"Understanding Roofing Warranties"

Today, I will make an attempt to describe roofing warranties, and what they mean.

First, let's understand the relationship between the roofing contractor and the roofing material manufacturer. In order to be an "Approved Applicator" for almost all major roofing material manufacturers, you will be required to successfully complete three projects using their products.

The contractor is required to request inspections (startup, in progress, and completion). Assuming the projects are done according to specification and achieved a level of competence, you will then become an "Approved Applicator" of their material, and qualify for manufacturer warranties for your client.

All set? At this point, you are an Approved Applicator, and sign an Approved Applicator Agreement, and receive certification. Great Ron, why do you sign an "agreement"? The agreement stipulates the contractor is responsible for roof repairs (leaks) for a period of two years. After two years, the manufacturer becomes the "Guarantor" for the balance of the warranty.

Most roofing specifications are very clear when they demand a two year contractor's guarantee, and (varies) a twenty year manufacturer's warranty. It is not relevant if a contractor offers a 3,4,5, etc. year guarantee, as it is a moot point. It's a sales trickery thing, giving a false impression. Regardless of what the contractor says, he is only on the hook for two years.

I'll discuss warranty vs. guarantee, and their respective definitions another day. The only thing you need to understand here is who is the "Guarantor". Your contractor can be out of business tomorrow, so his guarantee would be worthless. I see it every day. Can I get a show of hands?

We'll talk briefly about types of warranties, and I am very serious about what I'm trying to impart here. All warranties are "Limited Warranties", and contain stipulations the owner must adhere to. The owner must maintain the roof system in a reasonable manner, and report any leaks within a 24-48 hour time frame, which is both reasonable and fair.

I'm sure a few people said NO to my limited warranty statement, and said "what about No Dollar Limit warranties"? Here is something I regard as gospel: NEVER install, or specify, a roof system that does not have a "No Dollar Limit" warranty, commonly referred to as an "NDL". It means the owner will not be out of pocket for roof repairs or replacement throughout the term of the warranty. PLEASE digest that. However, by definition, it is a "Limited Warranty".

The owner is not served by entry level (15 yr.) warranties. There is great VALUE in choosing a mid level roof system, and achieving a 20 year warranty. The upgrade allows the owner to keep many thousands of dollars in the bank for an additional 5 years. That can be a very significant sum of money, for a slight up front cost. NDL warranties are not prorated.

"NDL" warranties are offered by all major manufacturers, and in many cases are backed by surety's, or bonding companies. Top notch manufacturers like GAF, Firestone, Carlisle, DOW, Sarnafil, etc. have the financial resources to back up vast numbers of applications. I encourage you to take a moment to research the financial status, before enlisting a specialty, or "boutique" material manufacturer for obvious reasons.

The firms I mentioned above are representative, not exclusive, as there are many other firms too numerous to list in this space. Johns Manville is a fine company, and on it goes. I don't normally like to share personal observations, but I do not install roof systems that are not readily available from LOCAL SUPPLY HOUSES. This is important should you run short on material, and are holding up a job.

Tomorrow, I will discuss the relationship between all parties when installing a roof (architect, consultant, permit jurisdiction, etc.) and how it may apply to your specific project. It is critical all parties work in concert, and while that doesn't always happen, I can help reduce the grief.

I would like to introduce two dear friends of mine who are outstanding core individuals, and am proud to be associated with.

Mr. Laurence (Larry) P. Dickie, AIA, CP - Principal Consultant - Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.
http://www.rimkus.com/ Tampa, Florida.

Larry and I have worked together for many years, and I've found him to be exceptionally skilled, and more importantly, a man of his word. Larry's handshake is as good as any contract as far as I'm concerned.

Ms. Janet C. (for Coral) Campbell, an extremely capable architect located in San Francisco, Calif. I enjoy an outrageous rapport with Janet, and we have open conversations on many topics. Janet is probably the top crusader in this country as it pertains to consumer fraud being perpetrated by unscrupulous roofing material manufacturers, and I'm proud of her. Very proud.
Please be enlightened by what she has to say, and ILLUSTRATE. It will arm you, and make you ask why? Hopefully, you will be motivated to ask your school district if they are involved in these practices. Find Janet at:

http//schoolroofingscam.blogspot.com/

Or, you can just type in Roofing Scam Targeting Schools, and you will be astonished.

I am overwhelmed by the many people who care what I have to say, and will do my very best to offer accurate, and useable information, to make your roofing experience more palatable.

How dry do you want to be today?

Keep looking "UP" my friends.

Respectfully,
Robert R. "Ron" Solomon