800-356-5748 to talk to our experts about your next roofing project.