Introduction: Two Types of Warranties

Every strata roof comes with two warranties: the contractor's workmanship warranty and the manufacturer's material warranty. Understanding both is critical for protecting your investment.

WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY

What Is It?

Coverage:

• Installation defects: Improper nailing, flashing errors, ventilation issues
• Leaks from workmanship: Water infiltration due to installation errors
• Material defects we should have caught: Damaged shingles installed

Typical Terms:

• Standard: 5-10 years
• Premium contractors: 10-15 years
• What we offer: 10 years workmanship warranty

What's Covered

Installation Errors:

• Improper nailing: Too few nails, nails in wrong location
• Flashing failures: Improperly installed valley flashing, step flashing
• Ventilation issues: Inadequate ventilation causing premature failure
• Ice & water shield gaps: Missing coverage in critical areas

Leaks:

• Any leak caused by installation error
• We repair leak and any interior damage caused
• No cost to strata

What's NOT Covered

Exclusions:

• Acts of God: Hurricane, tornado, earthquake
• Owner modifications: Satellite dish installation, skylight added later
• Lack of maintenance: Moss buildup, clogged gutters
• Normal wear: Gradual granule loss over time
• Structural failure: Building settling, deck failure (not our work)

MATERIAL WARRANTY

Manufacturer's Warranty

What It Covers:

• Manufacturing defects: Shingles that fail prematurely due to defect
• Granule loss: Excessive granule loss (beyond normal)
• Cracking/splitting: Due to material defect (not installation)

Typical Terms:

• Architectural shingles: 30-50 year "limited" warranty
• Premium shingles: "Lifetime" warranty (50+ years)
• Metal roofing: 30-50 year paint warranty, 50+ year substrate

Understanding "Limited" Warranties

The Fine Print:

• Prorated coverage: Full replacement first 10-15 years, then prorated
• Example: 50-year warranty
  • Years 1-10: 100% coverage (free replacement)
  • Years 11-50: Prorated (you pay percentage based on age)
  • Year 25 failure: You pay 50% of replacement cost

What "Lifetime" Means:

• Not actually lifetime (50-60 years typical)
• Non-transferable (only covers original owner)
• Still prorated after initial period

Material Warranty Exclusions

What's NOT Covered:

• Installation errors: That's workmanship warranty
• Algae/moss growth: Cosmetic, not defect
• Color fading: Normal weathering (unless excessive)
• Wind damage: Unless shingles rated for that wind speed
• Hail damage: Unless impact-resistant shingles

STRATA-SPECIFIC WARRANTY ISSUES

Transferability

Workmanship Warranty:

• Transfers automatically: Warranty stays with building, not owner
• Strata corporation is warranty holder: Not individual owners
• Remains valid: Even if units sell

Material Warranty:

• May not transfer: Check manufacturer terms
• Some require registration: Within 60 days of installation
• Strata should register: To ensure coverage

Who Files Claims?

Workmanship Claims:

• Strata council contacts contractor directly
• We inspect and repair at no cost
• Simple process

Material Claims:

• More complex process
• Strata contacts contractor first
• We determine if it's workmanship or material issue
• If material defect, we help file claim with manufacturer
• Manufacturer may send inspector
• Can take 2-6 months

WARRANTY DOCUMENTATION

What You Should Receive

From Contractor:

• Written workmanship warranty (signed)
• Contact information for warranty claims
• Copy of final invoice (proof of work)

From Manufacturer:

• Warranty certificate (if registered)
• Warranty terms and conditions
• Claim filing instructions

Where to Store Warranties

Strata Records:

• Keep in strata corporation files
• Include in building maintenance records
• Provide copy to property manager
• Note warranty expiration in Depreciation Report

COMMON WARRANTY CLAIMS

Workmanship Claims We See

1. Flashing Leaks (Most Common):

• Cause: Improper valley flashing, step flashing gaps
• Timeline: Usually within first 1-2 years
• Resolution: We repair flashing at no cost

2. Wind Damage:

• Cause: Insufficient nailing, poor adhesive seal
• Timeline: First major windstorm
• Resolution: We replace blown-off shingles

3. Ice Dam Damage:

• Cause: Inadequate ice & water shield, poor ventilation
• Timeline: First winter
• Resolution: We extend ice shield, improve ventilation

Material Claims We See

1. Premature Granule Loss:

• Cause: Manufacturing defect
• Timeline: 5-10 years (earlier than normal)
• Resolution: Manufacturer replaces shingles (prorated)

2. Cracking/Splitting:

• Cause: Material defect (not thermal cycling)
• Timeline: 10-20 years
• Resolution: Manufacturer replaces affected shingles

MAXIMIZING WARRANTY VALUE

Register Material Warranties

Why It Matters:

• Some manufacturers require registration for full coverage
• Unregistered warranties may be limited
• Registration deadline: Usually 60 days from installation

How to Register:

• Contractor should provide registration form
• Strata council completes and submits
• Keep confirmation for records

Maintain Your Roof

Warranty Requirements:

• Most warranties require "reasonable maintenance"
• Failure to maintain can void warranty

Required Maintenance:

• Annual inspection: Check for damage, debris
• Moss removal: Every 2-3 years (or as needed)
• Gutter cleaning: Twice per year
• Trim overhanging branches: Prevent damage

Document Everything

Keep Records Of:

• Annual inspection reports
• Maintenance performed (moss removal, repairs)
• Photos of roof condition over time
• Any warranty claims filed

Why It Matters:

• Proves you maintained roof (if warranty claim denied)
• Helps future councils understand roof history
• Useful for Depreciation Report updates

The Bottom Line

Warranties protect your investment, but only if you understand what's covered and maintain proper documentation. Register material warranties, perform required maintenance, and keep good records.

At RJ Roofing Bros, we provide clear 10-year workmanship warranties and help stratas register manufacturer warranties. We stand behind our work and respond quickly to any warranty claims. We also provide annual inspection services to help you maintain warranty coverage.

Questions about warranties? Call (604) 997-1292