Maintaining Roof Warranties

Roofing manufacturers offer warranties of varying types and duration with their roofing materials. Requirements can be demanding for maintaining a warranty over the life of a roof.

First, all warranties require that the roofer install the materials according to their written instructions, while at the same time following the roofing industry's general standards and practices for waterproofing.

Any number of things can effectively void a warranty, and each is spelled out more or less explicitly in the manufacturer's warranty. Once the new roof is in place, subsequent modifications to the roof are known as “retrofits”. Poorly executed retrofits are the most common cause of warranty issues. Making holes in the roof is one of the surest ways to void a roof warranty, especially if one fails to follow the standards and practices outlined by SMACNA, ARMA, NRCA and other roofing authorities when it comes time to close it back up. Take a look at our Wheel of Accountability to get a better idea of how these trade groups help to foster innovation while also upholding tried and tested waterproofing techniques.

Respecting the roof means respecting the roofer as well, so consult the original roofing contractor before beginning work on a retrofit. Most roofers will offer a labor warranty, which is separate from the manufacturer’s materials warranty and will vary in detail from one contractor to the next. If contacting the original roofer proves difficult or impossible and you’re not certain how to waterproof a particular roof, do seek the advice of a professional roofer.

For more information on how to keep from voiding roof warranties see our FAQ page.