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WHAT A ROOFING WARRANTY IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT - PART 2 OF 3

The Benefits of a Roof Warranty

Roof warranty is important as it gets the manufacturer involved in the roofing project, but not all roof warranties seem to provide guarantees which make people question if they are beneficial or not. The roofing material manufacturer’s involvement can help make sure the system meets the expected standards and qualifications. A manufacturer typically requests that contractors submit the systems they intend to use before a project even starts. Not every project will have a roofing engineer involved, so having the roofing material manufacturer involved is important for the review and evaluation of the system.


Any manufacturer will also perform a roof inspection to ensure that the roofing system was applied according to their regulations and instructions. Then they will issue the roof warranty. While this may be more for their benefit than yours, having this extra set of eyes on the roof is better than nothing. Typically, roofing material manufacturers have lists of approved contractors/installers and these will need to be used in order to get the roof warranty. Being selective about the contractor can mean you get higher-quality service as the manufacturer will want only the best associated with their product.


In the event you need to sell the property, some roof warranties can be transferred. This provides some comfort to the buyer. Buyers should be aware that a valid roof warranty does not replace diligence, and they should always have a roof inspection done by a qualified roofing contractor before signing any paperwork.


Owner Responsibilities

Roof warranties do have advantages for building owners too. They can ensure that repairs and roof replacements are taken care of should an issue arise as a result of product failure or poor installation. As long as you have kept to the owner’s responsibilities portion of the roof warranty, then any work needed will be taken care of. This means it is important to read through and understand these responsibilities fully.


Roof maintenance is the most important of these responsibilities. A common mistake of owners is to evaluate a roof warranty based on length, but the length of a roof’s service rarely has anything to do with the roof warranty. Having a longer roof warranty does not necessarily make the coverage better. The life of a roof is related to its design, installation, and maintenance. Manufacturers are aware that maintenance is critical to a roof lasting. Because of this, many will require that maintenance is kept up in order for the roof warranty to be upheld.


A lack of maintenance is the most commonly cited reason why a roofing material manufacturer will not cover roof repairs. And it makes sense. If you do not properly care for your roof and it fails or gets a leak, then it is not fair to expect a roof warranty to cover the damages. So make sure you know what you are responsible for and keep up your end of the contract.


An additional responsibility building owners have is to notify the manufacturer of any roof leaks within 30 days. If not, the roof warranty can become void and you will have to cover the cost of roof repairs. Roofing material manufacturers do this so that roof leaks are taken care of early before they become more extensive and more costly. Fixing a small roof leak costs less money and time than having to replace an entire roof damaged by water.


One final aspect of roof warranties to remember is exclusions. Many will have exclusions where the roof warranty will not cover certain things. Most often these include:

  • The wind that is stronger than gale force
  • Standing water
  • Structure movement
  • Use of materials not provided by the manufacturer
  • Blistering


Make sure you are familiar with any and all exclusions.



To be continued...


Part 1 of 3

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WHAT A ROOFING WARRANTY IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT - PART 3 OF 3

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WHAT A ROOFING WARRANTY IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT - PART 3 OF 3

WHAT A ROOFING WARRANTY IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT - PART 2 OF 3

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WHAT A ROOFING WARRANTY IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT - PART 2 OF 3

WHAT A ROOFING WARRANTY IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT - PART 1 OF 3

05 Jul, 2022
WHAT A ROOFING WARRANTY IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT - PART 1 OF 3

COMMON ROOFING PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

14 Jun, 2022
As a protective layer, the roof is exposed to the elements, making it vulnerable to damage. Winds can remove or loosen roofing materials as well as throw objects against the roof causing punctures. Rain can collect in pools which weakens the roof, leading to leaks. Without proper maintenance and early identification of these issues, your roof can become seriously damaged. Weather and poor maintenance are the leading causes of roof damage and the five most common types of damage and how to fix them are below. 1. Problems with Installation Poor workmanship and low-quality materials are the top cause of roof damage. This is a common problem for those that are not familiar with roofing installations. Without this, you may not know what good-quality roofing looks like. The roof needs to be properly prepared and materials need to be adhered securely. Working with a professional and reputable roofer may cost a little more, but you can be assured of quality work, top materials, and proper installation techniques. 2. No Maintenance Commercial roofing has a large surface which means there is a large space to cover during inspections. These larger roofs are harder to maintain which is why a regular maintenance program is essential. With bi-annual inspections, you can identify potential problems early such as cracked materials, loosened flashing, and punctures. The earlier these are identified, the easier the repairs will be. 3. Leaking Water pooling and leaks are one of the most common roofing problems. Extreme weather, punctures and tears, worn materials, and poor installation can all contribute to leaking. With commercial roofing, loosened flashing is also a common cause of leaks, so this needs to be checked regularly. Any signs of leaking should not be ignored, and the source needs to be identified and repaired right away. 4. Bad Flashing Installation The flashing on commercial roofing can weaken over time. This essential barrier is crucial in the prevention of leaks, cracks, and billowing. Typically winds and rain caused damage to flashing, so checking it after any storms or severe weather can help maintain its longevity. If the flashing is loose or improperly sealed, serious problems and leaks can occur. 5. Prior Repairs Previous work or repairs that have not been done properly can cause issues. The work may have been done with low-quality materials or may not have been done properly. Bad repair work is a common cause of commercial roofing problems, so it is important to work with a reputable roofing company. Damaged roofing or leaks can be a serious problem and can cause you a lot of stress. Let us handle the work for you. With quality materials, and experienced roofers, you have one less thing to worry about and you get a safe, reliable roof that will last for years. So call us today for free estimate.

INSPECT YOUR ROOF BEFORE SELLING YOUR HOME

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SHOULD YOU REPLACE OR REPAIR YOUR ROOF?

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Often commercial property owners have to decide between getting a roof repair or a complete replacement. Determining the cost of replacement versus ongoing costs of repairs, combined with the potential disruptions, means that deciding on repair or replacement is a process that requires important consideration. There are numerous factors involved in roof repair and replacement. The longevity of an existing commercial roof is the best way to determine if choosing a new commercial roof is better than replacing an existing roof. But before you decide, let us help you find the best strategy to suit your specific needs. There are several questions that need to be answered first: What condition is the current commercial roof? How bad is the current damage? What is currently in the building? Are you interested in a long term or a short term fix? Once you have answered these questions, we can proceed with the process. A commercial roof that is in fairly good condition will have a membrane still within life expectancy and proper insulation in place. If you are looking to keep costs low, it is possible to repair the roofing only. You also need to establish an annual commercial roof inspection to help minimize any further damage to the commercial roof throughout the life expectancy of the membrane. If you find that your commercial roof needs extensive repairs, you have damaged insulation, or the roof is nearing the end of its life expectancy, it may be a better idea for a replacement. There are certain inconveniences with roof replacement, but having a new commercial roof installed will offer lower maintenance costs moving forward. Additionally, a new commercial roof can also offer outstanding energy savings as compared to an older roof thanks to modern advances in roof technology. It is essential to estimate costs for roof replacement as part of the decision making process. It is more costly than repairs and you will need to budget accordingly. To help you estimate the costs, there are a few factors to remember:  Fasteners: Roofing in areas prone to heavy winds will require more fasteners placed at more frequent intervals which will increase costs. Roofing type and material: Typically, the best material for a flat roof is built-up bituminous roofing or single-ply. Replacement costs can vary for single-ply, built-up, asphalt, tiles, and metal roofing. Depending on the material you choose, pricing can range from $3 to $20 per square foot. Roofing components: These components include the roof structure (concrete, metal, or wood decking), insulation, cover board, & other substrate materials. The condition of these materials impact re-roofing costs and how they were installed will impact overall costs. Access to the roof: Roof access can have as much impact on the cost to replace your roof as the type and material. Accessibility factors include height, occupancy, material storage areas, and property access. Closing Words Deciding between repairing or replacing a commercial roof can be a difficult decision for a commercial property owner. But, it is an essential decision that many building owners face. Before you make a decision, contact us to allow our team to help you determine which course of action makes the most sense. We will help you extend the longevity of your roof and protect the investment that you have made in your commercial property. Call us today and start protecting your roof’s future tomorrow. For any questions or to schedule a roof inspection, contact us today!
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