For commercial property owners and facility managers, few topics feel more confusing than commercial roof warranties. Yet, understanding your warranty’s terms, coverage, and maintenance requirements can save you thousands in unexpected repair costs.
This guide from Showalter Roofing Services breaks down the essentials so you can make informed decisions about protecting your investment.
A warranty is only as strong as the care your roof receives after installation. While warranties are designed to provide peace of mind, nearly all of them come with one critical stipulation: regular maintenance. Skipping inspections or neglecting cleaning tasks can easily void your warranty and leave you paying out of pocket for preventable issues.
For example, most manufacturers require at least one or two professional inspections per year, plus detailed maintenance documentation. Partnering with a professional like Showalter Roofing Services ensures every inspection and repair is recorded, preserving your warranty validity. A consistent roof maintenance plan also helps identify potential problems before they escalate, such as seam separation, membrane punctures, or drainage issues.
A warranty doesn’t replace proactive care, but complements it. Maintenance proves your commitment to upkeep, while your warranty provides a financial safety net if covered defects occur.
Not all commercial roof warranties are the same. Understanding the distinctions between manufacturer, workmanship, and system warranties helps you know exactly what’s protected and what isn’t.
A manufacturer’s warranty (sometimes called a material or product warranty) covers defects in the roofing materials themselves. For example, if a TPO or EPDM membrane fails prematurely due to a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer will often cover repair or replacement costs for the affected materials.
However, this warranty does not cover issues caused by improper installation, poor maintenance, or external damage. Many manufacturers require certified contractors like Showalter Roofing to perform installations for the warranty to remain valid. A TPO roofing warranty, for instance, often specifies temperature range tolerances, fastener spacing, and approved adhesives. Deviating from these standards can void the warranty immediately.
A workmanship warranty, provided by the installer, guarantees the quality of the installation process. If leaks, flashing failures, or seam separations occur due to installation errors, this warranty covers the cost of repairs.
At Showalter Roofing Services, workmanship warranties typically run between 1–10 years, depending on project size, system type, and client needs. This protection ensures accountability for the installation team, giving property managers confidence that the job was done right.
A system warranty is the most comprehensive option. It combines both material and workmanship protection, covering the entire roofing system, including membranes, insulation, and flashing. Some system warranties even include coverage for interior damage caused by leaks.
While these warranties tend to be more expensive, they offer the best peace of mind for large commercial facilities. They also usually require ongoing inspections by an authorized contractor to maintain eligibility.
Contact Showalter Roofing Services today to learn more about our commercial roofing warranty options and protect your business investment with confidence.
When determining the length of a commercial roof warranty, the answer depends on your roofing material, installation quality, and maintenance consistency.
Local conditions also play a role. Midwest weather, with its extreme cold, heat, and wind, can stress roofing materials more quickly than in milder climates. A maintenance partnership with a trusted provider like Showalter Roofing helps ensure your warranty’s full duration is realized.
Even the best roof warranty coverage has limits. Knowing these exclusions can prevent unpleasant surprises later.
Common exclusions include:
To maintain your warranty, most manufacturers require:
At Showalter Roofing, we help clients navigate these requirements by maintaining comprehensive service records. Our approach ensures your warranty remains valid while keeping your roof in peak condition year-round.
Filing a warranty claim doesn’t guarantee approval. Insurers and manufacturers often look for specific documentation and maintenance evidence to determine eligibility. Here are common red flags that lead to denied claims:
Showalter Roofing Services advises clients to contact both their contractor and manufacturer immediately when an issue arises. Fast reporting increases the likelihood of claim approval and prevents minor issues from becoming major repairs.
Understanding what a commercial roof warranty covers before signing a contract can save significant time and money down the road. When evaluating contractors and warranties, keep these best practices in mind:
Ask for detailed warranty documentation and note the distinctions between “limited,” “full,” and “no-dollar-limit” (NDL) coverage. NDL warranties offer the highest level of protection but often require certified installation teams.
Ask your contractor what maintenance intervals are required to preserve warranty validity. A professional partner like Showalter Roofing can outline a roof maintenance plan tailored to your system type and warranty terms.
If you plan to sell your building, verify whether your warranty can transfer to the new owner. Transferable warranties add value to your property and make future transactions smoother.
Ask who handles claims, whether that’s the manufacturer, the contractor, or both. Knowing what documentation and response times are required helps you prepare before an issue arises.
In regions like Chicagoland, weather plays a huge role in roof performance. Discuss how Midwest-specific conditions like freeze-thaw cycles, hail, and wind uplift may impact warranty coverage. Showalter Roofing’s local expertise ensures your warranty plan accounts for these regional challenges.
By taking these steps, you’ll not only secure stronger roof warranty coverage but also build confidence that your investment is protected against both foreseeable and unexpected issues.
Many property managers are surprised to learn that even minor oversights can void their warranty. Examples include:
Understanding what voids a commercial roof warranty helps you avoid costly mistakes. Partnering with an experienced contractor ensures all work, materials, and maintenance comply with manufacturer requirements to safeguard your coverage.
Navigating the details of commercial roof warranties doesn’t have to be complicated. With over four decades of local experience, Showalter Roofing Services has helped countless Chicago-area property owners understand, manage, and maximize their roof warranty coverage.
Whether you’re installing a new roof, reviewing your existing warranty, or exploring extended protection options, our team provides transparent guidance every step of the way. From maintenance documentation to claims assistance, we help you make the most of your investment.
Protect your property and your peace of mind. Contact Showalter Roofing Services today to schedule a roof inspection or learn how to extend your warranty coverage.
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