Hello. This is Greg Zimmerman, executive editor of Building Operating Management magazine.
Today’s topic is navigating the tricky waters of roofing warranties and understanding what they really mean.
Many facility executives are only interested in how long a warranty lasts, and don’t take the time to read the fine print. Make sure to find out who is issuing the warranty – the contractor or the manufacturer – and whether the warranty covers workmanship or just materials. If the roof needs to be replaced, does the warranty cover the cost of labor, or just the materials?
One of the most overlooked parts of a warranty is the owner’s obligations regarding maintenance and upkeep. If a warranty specifies a particular frequency for inspections or preventive maintenance, twice yearly, for examples, and the owner doesn’t complete and document these procedures, the warranty could be voided.
Finally, it’s critical to understand what is NOT covered under the warranty. Most warranties exclude acts of God and some exclude hurricanes. Most warranties also exclude additions or alterations to the roof, unless the manufacturer is notified and grants approval. Damage caused by roof traffic is usually excluded as well.
