Warranties? Are they worth the paper they are written on?
What is a warranty?
A warranty is a document that promises to replace or repair your roofing materials if there is a problem. There are many exclusions to warranty coverage, mainly concerning your negligence. Or better said, most warranty exclusions will be in the realm of not having a regular roof care and maintenance plan. And, of course, your warranty won’twon’t cover you if your commercial roof is damaged in a storm event or something falls on the roof. That is where your insurance comes into play.
In the commercial roofing industry, there are three basic types of warranties. The materials defect warranty. The roofing contractor’scontractor’s labor warranty is our favorite type of warranty, the No Dollar Limit labor and materials warranty.
What is a materials defect warranty?
The first warranty type I mention is a warranty from the manufacturer, promising to repair or replace roof materials. Suppose there is a manufacturing defect discovered. Most manufacturers have several steps in their process which ensures that the materials they send out are made right. It can happen, but the chances are low that it will happen. You don’t have to do anything to get this warranty; it comes with the materials. It’sIt’s usually printed right on the packages. Or, you can visit the roofing manufactures website and see a sample version of their materials defect warranty.
What is a labor warranty?
The labor warranty comes from the installing roofing contractor. This one says the contractor promises to repair or replace roofing materials when it is discovered that they have not been installed correctly. What does that mean? It means that they did not follow the manufacturer’smanufacturer’s written instructions. In Arizona specifically, every licensed contractor must provide a labor warranty for the first two years of the roof installation.
What is a no dollar limit labor and materials warranty
The best warranty you can get is the manufacturer-backed no, dollar-limit labor and materials warranty. To get this kind of warranty that covers it all. Except for neglect and events covered by your insurance carrier. The contractor will need to be certified by the manufacturer. And the manufacturer will come out and inspect every job.
This warranty ensures that you are covered regardless of the contractor’scontractor’s business life. You are still covered even if the contractor goes out of business. Because the manufacturer takes on the warranty coverage for you, it’s not the easiest warranty, and only some contractors can or even want to offer it.
ROC 336296
