Commercial Roof Warranty: What You Need to Know Before Replacing Your Roof

A commercial roof warranty is meant to protect your investment and give you peace of mind when the unexpected happens. But not all warranties offer similar levels of protection. Knowing what your warranty includes, who issues it, and how long it remains valid can help you avoid unexpected costs and make more informed decisions.

Continue reading to learn how commercial roof warranties work, the different types available, and what to look for when planning a roof replacement.

The Two Main Types of Roofing Warranties

Before you sign off on a new roof, you should know there are two key types of roofing warranties. Each serves a different purpose and comes from a different party.

Manufacturer Warranty: This covers defects in the roofing materials. It’s issued by the company that made the materials, not the installer.
Workmanship Warranty: This covers the installation itself. It’s issued by the contractor and protects you from errors made during installation.

Understanding these categories can help you ask the right questions when reviewing your warranty.

Other Types of Roofing Warranties You Might See

Now that you know who provides each type of warranty, let’s dig into the most common formats you might encounter when replacing your commercial roof.

Material-Only Warranty: Covers only the roofing materials. If a product defect causes failure, the manufacturer will replace the material, but not labor or installation costs.
Labor and Material Warranty: Includes both the cost of materials and labor, but may be limited in duration and scope.
No Dollar Limit (NDL) Warranty: Offers full coverage for both materials and labor with no cap on costs. The manufacturer inspects the roof after installation and agrees to back the roof even if the contractor goes out of business.

These different types of roofing warranties offer varying levels of protection. An NDL warranty, while more comprehensive, often requires strict adherence to installation standards and inspections.

What Is and Isn’t Covered in a Roof Replacement Warranty

It’s easy to assume a commercial roof warranty covers anything that goes wrong. But coverage has limits. Most warranties only apply under certain conditions and can be voided if those rules aren’t followed.

Typically Covered:

Material defects
Poor workmanship (when under contractor warranty)
Water leaks caused by roofing system failure

Typically Not Covered:

Storm damage (wind, hail, flying debris)
Damage from rooftop equipment or maintenance trades
Neglected maintenance or foot traffic damage

Knowing what your warranty excludes can help you avoid surprises and prevent costly repairs.

Duration of Commercial Roof Warranties and What They Mean

Warranty length depends on the materials used and the warranty type selected. Here’s a breakdown of common durations:

10 to 15 Years: Found on thinner membranes or lower-tier warranties
20 Years: Standard for 0.06 TPO and many mid-grade options
25 to 30 Years: Applies to thicker membranes like 0.80 or higher-tier warranties

Longer warranties often come at a higher cost but provide better peace of mind. It’s worth noting that even the best materials must be installed properly to qualify for full coverage, which is why your choice of contractor matters just as much as the product.

How to Avoid Voiding Your Commercial Roof Warranty

The worst scenario is thinking you’re covered, only to discover your warranty has been voided. Here are the most common reasons warranties become invalid:

Incorrect installation that doesn’t follow the manufacturer’s specs
Damage from third-party trades like HVAC or signage installers
Poor or inconsistent maintenance
Unauthorized repairs using non-approved materials

To keep your warranty valid, schedule regular inspections, document maintenance work, and use authorized professionals when repairs are needed.

Roof Replacement Warranty Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not all warranties are created equal. Some offer broad protection, while others come with vague or limited terms that leave you exposed.

Watch for these warning signs:

Lack of clarity on who issues the warranty
No written warranty provided before or after installation
Excessively short duration (under 10 years)
Clauses that limit claims to very specific circumstances

Always ask for a sample warranty document before signing, and read the fine print. A reputable commercial roofing contractor will walk you through it.

Start your roof replacement journey with confidence with Professional Roofing Technology. We ensure your project has clear coverage and expert support every step of the way.

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What to Ask Your Contractor About Warranties

The best way to avoid surprises is to ask detailed questions up front. Here are a few to get the conversation started:

What types of warranties do you offer?
Who issues the warranty, you or the manufacturer?
What actions or conditions can void my warranty?
How long is each type of warranty valid?
Can the warranty be transferred if the building is sold?

Clear answers to these questions can help you choose a contractor who backs their work with strong, trustworthy support.

Are Warranties Transferable?

If you plan to sell your building, a commercial roof warranty can be a major selling point. Most manufacturer warranties are transferable for a fee, which allows the new owner to retain protection.

This can increase your building’s resale value and provide assurance to potential buyers that the roof will not become an unexpected expense.

Why Choosing the Right Contractor Is Essential

Even the best materials and warranties fall short if the roof isn’t installed properly. An experienced commercial roofing contractor ensures your system meets manufacturer specs, making it eligible for full warranty coverage.

Look for a contractor who:

Has certified crews and factory training
Provides clear warranty documentation
Coordinates inspections for NDL coverage

This combination of transparency, skill, and support gives you lasting value and peace of mind.

Get Reliable Warranty Support With Professional Roofing Technology

At Professional Roofing Technology, we help you manage your commercial roof warranty with expert guidance from start to finish. We offer a one-year repair warranty and a ten-year warranty for new commercial installations and replacements, supporting the longevity of your roofing investment. These warranties work alongside manufacturer material coverage to provide clarity and assurance throughout the lifespan of your roof.