A commercial roof is one of the most significant investments a facility manager oversees — and protecting that investment means understanding the warranty that comes with it. Roof warranties can provide decades of coverage and peace of mind, but only if you know what’s covered, what’s not, and what can void them.
At Rhino Roofers, we’ve worked with hundreds of property managers across San Antonio and Central Texas who discovered too late that their warranties didn’t offer the protection they thought. In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of commercial roof warranties, including coverage types, compliance tips, and best practices for maintaining valid protection throughout your roof’s lifespan.
Why Roof Warranties Matter
A roof warranty isn’t just a piece of paper — it’s a financial safeguard. It can mean the difference between a minor repair and a major unplanned expense.
Commercial roof systems are exposed to intense Texas heat, wind, rain, and hail. Even with top-quality materials, weather and wear can cause damage over time. A valid warranty ensures that when these issues arise, repairs or replacements are covered under specific terms, protecting your maintenance budget and your building’s integrity.
However, not all warranties offer the same level of protection. Knowing the difference between them — and how to stay compliant — is critical.
The Three Main Types of Roof Warranties
1. Manufacturer’s Material Warranty
This warranty covers defects in roofing materials. It ensures that shingles, membranes, or panels were manufactured correctly and free of flaws that might cause premature failure.
Typical coverage:
- Duration: 10–50 years depending on product type.
- Scope: Repair or replacement of defective materials only.
- Exclusions: Improper installation, neglect, or environmental damage.
Example: If a TPO membrane prematurely cracks due to a production defect, the manufacturer pays for replacement material — but not for labor unless it’s a higher-tier warranty.
2. Manufacturer’s System Warranty
A step up from the basic material warranty, a system warranty covers both materials and certain aspects of installation, provided the roof was installed by a certified contractor like Rhino Roofers.
Typical coverage:
- Duration: 15–30 years.
- Scope: Materials, labor, and workmanship defects when installed to manufacturer standards.
- Exclusions: Damage caused by neglect, ponding water, or unapproved repairs.
Example: If the roofing membrane fails due to improper seam welding during installation, both the labor and material may be covered under this type of warranty.
3. Contractor’s Workmanship Warranty
This warranty is issued directly by the installer — in this case, Rhino Roofers — and guarantees the quality of the installation itself. It’s often the first line of defense against leaks, flashing issues, or workmanship-related defects.
Typical coverage:
- Duration: 5–10 years (Rhino Roofers offers lifetime workmanship warranties).
- Scope: Covers installation errors or poor workmanship.
- Exclusions: Acts of nature, material defects, or subsequent contractor alterations.
Example: If a flashing detail fails due to improper sealing, Rhino Roofers would repair it at no cost under the workmanship warranty.
What Warranties Don’t Cover
Even the best warranty has limits. Understanding exclusions is crucial to avoid surprises when filing a claim. Common exclusions include:
- Storm damage: Hail, wind, or debris impact typically falls under insurance, not warranty coverage.
- Improper maintenance: Failure to perform regular inspections or maintenance can void coverage.
- Unauthorized repairs: Only certified contractors should service your roof under warranty.
- Alterations to the roof: Adding new penetrations (like HVAC units) without approval can void the warranty.
- Standing water: Ponding due to poor drainage is often excluded unless addressed during installation.
Pro tip: Always review your warranty’s fine print and confirm responsibilities between the manufacturer, installer, and building owner.
How to Keep Your Roof Warranty Valid
A warranty is only as good as your compliance with its terms. Here’s how facility managers can maintain continuous coverage and avoid costly voids.
1. Schedule Regular Inspections
Most manufacturers require at least one professional inspection per year — some specify every six months. Rhino Roofers recommends biannual inspections in spring and fall to identify issues early and document roof condition.
2. Maintain Detailed Documentation
Keep a warranty file that includes:
- Original warranty certificates.
- Contractor information and certifications.
- Inspection reports with photos and videos.
- Records of any maintenance, coating applications, or repairs.
- Weather event reports and insurance correspondence.
This documentation is invaluable if you ever need to submit a claim — and it proves compliance with warranty terms.
3. Use Certified Contractors Only
If your warranty specifies approved installers or repair technicians, never use unqualified contractors. Non-certified work is one of the fastest ways to void coverage. Rhino Roofers is certified by major manufacturers, including Owens Corning and Malarkey, ensuring all work meets warranty standards.
4. Address Issues Promptly
Don’t delay repairs. Even a minor leak can expand and cause secondary damage not covered under warranty. Most warranties require that issues be reported within 30 days of discovery to remain valid.
5. Keep Drainage and Debris in Check
Ponding water and debris buildup can lead to structural damage and warranty denial. Schedule quarterly cleanings and inspections to confirm proper drainage and prevent standing water.
Example of a Compliant Maintenance Schedule
| Frequency | Task | Purpose |
| Monthly | Visual check after storms | Catch damage early |
| Quarterly | Clean drains, gutters, and remove debris | Maintain drainage |
| Biannually | Full professional inspection | Meet warranty requirements |
| As Needed | Prompt repairs and photo documentation | Maintain coverage integrity |
This schedule not only extends your roof’s life but ensures your warranty remains active and enforceable.
Common Mistakes That Void Roof Warranties
Facility managers often unintentionally void their warranties by:
- Installing rooftop units or solar panels without notifying the manufacturer.
- Failing to log maintenance visits or losing documentation.
- Using sealants or coatings not approved for their specific roof type.
- Ignoring drainage or ventilation problems.
Before any change to your roof, consult with your roofing contractor to verify warranty compliance. Rhino Roofers regularly assists facility teams in reviewing warranty terms and maintaining documentation for long-term protection.
Why Facility Managers Trust Rhino Roofers
Managing multiple buildings or large commercial facilities requires dependable partners. Rhino Roofers provides end-to-end warranty support to help you maintain coverage while maximizing roof performance.
Our approach includes:
- Certified warranty installations: Fully compliant with manufacturer standards.
- 37-point inspection protocol: Documents every detail for warranty compliance.
- Transparent reporting: Photos, videos, and written findings for your records.
- Lifetime workmanship warranties: Ensuring total confidence in our craftsmanship.
- Warranty claim assistance: We help file and manage warranty-related service calls.
With Rhino Roofers, you get more than a contractor — you get a long-term roofing partner committed to protecting your assets.
Protect Your Investment with Rhino Roofers
Your roof warranty is only valuable if you know how to maintain it. Don’t risk losing coverage due to overlooked details or missed inspections.
Schedule your free 37-point commercial roof inspection today, and let Rhino Roofers help you verify your warranty status, document compliance, and keep your building fully protected.Visit rhinoroofers.com or call our San Antonio office to get started.