In this article 15 sections
- What Is the Best Warranty for a Commercial Roof?
- Warranty Types Compared
- Dollar Limits | NDL vs Original Cost vs Prorated
- What Roof Warranties Usually Exclude
- What Voids a Commercial Roof Warranty?
- How to File a Roof Warranty Claim
- Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- FAQs | Roof Warranties
- Are commercial roof warranties transferable?
- How much does an NDL warranty cost?
- Does a roof warranty cover hail damage?
- Can I extend my roof warranty?
- What should a contractor workmanship warranty include?
- What does a 25-year roof warranty cover?
- Get a Warranty-Backed Roof Proposal
What Is the Best Warranty for a Commercial Roof?
Two proposals can both say “20-year warranty” and mean very different things. Here’s how to read them, from the warranties we register on projects across commercial roofing in San Antonio.
Warranty Types Compared
| Warranty | Covers | Who stands behind it | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material-only | Defective materials causing leaks | Manufacturer | No labor; often a patch kit or replacement material |
| Limited system (labor + materials) | Materials and installation | Manufacturer | May be capped at original cost or prorated |
| NDL system | Materials and installation, no dollar cap | Manufacturer | Certified installer and inspection required |
| Contractor workmanship | Installation errors | Contractor | Only as good as the contractor’s staying power |
Facility Executive; CertainTeed commercial warranty terms.
Dollar Limits | NDL vs Original Cost vs Prorated
- No Dollar Limit (NDL): the manufacturer pays what it costs to fix covered leaks, for the full term.
- Original cost: total repairs are capped at what the roof originally cost.
- Prorated: coverage shrinks every year, so late-term claims pay little.
What Roof Warranties Usually Exclude
| Exclusion | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Interior and contents damage | Ruined inventory or ceilings are an insurance matter, not a warranty claim |
| Wind above the stated speed | Many warranties cap wind coverage (for example 55 mph); higher-wind upgrades cost extra |
| Hail | Often excluded or limited unless you buy a hail endorsement |
| Alterations by others | New penetrations or rooftop units not installed per the manufacturer’s rules |
| Lack of maintenance | Clogged drains, debris and ignored repairs |
| Ponding water | Some warranties exclude damage from standing water |
What Voids a Commercial Roof Warranty?
- Letting an uncertified roofer or HVAC tech cut into the roof
- Skipping required inspections or not keeping maintenance records
- Not reporting leaks in writing within the warranty’s time limit
- Adding rooftop equipment without the manufacturer’s approval
- Unpaid contractor invoices (many warranties aren’t issued until the job is paid)
A documented program, like our commercial roof maintenance programs, is the simplest way to keep coverage valid.
How to File a Roof Warranty Claim
- Notify in writing right away; most warranties set a deadline for reporting leaks.
- Send photos and the warranty number, plus your maintenance records.
- Don’t let anyone else repair it before the manufacturer or warranty contractor responds, or coverage may be lost.
- Make only emergency repairs to stop water, and document them.
- Attend the inspection with the manufacturer’s rep or authorized roofer.
- Get the outcome in writing: covered, partly covered or denied, and why.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- Is it NDL, original cost or prorated?
- Does it cover labor, or only materials?
- What wind speed and hail limits apply?
- Is it transferable if I sell the building, and is there a fee?
- What inspections and maintenance does it require?
- Will I receive a sample warranty before signing?
See commercial roof replacement in San Antonio and TPO roofing in San Antonio.
FAQs | Roof Warranties
Are commercial roof warranties transferable?
Many manufacturer warranties can be transferred to a new owner, often with an inspection and a fee. Check the transfer clause before you sell or buy.
How much does an NDL warranty cost?
It’s priced by the manufacturer per square and term, and it’s usually a small share of the total project. Ask for it as a separate line item so you can compare bids.
Does a roof warranty cover hail damage?
Usually not by default. Some manufacturers sell hail coverage for specific systems, but in most cases hail is an insurance claim.
Can I extend my roof warranty?
Some manufacturers offer extensions after an inspection and required repairs, or with a qualifying restoration coating system.
What should a contractor workmanship warranty include?
The term, what’s covered, how to report a leak, response time and who pays for repairs. Get it in writing, separate from the manufacturer warranty.
What does a 25-year roof warranty cover?
It depends on the type. A material-only warranty covers defective membrane; an NDL system warranty covers leaks from materials and workmanship for the full term. Read the coverage section, not just the number of years.
Get a Warranty-Backed Roof Proposal
We’ll spell out the warranty type, term, wind rating and maintenance requirements in writing, before you sign.
- Free roof assessment across San Antonio, including Westover Hills, commercial roofing in Stone Oak and Universal City
Book your free roof inspection in San Antonio or see commercial roof repair in San Antonio.
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