Commercial Roof Warranty Guide: What to Ask a Roofer?

A commercial roof warranty can be one of the most valuable components of your roofing investment. It’s not just a document, it’s your safety net in the event that something goes wrong with your roof. Yet, many business owners and property managers don’t fully understand what their warranties cover or what questions to ask their roofer before signing on the dotted line.

If you’re in the process of installing or replacing a commercial roof, here are three essential reasons why understanding your warranty is critical:

• It protects your financial investment in the long term.
• It defines who is responsible when problems occur.
• It helps ensure your roof meets industry and manufacturer standards.

Below, we’ll walk you through the key elements of commercial roof warranties, the questions you should ask your roofer, and what to look for before making a final decision.

🤔 Understanding the Types of Commercial Roof Warranties

Manufacturer Warranty vs. Contractor Warranty

There are typically two types of warranties associated with commercial roofing systems:

• Manufacturer warranty: Covers defects in the roofing materials provided by the manufacturer. This usually does not include problems resulting from poor installation or roof misuse.
• Contractor warranty: Issued by the roofing company that installs your roof. It guarantees the workmanship and may include repairs due to installation errors.

Understanding which type you’re receiving, and what each one covers, is the first step in protecting your property.

Common Warranty Lengths

Not all warranties are created equal. While some may offer coverage for as little as 5 years, others extend up to 30 years. Here are a few common time frames:

• 10-year labor and material warranty
• 20-year manufacturer warranty with limited coverage
• 30-year system warranty that includes labor, materials, and roof membrane performance

Be wary of warranties that seem too short or too good to be true without clear definitions.

🔑 Key Questions to Ask About Your Commercial Roof Warranty

What Is and Isn’t Covered?

You need clarity on what the warranty includes. Start by asking these questions:

• Does the warranty cover labor, materials, or both?
• Are damages from weather events included?
• Are leaks or ponding water covered?
• Are there exclusions for rooftop equipment or foot traffic?

Warranties that appear comprehensive might have fine print that limits actual coverage.

Who Is Responsible for Warranty Claims?

It’s important to know who handles warranty claims. Ask your roofer:

• Who should I contact if there’s a problem?
• Does the contractor handle the claims process or the manufacturer?
• Will inspections be required before the warranty is honored?

Getting this in writing helps avoid finger-pointing if issues arise.

What Maintenance Is Required?

Most warranties require some level of routine maintenance. Neglecting these responsibilities can void your warranty. Discuss:

• How often should inspections be done?
• Will your roofer provide a maintenance program?
• What kind of documentation is required for proof of maintenance?

Keeping your roof in top shape ensures your warranty stays valid.

🚩 Warranty Red Flags and What They Mean

Vague Language

Warranties filled with generalities like “limited coverage” or “may apply” can be risky. If a warranty doesn’t clearly define what is and isn’t covered, request clarification or choose another contractor.

High Upfront Costs for Coverage

Some companies offer warranties that come with extra fees for extended coverage. If you’re asked to pay significantly more for the warranty, find out:

• Why is there an additional cost?
• What’s the cost breakdown?
• Does this warranty actually offer more protection?

Don’t assume higher cost equals better coverage.

Lack of Transferability

If you sell your building, can the warranty be transferred to the new owner? If not, this could lower your property’s value. Always ask:

• Is the warranty transferable?
• Is there a fee to transfer it?
• What documentation is required?

Transferable warranties offer peace of mind for buyers and sellers alike.

📋 What to Include in Your Warranty Checklist

Must-Have Coverage Items

Here are key components every comprehensive commercial roof warranty should have:

• Coverage for labor and materials
• Clear start and end dates
• A process for claims and inspections
• Details on what voids the warranty
• Requirements for routine maintenance

Make sure your warranty includes these basic items to avoid gaps in coverage.

Documentation You Should Receive

Ensure you get these documents after installation:

• A written warranty from the manufacturer
• A workmanship warranty from the roofer
• An installation log or final inspection report
• Maintenance instructions and service log templates

These help you keep your roof under warranty and ensure easy processing if repairs are needed.

⭐️ Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Roofer Before Signing the Warranty

1. What type of warranty comes with this roof system?

• Clarify whether the warranty is from the manufacturer, contractor, or both, and what each party covers.

2. How long is the warranty, and what are the terms?

• Ensure the length of coverage and specific terms are outlined clearly, including any prorated terms.

3. What can void my warranty?

• List all the actions or conditions that could cause the warranty to be voided, such as unauthorized repairs or failure to maintain the roof.

4. Will regular inspections be provided or recommended?

• Ask if the roofer includes maintenance plans or inspection services to help you stay compliant.

5. What is the claims process like?

• Know how to initiate a claim, how long it takes, and what to expect from both the contractor and manufacturer during the process.

🤝 Why Whitt’s Quality Roofing Is the Right Choice

At Whitt’s Quality Roofing, we understand that a commercial roof warranty is more than a formality; it’s your safeguard. That’s why we take time to explain every warranty detail and ensure our clients receive full transparency, support, and guidance.

When you work with Whitt’s, you get more than a roof, you get a long-term roofing partner who cares about protecting your property.

Let us help you make sense of your commercial roof warranty and give you the peace of mind you deserve. Contact Whitt’s Quality Roofing today!