Reputable roofing contractors offer workmanship warranties. This type of warranty protects property owners against roofing problems caused by installation errors. A standard manufacturer’s warranty covers only the materials that a roof is made from. This includes the shingles.
A limited lifetime warranty is the most common manufacturer warranty offered. To qualify for a lifetime warranty, the roof must be installed by a factory-certified contractor and undergo regular inspections. Call Roofing Companies in Allen TX for assistance.
NDL Warranties
A manufacturer’s no-dollar limit (NDL) warranty is a full-coverage roof system warranty that protects the property owner from cost overruns for a specified period. NDL warranties typically cover labor and materials to make repairs but do not cover contractor fees.
The NDL warranty is the most comprehensive type of manufacturer’s roofing material warranty and the most cost-effective. However, for this type of warranty to be effective the roofing system must meet all of the manufacturer’s technical specifications, be installed by a roofing contractor that is certified by the manufacturer, and pass a series of inspections throughout the project.
NDL warranties can be pro-rated or non-pro-rated. A pro-rated warranty will decrease in value over time as the cost of roofing materials increases. If you are considering a 20-year pro-rated NDL warranty, by year 11 only 40% of the repair costs will be covered.
A non-pro-rated NDL warranty is more expensive upfront but will continue to increase in value over the life of the roof. It is also important to note that an NDL warranty only covers the manufacturer’s roofing products and does not cover the decking or insulation.
Non-pro-rated NDL warranty coverage can be voided by certain activities such as re-roofing or any work performed on the roof by non-authorized contractors (such as HVAC, carpenter, bricklayer, stucco, etc). Additionally, if the roofing system is exposed to chemicals that damage the membrane, the NDL warranty will not cover the leaks.
A manufacturer’s material-only warranty, which is sometimes called a “membrane only” or “limited membrane only” warranty is less costly than an NDL. Like the NDL warranty, it will only cover the manufacturer’s roofing materials and does not include the decking or insulation. This type of warranty is also available with a no-dollar limit and is non-pro-rated. An NDL warranty that is non-pro-rated will increase in value over the life of the roof taking inflation into account.
Manufacturer’s Material Warranties
Manufacturer’s material warranties are geared toward ensuring that the materials used in your roof will perform as promised. These types of warranties can range from a “lifetime” or “no dollar limit” warranty to limited warranty periods. It is important to read the fine print of any manufacturer warranty to ensure you are fully informed about any conditions or circumstances that may void the warranty.
Manufacturers who offer this type of roofing product warranty may also provide a workmanship warranty. This is to ensure that your roof was installed correctly and covers any errors made by the contractor in installation.
This is an important consideration when choosing a roofing contractor, as many manufacturers will not honor warranties if the roof is installed by someone who is not certified. This is why it is important to find a roofing contractor who offers both workmanship and manufacturer material warranties.
A good contractor will be able to explain the different types of warranties that are available and what each one includes. This will help you to make an educated decision about what is the best option for your home or commercial property.
You should also be aware that certain circumstances can void your roof’s material warranty, such as a building modification or reroofing project. It is wise to request and read a copy of the material warranty for any roofing contractor that you are considering or who has performed your reroofing project. Familiarizing yourself with the limitations of a manufacturer’s warranty can be an invaluable tool when evaluating a roof replacement contractor and their work.
A new roof is a significant investment for any homeowner or business owner. It deserves all the protections that you can get. By understanding the different types of roofing warranties that are available and being aware of their terms, you can keep your investment safe from problems for years to come. By choosing a reputable roofing contractor who offers both workmanship and manufacturer’s material warranties, you can ensure that your investment is protected for decades to come. The right roof is the key to keeping your building or office safe from inclement weather and helping it look its very best.
Membrane Only Warranties
These are manufacturer-only warranties and only cover the roof membrane for the length of the warranty. These types of warranties usually have a dollar limit for leak repair and the size of the building will determine how quickly the coverage limit is reached. Also, these types of warranties do not include labor or cover installation errors. These types of warranties are typically offered for 10 to 30 years and are lower in cost than a full system warranty.
A Membrane Warranty is the most basic type of warranty that a manufacturer can offer. It covers only the roof membrane and excludes any accessories like metal edging, flashing, or adhesives. This type of warranty does not include labor or coverage for installation errors and is only available on low-slope or flat commercial roofs with positive drainage.
Manufacturer system warranties are typically issued for 10 to 30 years but can vary greatly in scope. Some have a broad coverage for all roofing system materials while others have very narrow coverage. Most manufacturers also have exclusions or exculpatory language that can void a roof warranty. For example, most manufacturer system warranties excuse a roofing contractor from any liability after only two years and may not cover leaks caused by other roof components like flashings, pitch pans, coping metal, and edge metal.
While a roof warranty is a great thing to have, owners and contractors must understand what type of coverage they have purchased. Most commercial roof warranties will have more exclusions than inclusions and it’s critical to review a contract’s wording carefully before committing to any type of warranty.
A contractor roof repair warranty is a more comprehensive warranty that covers both materials and labor for any repairs needed within the terms of the warranty. It’s important to work with a roofing contractor who can provide this type of warranty for their clients and offers an outstanding record of customer satisfaction. These roofers should also have a high level of professionalism and be fully licensed and insured to offer this type of warranty.
Labor And Material Warranties
Roofing contractors offer labor warranties that protect against issues that can arise in the future. Most roofs will need repairs at some point and a warranty can help offset the cost. Labor warranties are not as comprehensive as manufacturer warranties, but they cover issues such as leaks and damage caused by storms. They are a good option for homeowners who want to keep the repair costs down and may not have the funds to pay for a full roof replacement.
Manufacturers are typically only willing to offer a warranty on the materials that they have provided, which means that homeowners cannot get as much coverage from them. Depending on the warranty offered, it will only protect specific components of a roof. It is possible to have a material warranty that covers the entire roof, but this type of warranty will usually come with a higher price tag than one that only covers certain parts of the roof.
Many manufacturers will send a representative to the site during the roofing project to ensure that the roof is being installed correctly. They may also conduct a post-repair inspection to ensure that the roofing contractor has addressed any issues. This can be a good way for a homeowner to make sure that the repair work is of high quality and that they will receive the maximum benefit from their warranty.
While having a warranty from the manufacturer is important, it is equally valuable to have a workmanship warranty. This type of warranty will cover issues such as installation errors that can affect the longevity and performance of a roof. The warranty can provide peace of mind for the homeowner and is an indicator that the roofing contractor is confident in their skills.
Obtaining a warranty from a roofing contractor should be the first step in any homeowner’s planning process for a roof renovation. It is also important to determine the requirements for registering a warranty with the manufacturer. Most will only honor a warranty if it has been registered by an authorized contractor within a certain time frame. Keeping this in mind can save homeowners a lot of headaches down the road.
