As with anything ‘new’ you would expect there to be coverage against defects or failure in the product. Whether it is a new car, new boiler or even a new mobile phone you will have an initial period of warranty and protection…roofs are no different! The length and detail of these warranties is often overlooked but there is significant value added for longer and more extensive roof warranties.
Commercial roof warranties typically fall into two main categories: manufacturer warranties and contractor warranties. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Manufacturer Warranties
Gable Projects are approved installers with several of the leading roofing system manufacturers including Garland, Soprema, Bauder, Alumasc, Danosa and Icopal – plus others. These warranties are provided by the above roofing material manufacturer and cover defects in the materials used in the roofing system. There are generally two types of manufacturer warranty:
• Material Warranty: Covers defects in the roofing material itself, such as the membranes or other components. This warranty typically ranges from 15 to 30 years, depending on the material used. It may or may not include labour costs for repairs or replacement, as above the devil is often in the detail!
• System Warranty: Often provided for fully integrated roofing systems, covering both materials and installation. It may cover the full roofing system for 15 to 30 years. This can include labour and materials, depending on the warranty terms.
Key Points to Consider:
• The warranty may be pro-rated (the coverage decreases as time passes).
• Maintenance and inspections are often required to maintain the warranty.
2. Contractor Warranties
These warranties are issued by the roofing contractor and typically cover the installations workmanship. The contractor warranty duration varies based on the complexity of the project and the roofing system used. Subject to manufacturers terms and conditions, Gable Projects offer a guarantee on their workmanship in line with the product coverage.
Key Points to Consider:
• These warranties usually only cover issues related to poor workmanship (e.g., installation mistakes that lead to leaks).
• They may not cover material defects – these are covered by the suppliers, as shown above in manufacturer warranties.
• Some contractors may offer an extended workmanship warranty as part of a service package.
Types of Commercial Roof Warranties
• Full System Warranty: Covers both materials and labour for a specific period. Often offered with certain high-quality roofing materials or systems. Worth noting that some of the suppliers will offer assistance in providing a specification for the necessary works and appropriate system.
• Non-prorated Warranty: This warranty does not decrease in coverage over time.
• Pro-rated Warranty: Coverage decreases as time passes.
• Leak-free Warranty: Typically covers any leaks in the roof, but it’s important to review the fine print to understand what qualifies as a “leak.”
Common Terms and Conditions
• Maintenance Requirements: Most commercial roof warranties require periodic inspections and maintenance (usually annually). Much like you would service a boiler annually, your new roof requires maintenance as well.
• Exclusions: Warranties often exclude damage due to neglect, weather-related incidents (such as storms – default to the building insurance for this one!), or unauthorised repairs. You would expect to have a new car serviced and the same viewpoint should be taken on a new roof.
• Transferability: Some warranties are transferable if the building changes ownership, which could be a benefit if you plan to sell the building.
Conclusion
It’s essential to read the warranty agreement in detail to fully understand the scope of coverage and the conditions required to keep the warranty valid. The warranty period along with inclusions and exclusions, should also be considered when deciding which roofing system and product to use – if a certain product is slightly higher in price but carries a far more extensive warranty, in terms of coverage and duration, this should be seriously considered in the long-term investment calculations. Would you like to know about a specific type of roof warranty or a particular roofing material?
