Understanding commercial roof warranties is crucial for any property owner, manager, or general contractor. Before signing a contract, it’s important to know which warranties are available and how they can protect your investment.
As you probably already know, commercial roof replacements are significant investments, and choosing the right warranty for your building can feel overwhelming. With multiple options, it’s easy to get confused about what’s covered and what’s not.
At RoofCrafters, we’ve been helping commercial clients in the Southeast for over 30 years, and we know all too well that there are many misconceptions when it comes to commercial roof warranties. What’s included? What’s excluded? How do these warranties benefit me?
These are all great questions! Stick around, and we’ll cover the main types of commercial roof warranties, including:
- NDL warranties & Total Systems Warranty
- Manufacturer material labor warranties
- Material-only warranties
- Who provides a commercial roof warranty
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the warranties available for any commercial roofing project, helping you make the best decision for your investment. Let’s dive in!
What is an NDL Warranty?
An NDL (No Dollar Limit) warranty is often referred to as a Total Systems Warranty and is considered a top-of-the-line option. If you’ve heard of warranties like Carlisle NDL, Versico NDL, or GAF NDL, they’re essentially the same. This warranty ensures full coverage for your commercial roof system for a set time—usually between 10 and 30 years, with 20 years being the most common.
Benefits of an NDL Warranty
One of the biggest advantages of an NDL warranty is that it covers the full cost of any repairs or replacement, even if prices have increased since the roof was installed. For example, if you installed a roof for $100,000 and need a replacement 19 years later, inflation may push the cost to $185,000. With an NDL warranty, the manufacturer covers this entire amount, making it a valuable safety net.
NDL warranties also offer comprehensive coverage for all key components of the roofing system—drains, flashing, insulation, and more. That’s why many architects and engineers require this warranty type for large commercial projects, as it ensures the job is done by qualified contractors.
Exclusions in an NDL Warranty
As comprehensive as an NDL warranty is, there are some exclusions. Acts of nature like hurricanes or tornadoes, improper maintenance, modifications to the roof by third-party contractors, and exposure to certain chemicals can all void the warranty. It’s important to follow manufacturer guidelines and work with authorized contractors to keep your warranty intact.
Manufacturer Material and Labor Warranties
A material and labor warranty is another option, but it comes with limitations. While it covers defects in materials and workmanship, it’s prorated over time, meaning the older your roof, the less coverage you receive. This warranty also may not cover all components of the roof system, so it’s not considered a full systems warranty like the NDL.
Material-Only Warranties
Material-only warranties are popular because they’re often free, but they offer limited protection. These warranties cover only the materials used, not labor or other essential roof components. They typically last between 10 to 20 years, depending on the manufacturer, and are a good option if you’re looking to reduce upfront costs, but they may leave you exposed to additional expenses down the road.
Providers of Commercial Roof Warranties
Your commercial roof warranty will either come from the manufacturer or the contractor who installs your roof, or both. To get an NDL or material and labor warranty, you must hire an authorized roofing contractor who has been certified by the manufacturer. These contractors are specially trained to install the materials to the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring your warranty is valid.
To get an NDL warranty or a material and labor warranty, you must hire an authorized roofing contractor. Manufacturers have authorized roofing contractors that have been trained and certified to install their products the way they want them installed.
Because the stakes are higher and their liability increases, both of these warranties will be inspected by one of their inspectors before issuing your warranty. This is to make sure that all of the details and work were performed per their specifications.
The material manufacturer provides the following warranties:
- NDL warranty: Roof must be done by an authorized roofing contractor
- Material and labor warranty: Roofing must be done by an authorized roofing contractor
- Material-only warranty: Typically any roofer can provide an owner with this warranty
The authorized roofing contractor that installs the roof has a contract with the manufacturer. Most contracts state that they are responsible for keeping the roof watertight (aka, no leaks) for two years. After their 2-year period is up, the manufacturer assumes all liability against future defects and leaks.
Authorized roofing contractors must stay in good standing with the manufacturer to continue to offer their clients these top-of-the-line commercial roof warranties. They’re also required to keep their general liability and workman compensation insurance policy up to date.
Choosing the Right Warranty for Your Commercial Roof
Now that you know the different types of commercial roof warranties and what each covers, you’re in a better position to make an informed decision!
Whether you opt for an NDL, material and labor, or material-only warranty, it’s essential to choose a warranty that fits your needs and protects your investment.
If your commercial property is located in South Carolina, Georgia, or Florida, and you’re ready to discuss your warranty options with a professional roofing contractor, click the “Schedule an Inspection” button below. We’re here to help you protect your investment for years to come.
