If you own a commercial business, your roof warranty can have a major impact on your budget. We’ll look at what’s usually covered, how long it lasts, the difference between a manufacturer’s warranty and a contractor’s warranty, and how to use your warranty.
What’s Covered Under My Roofing Warranty? How Long Does It Last?
While terms vary, a roofing warranty can cover both the quality of the materials and workmanship. So, if the roof starts to leak due to an influx of summer storms, you discover a defect in the roofing products, or the workmen fail to install the materials properly, these repairs will likely be covered. Every warranty will differ in terms of the number of years covered. For instance, you might see anywhere from 10 to 30 years for the material. Labor can be covered for a shorter period of time, potentially as short as 1 year if you only get a warranty from the roofer. It is important to note that leaks caused by other negligent rooftop trades (HVAC, Plumbers, Electricians, etc.) and neglected maintenance items (sealant at copings and penetrations) will not be covered by the warranty, so it is important to have a plan to address those items in a systematic way.
Manufacturer’s Vs. Contractor’s Warranty: What’s the Difference?
In most commercial cases, the roofing manufacturer will partner with a trusted roofing contractor to provide a full No-Dollar-Limit warranty covering materials and labor for 15-20 years. Additionally, most reputable roofers will include a 2-year workmanship warranty guaranteeing to fix any workmanship-related issues that arise in the first 2 years without having to go through the manufacturer’s more complicated warranty system. Once the roofer’s workmanship warranty expires, the labor is still covered, but the building owner will have to register a claim with the roofing manufacturer.
It is extremely important to know the terms of your warranty. For starters, some building owners stall to get needed repairs, so when an emergency repair pops up they don’t have enough time to review their coverage and usually end up paying out of their own pocket. Additionally, while most commercial warranties provide unlimited material and labor for covered items, some roofers try to cut costs and liability on the initial installation by offering material-only warranties and short-term workmanship warranties provided by their company. This can save money on the initial roof price, but it ultimately leaves the building owner exposed without any protection from shady work.
How to Use Your Warranty in Gainesville, FL
We recommend filing a claim immediately once you spot any damage (this may mean imposing a stricter schedule for roof inspections). Ensure you have all of your documentation together, so you can immediately hand over the paperwork and proof that the provider may need. From there, you’ll work with different departments to resolve the claim. Usually, an investigator comes out to inspect the damage, then the contractors will show up to make the repairs, and finally, the payment will be made.
At Perry Roofing, our job is to provide customers with a commercial roof that they can count on. If you have questions about our services, materials, or warranties, we’re ready to help. Contact us today if you’re a business owner who doesn’t want to take any chances.