Why roof warranties are so important for commercial property owners

As a commercial property owner, obtaining a roof warranty when having any work done on your roof is a smart move. A warranty can offer peace of mind that your investment is protected, but it’s essential to understand what it covers and what it doesn’t.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of roof warranties and what you need to know as a commercial property owner.

Why are commercial roof warranties important?

Roof warranties provide an extra layer of protection for you as a commercial property owner. Without one, you will be responsible for the full cost of any roof repairs or replacements that are required as a result of defects or damages.

In contrast, with a warranty in place, the roofing contractor or manufacturer covers the cost of repairs or replacements, potentially saving you thousands of pounds in repair costs.

A commercial roof warranty will provide you with an added sense of security, as you will have a means of recourse if your roofing system fails to perform as expected.

What does a commercial roof warranty cover?

A commercial roof warranty is a contract between you, as the property owner, and your roofing contractor or manufacturer. It specifies the terms of coverage for repair or replacement of a roofing system.

Most commercial roofing contractors offer two types of warranties. These are known as manufacturer warranties and contractor warranties. Both types of warranties have limitations, exclusions, and terms that vary between manufacturers and contractors.

Commercial roofing – manufacturer’s warranty

Manufacturer’s warranties usually cover:

Defective materials: Defects in roofing materials that cause leaks, cracks, and other issues.

Weather resistance: Damage caused by severe weather, such as high winds or hail, and ensures that the roofing system remains watertight.

A manufacturer’s warranty may have a duration of 10, 15, or 20 years or more, depending on the individual manufacturer and the type of commercial roofing materials used.

Commercial roofing – contractor’s warranty

A contractor’s warranty covers any issues with the installation or workmanship that lead to leaks or other issues with the roofing system.

The warranty period is usually shorter than the manufacturer warranty, typically ranging between one and five years.

What is not covered by a commercial roof warranty?

Whilst roofing warranties offer valuable protection, there are limitations and exclusions that you need to be aware of.

Most roof warranties will exclude damage caused by natural disasters or severe weather, regular wear and tear, or lack of roof maintenance.

This last point is of particular importance. If your roofing system is not adequately maintained, your warranty may be voided.

The importance of regular commercial roof maintenance

It’s essential to understand that a roof warranty is not a substitute for regular maintenance. Routine commercial roof maintenance is crucial to extending the lifespan of your roofing system and avoiding potential damage. Most warranties require regular maintenance and servicing to remain valid.

In addition, regular maintenance can identify potential issues early, preventing them from escalating into significant problems that require costly repairs or replacements.

How can NWIR help?

As leading commercial roofing contractors in the UK, we have over 100 years of experience in maintaining, repairing and replacing commercial roofs.

We work with a wide range of roofing materials and manufacturers, and can help you to choose products with the best warranties. We are happy to provide guidance on the terms and conditions of both our contractor’s warranties and those provided by individual manufacturers.

Our skilled team also offer scheduled commercial roofing maintenance, not only to ensure the longevity of your roof, but to ensure that your roof warranty remains valid should any problems occur.

If you have any questions about commercial roof maintenance or the warranties that we offer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

You can give our helpful team a call on 0800 046 1500 or send us a message using our online contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.