Protect your roof, protect your investment

By Roofing Corp of America. 

Being proactive and following these steps today will help keep your coverage strong and help you stay protected. 

A well-managed commercial roof warranty can be one of your property’s most valuable safeguards, if you know how to keep it active. With a few key practices and an understanding of the fine print, you can ensure your warranty works for you, not against you. It’s not about catching mistakes; it’s about staying ahead of them. Here at Roofing Corp of America we help property owners do just that with expert guidance, trusted service and proven maintenance solutions. 

If you are not sure about what type of roof warranty you have or its status, our team can certainly help, but we also suggest discussing the situation with your roofing system manufacturer. As one of the largest roofing contractors in the country, we have established relationships with all major manufacturers and can help you with key points of contact if needed. 

Regardless of the type of warranty you have, manufacturers require that “reasonable care” be taken to maintain the warranty and continue its coverage. Reasonable care typically means that it’s the building owner’s responsibility to properly maintain and care for the roof system. Failure to demonstrate this can potentially void your warranty. Reasonable care includes: 

Regular inspections 

Most warranties require annual or biannual inspections by an approved roofing contractor. These inspections will check for proper drainage, verify sealant performance and identify any issues or damage. 

Routine maintenance 

The roof also must be maintained regularly, clearing debris that might block drainage, trimming any encroaching tree branches, repairing minor damages, re-securing loose flashings and resealing or re-caulking as needed. 

Prompt, quality repairs 

Repairs or service work must be performed by a manufacturer-approved contractor, using authorized materials. This work must be performed promptly once the issue is identified. 

Detailed documentation 

Records must be kept around inspections and repairs, showing that any issues were addressed by an approved contractor which will also position you to notify the manufacturer of any leaks or potential warranty claims, if such notice is required in their specific warranty. 

No unauthorized modifications 

Any modifications or new penetrations must be preapproved, properly performed and well-documented. Changes made without authorization or through unqualified personnel can be seen as a failure to exercise reasonable care. 

By following these reasonable care requirements, you’ll ensure that your roof warranty remains valid and you can potentially even extend the warranty of your roofing system. By partnering with an approved contractor and following a regular schedule of preventative maintenance, you may be able to extend your warranty by up to 5 years at no additional charge, depending on terms offered by the manufacturer. 

Original article and photo source: Roofing Corp of America