A commercial roof warranty is one of the most important layers of protection for property owners investing in new roofing systems. Whether you manage an office building, warehouse, or retail space, understanding your warranty coverage ensures you know exactly what’s protected—and what isn’t—when the unexpected happens.
- Peace of mind: Warranties safeguard your investment against material defects and installation errors.
- Long-term value: Coverage helps reduce future repair costs and ensures consistent performance.
- Credibility: Working with certified roofing contractors guarantees that warranties are valid and properly registered.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of commercial roof warranties, what they typically cover, what exclusions to watch for, and why Johnson Restoration’s certified GAF warranties and in-house guarantees stand above the rest in Kettering and surrounding areas.
The Purpose of a Commercial Roof Warranty
A commercial roof warranty is designed to protect your roofing system against premature failure due to material defects, workmanship errors, or installation issues. For business owners, this coverage is critical—commercial roofs represent a major investment, and unexpected damage can lead to costly disruptions.
- Risk reduction: Warranties ensure you’re not paying out of pocket for covered problems.
- Longevity assurance: Manufacturers and contractors back their products and workmanship for years.
- Professional accountability: Only certified roofing companies can issue premium warranties that meet strict installation standards.
Simply put, a commercial roof warranty gives business owners confidence that their roofing system will perform as promised.
Types of Commercial Roof Warranties
Not all warranties are created equal. Commercial roof warranties generally fall into three main categories—each offering different levels of coverage and responsibility.
- Manufacturer’s Material Warranty: Covers defects in roofing materials, such as membranes, coatings, or shingles. These warranties typically range from 10 to 30 years.
- Workmanship or Labor Warranty: Offered by the roofing contractor to cover installation errors. Duration can vary from one year to a decade or more depending on the company.
- System Warranty: Combines material and labor protection, ensuring the entire roofing system—including flashings, adhesives, and accessories—is covered under one agreement.
At Johnson Restoration, we proudly offer all levels of GAF commercial warranties, including System Plus, Silver Pledge, and Golden Pledge—exclusive to Master Elite contractors. Each tier provides greater protection and longer coverage, giving business owners complete confidence in their roof investment.
GAF Commercial Warranty Options
As a GAF-certified Master Elite contractor, Johnson Restoration offers the highest-quality commercial roof warranties available. Here’s a breakdown of the options:
- System Plus Warranty: Provides strong coverage against manufacturing defects on all GAF roofing components and includes limited labor coverage for material replacement.
- Silver Pledge Warranty: Expands protection with up to 25 years of workmanship coverage and additional leak protection.
- Golden Pledge Warranty: The industry’s gold standard, offering up to 30 years of workmanship coverage and complete system protection—available only through certified Master Elite contractors.
These warranties not only safeguard materials but also ensure that your roof was installed to exacting manufacturer standards.
Johnson Restoration’s In-House Workmanship Guarantee
In addition to offering premium GAF warranties, Johnson Restoration stands behind every installation with our own in-house guarantees.
- Five-year workmanship warranty: Covers all full replacements for roofing, siding, windows, and gutters.
- Manufacturer limited warranties: Provided for all other products used during your project.
- One-year repair warranty: Even small-scale repair jobs receive protection for added peace of mind.
This layered approach means your property is protected by both top manufacturer coverage and Johnson Restoration’s own commitment to quality craftsmanship and reliability.
7 Things Typically Covered by a Commercial Roof Warranty
Commercial warranties vary by manufacturer and contractor, but most include coverage for the following:
- Material defects – Protection against premature deterioration or manufacturing flaws in roofing components.
- Workmanship errors – Coverage for installation mistakes when performed by certified roofing contractors.
- Leaks due to faulty materials – Repairs for leaks caused by defective roofing membranes or flashing.
- Wind uplift protection – Some warranties cover wind damage up to specific speeds when installed to spec.
- Full system coverage – In higher-tier warranties, the entire roofing system (not just the membrane) is protected.
- Transferability – Many warranties can be transferred to new building owners, adding resale value.
- No-cost repairs within term – Covered issues are resolved without additional cost during the warranty period.
Understanding your warranty’s specific coverage details ensures you can act quickly and effectively if issues arise.
Common Exclusions in Commercial Roof Warranties
While warranties are designed to offer peace of mind, there are always limitations. Knowing what’s not covered helps you plan proper maintenance and avoid voiding your coverage.
- Neglect or lack of maintenance: Regular inspections and cleaning are required to keep coverage valid.
- Improper repairs: Using unapproved contractors or materials can void your warranty.
- Acts of nature: Major storm damage, hail, or tornado events often fall under insurance—not warranty—claims.
- Foot traffic or equipment damage: Warranties don’t cover punctures caused by heavy equipment or personnel.
- Building movement: Structural shifts or foundation settling can lead to roof cracks not covered under warranty.
- Unauthorized modifications: Adding penetrations or HVAC units without proper sealing voids coverage.
Commercial property owners should keep a maintenance log and partner with a trusted roofing company to ensure all service records remain compliant with warranty requirements.
Why Working With Certified Roofing Contractors Matters
Not every roofing company can issue or maintain high-level manufacturer warranties. Certified contractors, like Johnson Restoration, meet strict training and performance standards set by manufacturers like GAF.
- Quality installation: Certified contractors follow manufacturer-approved installation methods.
- Warranty validation: Only authorized companies can register extended warranties.
- Fewer warranty disputes: Workmanship and material quality meet or exceed warranty guidelines.
- Long-term reliability: Certification ensures your commercial roof performs exactly as designed.
Partnering with certified professionals ensures your roof warranty is honored for its full term.
Maintaining Your Commercial Roof Warranty
Even the best commercial roof warranty requires proper upkeep to stay valid. Follow these best practices to protect your coverage:
- Schedule regular inspections: Have your roof inspected at least twice a year and after major storms.
- Keep records: Maintain detailed documentation of inspections, maintenance, and repairs.
- Address minor issues quickly: Small leaks or flashing problems can escalate if ignored.
- Avoid unauthorized work: Only allow certified roofing contractors to perform maintenance or repairs.
- Clean debris and drains: Keep the roof surface and drainage systems clear to prevent ponding water.
Regular maintenance not only keeps your warranty intact but also extends the life of your roofing system.
Commercial Roofing Protection You Can Trust
A commercial roof warranty is more than paperwork—it’s a promise of performance, protection, and professionalism. For business owners in Kettering and surrounding areas, Johnson Restoration delivers that promise with certified expertise and dependable service.
As a GAF Master Elite contractor, we offer System Plus, Silver Pledge, and Golden Pledge warranties that provide the highest levels of coverage available. Combined with our five-year in-house workmanship guarantee and one-year repair warranty, we give commercial clients complete confidence in their roofing investment.
Whether you need a new roofing system, warranty assistance, or ongoing maintenance for your commercial property, Johnson Restoration is here to help. Contact our team today to discuss your options and secure the peace of mind that comes with working with certified roofing professionals.
