Commercial Roof Warranty (8 Things to Know)

When it comes to protecting your investment in a commercial roofing system, understanding your commercial roof warranty is essential. A warranty isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s your safety net, ensuring that your building’s roof will perform as expected and remain durable under the pressures of daily wear and extreme weather conditions. However, not all warranties are created equal, and navigating the process can sometimes be tricky.

Here are a few key points we’ll uncover in this blog post:

• What is a commercial roof warranty, and why is it important for building owners?
• Common types of roofing warranties available and what they cover.
• Tips for ensuring your roofing warranty stays valid.

Whether you’re a commercial property owner, facility manager, or business owner, understanding these aspects will help you safeguard your investment while making informed decisions about your roof.

What is a Commercial Roof Warranty?

A commercial roof warranty is a legal agreement between the building owner and the manufacturer or contractor that guarantees coverage for materials and workmanship used in your roofing system. Essentially, it ensures that you won’t have to foot the bill for certain types of issues, such as defective roofing materials or poor workmanship, within the coverage terms outlined in the warranty.

A warranty acts as your financial cushion, protecting the longevity and functionality of your roof. More importantly, it provides peace of mind, knowing you’ve invested in a roofing system backed by manufacturers or contractors who stand behind their products and work.

Why Are Roof Warranties Important?

Roof warranties are not a luxury—they’re a necessity. Here’s why:

1. Minimize Financial Risk – Should any defects or performance issues arise within the coverage period, a valid warranty means you’re not responsible for unanticipated repair costs.
2. Ensure Roof Longevity – Regular maintenance under warranty helps prolong the life of the roofing material and system.
3. Boost Property Value – Potential buyers or tenants find value and reassurance in a property with a well-maintained, warrantied roof.

Understanding the details of your roofing warranty will allow you to maintain compliance while protecting your business from unexpected expenses.

Types of Commercial Roof Warranties

When you install a new commercial roof, you’ll encounter several types of warranties, and it’s important to know the differences. Each comes with its specific benefits, limitations, and coverage details.

1. Manufacturer Material Warranty

This type of warranty is provided by the roofing material manufacturer. It covers defects or failures in the materials used for your system, such as faulty membranes, adhesives, or coatings.

• What It Covers: Material issues that impact performance during the warranty period.
• Limitations: Does not cover labor or workmanship errors from the contractor.

2. Workmanship Warranty

A workmanship warranty is offered by the contractor who installed your roof. It ensures that the roof was installed per industry standards and addresses errors caused during the installation process.

• What It Covers: Workmanship defects that lead to leaks, improper drainage, or other roofing issues.
• Limitations: This warranty doesn’t cover material defects, which fall under the manufacturer’s agreement.

3. Full System Warranty

A full system warranty provides comprehensive protection, covering both material and workmanship defects.

• What It Covers: Both roofing material and the installation process. Essentially, it’s a “one-stop shop” warranty.
• Limitations: Higher cost but offers the most protection and peace of mind.

4. NDL (No Dollar Limit) Warranty

An NDL warranty is perhaps the most robust type of commercial roof warranty. Instead of capping coverage by a fixed financial limit, it guarantees full compensation for qualifying damages—regardless of cost.

• What It Covers: 100% material and labor coverage for repairs or replacements.
• Limitations: Requires routine maintenance and inspections to remain valid.

What Voids a Commercial Roof Warranty?

Even the best warranties may become void if their requirements aren’t met. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your roofing warranty remains valid:

❌ Improper Installation

Cutting corners on hiring experienced roofing contractors can lead to poor installation practices, immediately voiding your warranty. Always choose a licensed team with an extensive portfolio of past projects.

🛠️ Neglecting Maintenance

Most commercial roof warranties require regular inspections and preventative upkeep. Skipping maintenance or failing to address small issues in a timely manner can quickly void your warranty.

🧰 Unauthorized Repairs

If you allow an unapproved contractor to perform repairs on your roof, you risk voiding the terms of your warranty. Always confirm with your provider who is authorized to perform maintenance or repairs.

🥾 Excessive Roof Traffic

Industrial roofs endure wear and tear from foot traffic during maintenance of HVAC systems or other installations. Protect your warranty by restricting roof access and following proper loading guidelines.

8 Things to Know About Your Commercial Roof Warranty

1. Know the Coverage Details: Understand what specifically your warranty covers—materials, labor, workmanship, or all three.
2. Understand Exclusions: Be clear about what’s not covered, such as natural disasters, ponding water, or alterations performed by unauthorized contractors.
3. Confirm Required Maintenance: Most warranties require routine inspections at least twice a year. Following these guidelines is essential to maintaining coverage.
4. Track Paperwork: Keep all purchase agreements, warranties, and inspection reports in a secure location for easy reference.
5. Transferability: If you plan to sell your property, check whether the warranty can be transferred to new owners. Transferable warranties are a key selling point.
6. Warranty Length: Understand the duration of your warranty and whether you have options to extend it. Many modern materials come with warranties ranging from 10 to 30 years.
7. Limitations on Damage: Check the fine print for any limitations on specific types of damages or defects, like seams separating or curling roofing membranes.
8. Get It in Writing: Ensure all warranty terms are clearly spelled out in writing and signed by the contractor or manufacturer. Verbal agreements won’t suffice.

Why You Can Trust Embry’s Roofing for Your Commercial Roofing Needs

At Embry’s Roofing, we understand that every building owner wants the best combination of reliability, durability, and affordability in their roofing system. That’s why we ensure that all our installations are backed by robust warranties that give you peace of mind. Our experienced team ensures that each roof we install meets or exceeds industry standards for quality, removing risk and uncertainty from the process.

Here’s why businesses choose us:

• Expertise You Can Count On: Our contractors are certified professionals with years of experience working with a variety of roofing materials.
• Tailored Solutions: We work closely with facility managers and business owners to deliver roofing systems that meet the unique needs of their buildings.
• Dedicated Support: We provide ongoing support, including help understanding your roof warranties and ensuring compliance with maintenance requirements.

Don’t leave your commercial roofing system to chance. Contact Embry’s Roofing today to learn how we can deliver the long-lasting protection your business deserves.