A typical commercial roof warranty is designed to protect property owners from two major categories of failure: material defects and installation errors. But understanding the scope and limitations of that coverage is essential to truly protect your investment.
What’s Covered by Manufacturer Warranties
When it comes to material defects, warranties typically cover:
Premature membrane degradation
Delamination of membrane layers
Cracking or peeling caused by manufacturing flaws
If the warranty is a No Dollar Limit (NDL) warranty, it generally includes the cost of both material and labor for full replacement in the event of a material failure caused by a manufacturer defect.
Workmanship Issues Covered Under NDL Warranties
Installation problems that may be covered include:
Improper flashing details
Cold welds
Open membrane laps
Incorrect fastener spacing or technique
In some cases, NDL warranties may also cover damage caused by wind uplift or hail, but only if the roof was installed to meet specific manufacturer standards for those conditions. This may include:
Enhanced perimeter terminations
Specified fastening patterns
Installation of an approved coverboard
Each manufacturer has distinct specifications for what qualifies, so understanding these requirements from the outset is crucial.
What’s Not Covered
Even under an NDL warranty, several common issues fall outside of coverage:
Third-party damage from service contractors or equipment
Storm damage beyond the outlined terms
Neglect or poor maintenance (e.g., clogged drains, unchecked vegetation)
Unauthorized repairs using incompatible materials
Additionally, interior damage from leaks or membrane failure is not covered under standard warranty terms—even if the failure is due to a covered defect.
How to Protect and Maintain Your Warranty
To ensure your warranty remains valid, it must be:
Installed by a certified roofing contractor
Maintained per the manufacturer’s specifications
Inspected annually and properly serviced to remove debris, vegetation, and identify any third-party damage
That’s where RoofingSource and its RoofCare program come in.
RoofCare is an essential and critical safeguard for your operations streamlining proactive and reactive roof repairs into a consistent, repeatable system that protects every location. It meets the criteria for required maintenance contracts and inspections. With RoofCare, RoofingSource will:
Inspect for third-party damage
Clear vegetation and debris
Unclog drainage systems
Make compliant repairs using manufacturer-approved materials
Even the strongest roof warranty won’t protect your building if it’s not properly maintained. With RoofingSource and RoofCare, you’re not just buying a roof, you're securing long-term performance and peace of mind.
Need expert eyes on your roof? Contact RoofingSource below or call (833) 247-7663 today to schedule a roof assessment.
Written by
Daniel Schnelbach
Estimator
daniel.schnelbach@roofingsource.com
