Why warranties matter to a board
For an HOA board, a roof warranty is part of the paperwork the community will rely on years from now. Board members change, property managers change, and the people who signed the contract may be long gone when a question comes up. The board’s job is to know what each warranty covers, who stands behind it, and where the documents are kept.
The word “warranty” gets used loosely in roofing. A roof usually comes with more than one, and each covers something different.
Material warranty (manufacturer)
The material warranty comes from the shingle or membrane manufacturer. It covers defects in the product itself, such as shingles that crack, curl or lose granules because of a manufacturing problem. It does not cover installation mistakes.
Terms vary by product, and some material warranties are prorated, meaning the coverage decreases over time. Ask for the specific warranty document for the product on your bid, not a brochure summary.
Workmanship warranty (contractor)
The workmanship warranty comes from the roofing contractor and covers how the roof was installed: flashing, fastening, underlayment and penetrations. If a valley leaks because it was not flashed correctly, this is the warranty that applies.
On residential roofs, the Blue Peaks workmanship warranty is 5 years. For community and commercial projects, the workmanship terms are written into the contract, so the board knows exactly what is covered before anyone signs.
A workmanship warranty is only as good as the contractor behind it, so check a contractor’s local history and reputation along with the warranty itself.
System warranties on commercial low-slope roofs
On some commercial low-slope roofs, a manufacturer can issue a system warranty that covers both the materials and the installation. To offer one, the contractor has to be certified by that manufacturer, and the manufacturer inspects the finished roof before it issues the warranty.
Blue Peaks is certified with Elevate and GenFlex. Terms vary by manufacturer and system, so we walk the board through which options fit the building and what the manufacturer requires.
What warranties usually don’t cover
- Storm damage: hail, high winds, lightning and similar events are generally excluded.
- Foot traffic and other trades: damage from HVAC techs, painters, satellite installers or anyone else working on the roof.
- Neglect: problems caused by clogged drains, gutters or debris left in place.
- Unapproved alterations: new penetrations, solar panels or dishes added without the installer or manufacturer’s approval.
Protecting your coverage
- Registration proof at closeout: ask the contractor for proof that the manufacturer warranty was registered.
- Documented inspections: keep dated photos and notes from regular roof inspections.
- A roof-access log: record who goes on the roof and why, so damage from other trades can be traced.
- Prompt leak reporting: report leaks as soon as they are found.
Comparing bids
When the board compares reroof bids, look past the bottom-line price. Ask each contractor for the material, workmanship and any system warranty terms in writing, and compare them line by line: who issues each warranty, what it covers, what it excludes and how long it runs.
“Clarity builds confidence. Confidence builds trust.”
Property managers can learn more about our roofing services for HOAs and property managers.
What working with us looks like: We inspect every building for free and attend board and town hall meetings to answer questions. During the work, a dedicated project manager keeps the board and property manager updated every day, and each building ends with a magnetic nail sweep and a walkthrough. Call (303) 808-0687 or schedule a free inspection.