Complete Guide to Commercial Roof Warranties in NJ & NY (2025)
Keywords: commercial roof warranty, NDL warranty, roofing warranty nj, roof warranty ny, tpo warranty, epdm warranty, manufacturer warranty roofing, workmanship warranty roof Published: 2025-01-15
A commercial roof is one of the largest capital investments you'll make as a property owner. But here's what many building owners don't realize: the warranty protecting that investment can be just as important as the roof itself.
At Genc Construction LLC, we've seen too many property owners in New Jersey and New York discover—after a leak—that their warranty doesn't cover what they thought it did. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about commercial roofing warranties in 2025, so you can make informed decisions and protect your investment for decades.
The Three Types of Commercial Roof Warranties
Not all roofing warranties are created equal. Understanding the differences can save you tens of thousands of dollars when problems arise.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Warranty Type | What's Covered | Who Backs It | Typical Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| NDL (No Dollar Limit) | Materials + Labor + Consequential Damages | Manufacturer | 10-30 Years | Maximum protection |
| Material-Only | Defective materials only | Manufacturer | 10-20 Years | Budget-conscious owners |
| Workmanship | Installation errors | Contractor | 2-10 Years | Supplement to material warranty |
Why This Matters in NJ & NY
The Northeast's extreme weather—from summer heat waves in Manhattan to heavy snow loads in Bergen County—puts tremendous stress on commercial roofs. A comprehensive warranty isn't a luxury; it's a necessity.
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NDL Warranties: The Gold Standard
NDL (No Dollar Limit) warranties are the most comprehensive protection available for commercial roofs. Here's why sophisticated property owners and facility managers demand them.What NDL Warranties Cover
NDL Warranty Requirements
To qualify for an NDL warranty, manufacturers typically require:
- Certified Contractor — Installation by a manufacturer-authorized contractor (like Genc Construction)
- Pre-Installation Inspection — Manufacturer representative inspects the deck before installation
- Post-Installation Inspection — Final sign-off after completion
- Approved System Design — All components must be from the same manufacturer
- Minimum Thickness — Usually 60 mil or greater for single-ply systems
- Enhanced Attachment — Fully adhered systems often required over mechanical attachment
NDL Warranty Duration by Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | TPO NDL | EPDM NDL | PVC NDL | Special Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Carlisle SynTec | Up to 30 Years | Up to 30 Years | Up to 30 Years | Platinum 30 Year |
| Firestone | Up to 25 Years | Up to 30 Years | Up to 25 Years | Red Shield |
| GAF | Up to 25 Years | Up to 25 Years | Up to 25 Years | Golden Pledge |
| Johns Manville | Up to 25 Years | Up to 25 Years | Up to 25 Years | Peak Advantage |
| Versico | Up to 25 Years | Up to 25 Years | Up to 25 Years | VersiWeld |
Cost of NDL Warranties
NDL warranties add $0.25 to $1.50 per square foot to your project cost, depending on:
- Warranty length (10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years)
- Wind speed rating
- Consequential damage inclusion
- Building size and complexity
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Material-Only Warranties Explained
Material-only warranties are the standard warranties that come with most roofing products. They're better than nothing, but have significant limitations.
What Material-Only Warranties Cover
- Manufacturing defects in membranes
- Defective seam tape or adhesives
- Material degradation beyond normal weathering
What Material-Only Warranties DON'T Cover
- Labor costs — You pay for the contractor to make repairs
- Consequential damages — Water damage to your building interior
- Installation errors — Even if the material fails due to improper installation
- Normal wear and tear — Most issues fall into this category
- Ponding water damage — Usually excluded
The Hidden Cost of Material-Only Warranties
Consider this scenario for a 15,000 sq. ft. commercial roof in Jersey City:
| Expense | Material-Only Warranty | NDL Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Defective membrane section | $0 (covered) | $0 (covered) |
| Labor to remove/replace | $4,500 (you pay) | $0 (covered) |
| Interior water damage repairs | $12,000 (you pay) | $0 (covered) |
| Business interruption | $8,000 (you pay) | Possibly covered |
| Total Out-of-Pocket | $24,500 | $0 |
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Workmanship Warranties from Contractors
Your contractor's workmanship warranty covers installation errors—something manufacturer warranties explicitly exclude.
What to Look For
| Factor | Minimum Acceptable | Ideal |
|---|---|---|
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Duration | 2 Years | 5-10 Years |
| Transferability | Yes | Yes, with notice |
| Contractor Insurance | $1M General Liability | $2M+ with Umbrella |
| Contractor Longevity | 5+ Years in Business | 10+ Years |
| Written Documentation | Yes | Yes, notarized |
Red Flags to Avoid
- Verbal-only warranty promises
- Contractors unwilling to put terms in writing
- Warranties that require you to use the same contractor for all maintenance
- Excessive exclusions for "normal wear and tear"
- No clear claims process
Genc Construction Workmanship Warranty
At Genc Construction, we provide a 10-year workmanship warranty on all complete roof installations. This covers:
- Installation errors
- Flashing failures
- Seam separations due to workmanship
- Penetration sealing issues
- Drainage system installation
Our warranty is transferable to new building owners and backed by over 30 years of continuous operation in New Jersey.
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Warranty Coverage by Roofing Material
Different roofing materials come with different warranty options and limitations.
TPO Roofing Warranties
Typical Coverage:- Material-only: 15-20 years
- NDL available: 10-30 years
- Most manufacturers: Carlisle, Firestone, GAF, Johns Manville
- White TPO must meet ENERGY STAR reflectivity standards
- Membrane thickness affects warranty length (60 mil vs. 80 mil)
- Seam strength warranties vary by manufacturer
EPDM Roofing Warranties
Typical Coverage:- Material-only: 20-30 years
- NDL available: 15-30 years
- Most common: Firestone RubberGard, Carlisle EPDM
- Black vs. white EPDM may have different terms
- Fully adhered systems get longer warranties than ballasted
- Seam warranties are critical (adhesive vs. tape)
PVC Roofing Warranties
Typical Coverage:- Material-only: 15-25 years
- NDL available: 15-30 years
- Top manufacturers: Sika Sarnafil, Duro-Last, IB Roof
- Chemical resistance claims vary by manufacturer
- Heat-welded seams vs. adhesive affects coverage
- Some manufacturers offer lifetime seam warranties
Metal Roofing Warranties
Typical Coverage:- Paint/finish warranty: 20-40 years
- Substrate warranty: 20-50 years
- Weathertightness: 10-20 years
- Standing seam vs. exposed fastener systems
- Galvalume vs. painted finishes
- Coastal installations may have reduced terms
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What Voids Your Commercial Roof Warranty
Understanding warranty exclusions is just as important as understanding coverage. Here are the most common ways building owners accidentally void their warranties.
1. Unauthorized Modifications
What Voids Coverage:- Adding HVAC units without manufacturer approval
- Installing satellite dishes or solar panels improperly
- Cutting penetrations without proper flashing
- Always notify your roofing contractor before any roof modifications
- Require HVAC contractors to provide manufacturer-approved details
- Document all changes with photos and written approval
2. Improper Maintenance
What Voids Coverage:- Failure to keep drains clear
- Allowing debris accumulation
- Not addressing ponding water (if maintenance is required)
- Missing required annual inspections
- Schedule semi-annual roof inspections
- Keep detailed maintenance logs
- Clear drains quarterly (more often in fall)
- Address ponding water within manufacturer guidelines
3. Unauthorized Repairs
What Voids Coverage:- Using incompatible materials for patches
- Having unlicensed contractors perform repairs
- Using manufacturer-unapproved adhesives or sealants
- Only use the original installing contractor or manufacturer-authorized contractors
- Verify repair materials are approved for your system
- Document all repairs with photos and invoices
4. Acts of God and Exclusions
Commonly Excluded:- Hurricane-force winds (above rated wind speed)
- Hail damage (sometimes excluded, sometimes covered)
- Foot traffic damage
- Chemical exposure (unless PVC rated for it)
- Biological growth (algae, mold, moss)
5. Failure to Register the Warranty
Many building owners don't realize their warranty isn't active until registered with the manufacturer. Registration typically must occur within 30-90 days of project completion.
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How to File a Warranty Claim
When problems arise, following the correct process is essential for successful claims.
Step-by-Step Claims Process
Step 1: Document the Issue- Take photos and videos of the problem
- Note the date you discovered it
- Document any interior damage
- Confirm the issue appears to be covered
- Check if you're within the warranty period
- Verify maintenance requirements were met
- For workmanship issues: Contact your installing contractor first
- For material defects: Contact the manufacturer
- For NDL claims: Contact the manufacturer directly
- Most manufacturers have online claim portals
- Include: warranty certificate number, photos, installation date, description of issue
- Keep copies of all correspondence
- Manufacturer may send a representative
- Provide access and any requested documentation
- Don't make repairs before inspection (unless emergency)
- Approved claims typically resolved within 30-60 days
- Manufacturer coordinates with authorized contractors
- You may need to pay deductible (NDL) or labor (material-only)
Claims Tips from Our Experience
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Questions to Ask Before Signing
Before signing a roofing contract, ask these critical warranty questions:
About the Manufacturer Warranty
About the Contractor Warranty
About Registration and Documentation
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Genc Construction Warranty Programs
At Genc Construction LLC, we offer some of the most comprehensive warranty packages available in New Jersey and New York.
Our Standard Warranty Package
Every complete roof installation includes:
- 10-Year Workmanship Warranty — Covers all installation-related issues
- Manufacturer Material Warranty — Minimum 15 years
- Free 1-Year Inspection — Complimentary inspection 12 months after installation
- Detailed Documentation — Complete project file with warranty certificates
Premium Warranty Upgrades
We're certified installers for all major manufacturers, allowing us to offer:
- 20-Year NDL Warranties — Most popular choice
- 25-Year NDL Warranties — Excellent long-term value
- 30-Year NDL Warranties — Maximum protection available
Why Choose a Certified Contractor
As a certified installer for Carlisle, Firestone, GAF, and Johns Manville, we can offer:
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Protect Your Investment Today
A commercial roof warranty is only as good as the contractor who installs it and the manufacturer who backs it. At Genc Construction, we've been protecting commercial properties across New Jersey and New York since 1993.
Get a Free Warranty Consultation
Not sure what warranty level is right for your building? Contact us for a free consultation:
- Phone: (201) 580-8255 — Available 24/7
- Email: info@genc-construction.com
- Online: Request a Free Estimate
We'll evaluate your building, discuss your risk tolerance, and recommend the warranty package that makes the most sense for your situation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a commercial roof warranty be?
For most commercial buildings in NJ and NY, we recommend a minimum 20-year NDL warranty. The harsh Northeast weather and significant investment justify the additional cost for comprehensive, long-term protection.
Are roof warranties transferable when I sell my building?
Most manufacturer warranties are transferable with proper notification. Workmanship warranties vary by contractor—ours are fully transferable. A transferable warranty adds value when selling your property.
What's the difference between prorated and non-prorated warranties?
Non-prorated warranties provide full coverage for the entire term. Prorated warranties reduce coverage over time—a 20-year prorated warranty might only cover 50% of costs in year 15. Always choose non-prorated when available.
Do I need to perform maintenance to keep my warranty valid?
Yes. Most warranties require reasonable maintenance: clearing drains, removing debris, addressing damage promptly, and sometimes annual inspections. Failure to maintain your roof is the most common reason claims are denied.
What if my roofing contractor goes out of business?
This is why manufacturer warranties are so important. If your contractor closes, their workmanship warranty is worthless. An NDL warranty from a major manufacturer remains valid regardless of contractor status.
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*This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or contractual advice. Specific warranty terms vary by manufacturer, project, and location. Contact Genc Construction for warranty options specific to your project.*
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