When you invest in a commercial flat roof, your warranty is more than a piece of paper—it’s a promise of protection. But that protection comes with conditions, and many building owners unknowingly break them.

 

At Etheridge Roofing, we’ve seen too many clients lose out on warranty coverage simply because of overlooked maintenance, documentation gaps, or hiring the wrong contractor. Here’s what you need to know to keep your roof—and your warranty—fully protected.

 

Mistake #1: Failing to Perform Required Maintenance

The Fine Print Most Owners Miss Most manufacturer warranties require routine inspections and maintenance, typically at least twice a year and after major weather events. If you skip those inspections, even minor issues (like debris around drains or cracked sealant) can escalate—and leave you on the hook for the repairs.

 

Protect It:

• Schedule bi-annual roof inspections (spring and fall are ideal)
• Keep maintenance logs and dated photos
• Save receipts from any service work

 

Mistake #2: Poor or Missing Documentation

 

No Paper Trail = No Protection If you can’t prove you maintained your roof, manufacturers can easily void your warranty claim. Photos, reports, and invoices are key to showing that you’ve met all the terms of your coverage.

 

Common Oversights

• No documented inspection history
• No photos of problem areas or repairs
• No records of who performed service and when

 

Protect It:

• Use a dedicated folder (digital or physical) for all roof-related paperwork
• After each service visit, document before-and-after photos
• Ask your roofing partner (like Etheridge) for an inspection summary

 

Mistake #3: Hiring Non-Certified Contractors

Manufacturer-Specific Installers Only Most commercial roofing systems—like TPO, PVC, or EPDM—require that certified contractors install and maintain them. If a non-certified contractor touches your roof, even for a small patch, it can void the entire warranty.

Example: A tenant’s maintenance team applies a hardware store patch over a puncture in a TPO roof. The patch fails. When the leak spreads, the manufacturer denies the claim because a certified installer wasn’t used.

 

Protect It:

• Always work with a certified commercial roofing contractor
• Ask your roofer to confirm warranty compliance before repairs
• Avoid in-house or general handyman fixes

 

Mistake #4: Unauthorized or Delayed Repairs

A Common Oversight When there’s visible damage—like a leak, wind uplift, or membrane blister—you must report it immediately and follow proper repair channels. Waiting too long or fixing it yourself can disqualify coverage.

 

Why This Happens

• Owners delay repairs to wait for budget approval
• Tenants apply quick-fix solutions
• Building managers don’t realize it’s a reportable warranty issue

 

Protect It:

• Contact Etheridge Roofing for any issue, no matter how small
• We’ll document, report, and handle repairs in line with manufacturer terms
• Keep a communication log for all reported issues

 

Mistake #5: Neglecting Post-Storm or Fire Assessments

Storms and rooftop fires can void warranty coverage if the roof isn’t evaluated right away. Even hidden damage like uplifted seams or compromised insulation may not be covered unless caught early.

 

Protect It:

• Always schedule a post-storm or post-incident inspection
• Document damage before any repairs
• Notify your warranty provider if structural changes were made

 

Why Etheridge Roofing Clients Stay Covered

At Etheridge Roofing, we go beyond the install. As certified installers of major commercial systems, we help you preserve your warranty from day one—with documented maintenance, timely repairs, and expert handling of claims.

 

We’ll keep you compliant, covered, and confident. Because we know that even the strongest roof needs the right paper trail to stand behind it.

 

Final Thought: Don’t Lose Coverage Over a Simple Mistake

Your roof’s warranty could be worth tens of thousands of dollars—but it’s only valid if you protect it. One missed inspection or uncertified repair could leave you exposed.

 

Let Etheridge Roofing help you stay in compliance, extend the life of your roof, and avoid costly denials.