For both facilities managers and business owners who take care of commercial or industrial property, one of the more important documents they can find is the roof warranty. Unfortunately, flat roof warranties are some of the more confusing ones typically found on the market, and those confusions can lead to larger problems and claims denied when water starts to leak. Knowing the details about what you are and are not covered for is particularly important for what is often the most significant asset on the company’s balance sheet.

Material, workmanship and system warranties explained

All warranties for commercial flat roofs can be split into two categories: material and workmanship warranties. Material warranties, given by the membrane, insulation board, or component manufacturers, specify that they will cover their product if it is defective. Workmanship warranties cover components that pertain to the fit of the roof and are given by the contractor who installed the roof. Many building owners assume that the warranty given by the contractor for the construction of the roof will cover everything. This is proven wrong when they try to make a claim, as leaks are automatically assumed to be caused by the installation of the roof (which is largely outside the scope of the manufacturers’ warranties for their materials).

“System warranties” or “full system warranty” or “manufacturer’s system warranty” covers the cost of materials and installation if the whole system was purchased and installed by an authorised contractor following the manufacturer’s specifications. These warranties are often the most inclusive to protect warehouses, distribution centers, and industrial buildings because claims against warranties can be easier with single points of accountability. However, a drawback is the initial cost of these warranties is more than other forms of warranties and there is more regulation on approved installers and routine inspections.

The maintenance obligation building owners overlook

One of the most hidden warranty particulars is the maintenance obligation. Nearly all warranties on commercial roofs contain this obligation, which forces the owner to perform inspections and maintain the roof. Businesses must also retain records to show the roof was inspected and maintained. Failure to repair blocked openings, standing water, or damaged equipment used to service the roof can cause the warranty to be fully and permanently voided. This can occur even if the original cause of the defect is unknown. This requirement is easy to miss, especially for businesses that own large, industrial buildings that have a warehouse and where roof access is rare. This can be costly when a claim is eventually made.

Reading the small print on duration and transferability

Another consideration should be duration. Generally, commercial flat roofing system warranties fall between 10 and 25 years. Within this range, the length of the warranty is not the only consideration. Many warranties have provisions that devalue the warranty over time. Certain warranties also have exclusions for components, such as flashing or roof lights. Furthermore, many warranties are not transferable to the subsequent property owner. For a business that is considering a potential sale or lease of a commercial property, a transferable warranty can substantially impact the property’s market value, and therefore, should be evaluated during the commercial due diligence process.

What actually triggers a warranty claim

Understanding how to not void your warranty is important (and helpful). Many companies will not honor your warranty if a trade (like an electrician or HVAC Technician) has access to your roof to do work and it isn’t done by a warranty authorised contractor. Unapproved cabling, ductwork, and signage voids most warranties on commercial and industrial buildings. Facilities teams should have a formal process for access control to roofs.

Choosing a contractor you can rely on

The value of a good warranty is shown by the contractor who stands behind it. Before beginning any commercial, flat roofing project, verify that the contractor is manufacturer accredited and that you receive the warranty. You should plan to have the facility maintained by performing routine inspections of the roof. Properly managed warranties ensure the building’s value and provide peace of mind to the owner of the commercial property regarding the potentially most exposed asset.