Last week, we discussed commercial roof warranty coverage: what’s included and, perhaps more importantly, what’s not. Today, in part two of the series, we’ll take a look at things from the landlord and property owner perspectives and outline their obligations in protecting their warranty coverages.
Commercial roof warranties feature specific terms, conditions, and maintenance obligations that owners must follow over the roof’s lifespan in order to qualify for coverage. Protecting a commercial roof requires consistent and active oversight, not passive or intermittent attention. It’s not uncommon for a commercial roof warranty to become partially or fully voided due to preventable issues ranging from delayed leak reporting and unauthorized rooftop work to lack of maintenance documentation and tenant damage.
While commercial roof warranties are invaluable in protecting your investment, you have to do your part to follow the requirements. Here’s a look at those requirements and key responsibilities you should take seriously to preserve long-term protection.
Failure to Report Leaks on Time
Most commercial roof warranties require timely reporting of leaks and visible damage. Usually, this window is up to 30 days from occurrence, depending on the specific warranty terms. Failure to report issues within this timeframe may result in a denied claim or loss of coverage for related damage.
Poor Drainage and Standing Water
Any quality commercial roofing system will be designed with proper drainage in mind. In fact, water should drain off the surface within 72 hours after rainfall in normal conditions. After that, if pooling or standing water is still detected, this could signal improper slope, clogged drains, or a failing drainage system. In addition:
- Standing water that appears repeatedly across multiple storms or seasons is most likely a maintenance issue rather than normal wear.
- Neglected drainage problems can strain roofing materials, increasing the risk of leaks and material deterioration.
- Many warranty agreements consider failure to correct chronic ponding water a form of neglect, resulting in partial or complete voiding of coverage.
Unauthorized Roof Work or Modifications
Many landlords and property owners don’t realize it, but commercial roof warranties can often become voided by unapproved work performed by contractors who were not involved in the original roof installation.
In fact, commercial warranties often state that the original roofing contractor must handle all covered repairs to maintain system compatibility and proper installation standards. This includes any new roof penetrations, such as:
- Vents
- HVAC curbs
- Skylights
- Any other openings added after the original install
Warranty claims may also be called into question in the event structural or layout changes were made to the roof system, including construction modifications. Lastly, equipment installations, such as rooftop HVAC units or solar systems, should also be reviewed and approved beforehand to avoid compromising commercial roof warranty coverage.
DIY Repairs or Tenant Damage
Even with the best of intentions, any unapproved DIY repairs or alterations to a commercial roof can put warranty coverage at risk. Only authorized roofers are allowed to perform repairs or modifications to the system.
In addition, many tenants unwittingly take actions that could void commercial roof warranty coverage for their landlords, such as:
- Removing snow from the rooftop using sharp tools that may damage the membrane.
- Installing unapproved rooftop structures such as microfarming operations, greenhouses, terraces, signage, or other features can compromise warranty protection. This is because if there is ever a leak underneath, access will be limited or impossible.
- Using the rooftop terraces as storage for bikes, equipment, and other items.
- Temporary fixes, patching, or sealants applied by unauthorized professionals.
Lack of Routine Maintenance and Documentation
Most commercial roof warranties require ongoing maintenance and regular inspections that catch small issues before they develop into bigger, more costly problems. Another condition of most warranties is prompt attention to repairs, as delaying maintenance is considered to be neglect in many cases.
Landlords and property owners should keep clear records of all maintenance, repairs, inspections, and related contractor work. You will need to provide this if you file a warranty claim, or risk denial.
Small preventable issues are typically also excluded from coverage. These include:
- Drainage concerns (clogged drains or scuppers, etc.)
- Persistent ponding water
- Punctures or surface damage
If ignored, these seemingly minor issues can spiral into major system failures.
Uncontrolled Roof Access
Landlords and property owners should always know who has access to their roof and should put policies in place to restrict and monitor that access. This is often easier said than done, of course, as many tenants go up to the roof without the knowledge of the owner.
Common risks of failing to restrict access include unreported damage, improper modifications, and accidental damage that could lead to warranty compliance issues.
Landlords and property owners should:
- Restrict, control, and monitor access to the roof to prevent unapproved activity that could compromise the roofing system.
- Monitor third-party contractors such as HVAC technicians, solar installers, or telecom providers who access the roof. Their actions, while well-intentioned, could cause penetrations or alter roof components without proper supervision.
- Keep a formal access log that details every person who has accessed the roof, when, and for what purpose.
Tenant Turnover Without Inspection
In the event a tenant moves out, landlords and property owners should schedule a professional roof inspection before returning their deposit. Doing this before tenant changeover is key in ensuring no abandoned equipment or unauthorized installations are left behind.
Best Practices to Protect Commercial Roof Warranty Coverage
From scheduling routine inspections to controlling roof access, there are many responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of landlords and property owners when it comes to commercial roof warranty compliance. Be sure to:
- Schedule routine inspections
- Document all maintenance and repairs
- Work only with authorized contractors
- Address drainage issues promptly
- Report and repair concerning issues immediately
- Control and track roof access
In the end, commercial roof warranty coverage hinges on shared responsibility: manufacturers cover material or workmanship defects, while property owners are responsible for maintaining proper conditions.
The Elite Advantage
Our team understands that a commercial roof warranty isn’t just about the installation; it’s about everything that happens after. We help landlords and property owners stay on top of warranty requirements with proactive inspections, clear maintenance guidance, and trusted repair solutions that comply with strict manufacturer standards. Our goal is to help you protect your investment for years to come while ensuring legitimate repairs are fully covered for greater peace of mind.
Contact Elite Roofing Today
Protect your investment and keep your commercial roof warranty compliant with the help of our experienced roofers in the Greater Toronto Area. Schedule a consultation today.
