Commercial Roof Warranties, are they important or not?

The answer is yes or no, and it depends.

When considering warranties for your roof, the answer to their value can be summed up as "yes, no, and it depends," depending on the type of warranty in question.

Material Warranty: This type of warranty typically covers defects in the materials used. However, unless there's a rare instance of a faulty batch of materials, you're unlikely to ever use this warranty.

Contractor Warranty: These warranties depend entirely on the stability and longevity of the contractor. If the contractor goes out of business or changes names, the warranty may become void, leaving your roof unprotected.

NDL Manufacturer Warranty: Backed by major manufacturers like Firestone, Carlisle, or GAF, an NDL (No Dollar Limit) warranty covers both labor and materials and is non-prorated. This type of warranty provides significant value because it ensures that if there are issues due to poor installation or material failure, they are covered.

However, it's important to understand that an NDL warranty doesn't cover every type of issue. It typically only covers problems caused directly by installation errors or material defects. Issues arising from other factors may not be covered, and you would be responsible for those repairs.

The true value of an NDL warranty lies in the oversight provided by the manufacturer. Before issuing this warranty, the manufacturer inspects the installation to ensure it meets industry standards and their specific requirements. Any deficiencies are noted, and the contractor must correct them to ensure the roof meets the manufacturer's standards.

This oversight ensures that your roof is installed correctly, providing peace of mind that your investment is protected.