Colorado’s Front Range delivers intense sun, large temperature swings, high winds, heavy snow, and frequent hail. For building owners and property managers in the Denver metro area and up to Cheyenne, a strong roof warranty—paired with the right system and contractor—protects your investment and clarifies responsibilities when issues arise.
This guide explains the types of roofing warranties, key questions to ask before you sign, and how AC INC. Roofing helps you secure dependable coverage for commercial and multi-family properties.
Why warranties matter more on the Front Range
- Hail and wind: The region sees large hail and gusty downslope winds. Ask how hail impact and wind speeds are handled.
- UV and altitude: Intense sunlight accelerates aging of membranes and coatings; warranty terms should reflect material suitability.
- Snow and freeze–thaw: Snow load, drifting, and ice can stress details and create ponding. Clarify exclusions and maintenance obligations.
The main types of roofing warranties
- Manufacturer material (product) warranty
- Covers manufacturing defects in the roofing product itself.
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Often prorated and limited to material replacement; labor is usually excluded.
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Manufacturer system/NDL (no-dollar-limit) warranty
- Offered by many single-ply and modified bitumen manufacturers when the full assembly is installed to spec by qualified contractors.
- Typically covers both labor and materials for qualifying leaks within the term, with required inspections and maintenance.
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Terms commonly range 10–30 years depending on system, attachment, and thickness; read for wind/hail limitations and exclusions.
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Contractor workmanship (labor) warranty
- Backed by the roofing contractor for installation-related issues.
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Length varies (commonly 2–10 years). Verify what’s covered (details, flashings) and response times.
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Roof coating warranties
- Fluid-applied restoration systems may carry 10–20-year terms tied to specified mil thickness, substrate prep, and slope/drainage.
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Ask how ponding water is defined and handled and what substrates are eligible.
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Steep-slope shingle warranties (for commercial or multi-family steep roofs)
- AC INC. Roofing is an Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified contractor, which unlocks Atlas shingle warranties up to 50 years when installed per manufacturer requirements.
- As a GAF Certified contractor, System Plus warranties are available on qualifying GAF shingle systems.
Note: Warranties are contracts with specific terms. Some cover only defects; some cover leak repair; almost all exclude damage from external events like severe hail or windstorms—those are typically insurance matters.
15 questions Colorado businesses should ask
- Who issues the warranty—manufacturer, contractor, or both? Will I receive written documents from each party?
- What is the term length, and is it prorated or non-prorated over time?
- What wind coverage is included, and how is wind speed verified after an event?
- How is hail addressed? Is there a maximum hail size, impact rating requirement, or cosmetic-damage exclusion?
- Does coverage include labor for leak repairs (system/NDL) or just materials (product warranty)?
- Are flashings, edge metal, terminations, skylights, and penetrations fully covered, and for how long?
- How is ponding water defined, and is ponding-related leakage excluded? What slope or drainage requirements apply?
- What maintenance is required to keep the warranty in force (e.g., annual/biannual inspections, debris removal, documentation)?
- Are only authorized contractors permitted to perform repairs? What happens if another trade penetrates the roof?
- Is the warranty transferable if the property is sold or re-financed? Are there fees or inspection requirements to transfer?
- What are the reporting timelines for leaks, and what is the typical response time for warranty service?
- Are code upgrades, deck repairs, wet insulation replacement, and interior damages covered or excluded?
- What installation details or products are mandatory (membrane thickness, insulation attachment patterns, ES-1 edge metal) to qualify for higher-tier coverage?
- For coatings, what mil thickness and prep are required, and how is adhesion verified? Are specific weather windows mandated?
- What documentation (photos, inspection reports, test cuts) will be provided at closeout to support future claims?
Maintenance duties that keep warranties valid
- Schedule regular inspections: at least annually and after major hail or wind events. AC INC. Roofing provides free roof inspections by HAAG-certified inspectors.
- Keep drainage clear: remove debris from gutters, scuppers, and internal drains; document maintenance.
- Protect high-traffic areas: add walkway pads and require rooftop sign-in for other trades.
- Record everything: retain photos, service logs, and invoices for repairs and inspections.
- Avoid unauthorized penetrations: coordinate with your roofer before adding HVAC, solar, or signage.
Insurance vs. warranty: what’s covered where
- Warranty: addresses defects or covered leaks under the contract’s terms when the system is maintained per requirements.
- Insurance: addresses sudden, external events like hail, wind, or falling debris. AC INC. Roofing specializes in storm-damage evaluation and provides thorough documentation to support insurance claims.
Choosing coverage by roof type
- Single-ply (TPO/EPDM) and Modified Bitumen
- Ask about system/NDL warranties tied to membrane thickness, attachment (adhered vs. mechanically attached), and uplift requirements.
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Confirm coverage of flashings, curbs, wall transitions, and ES-1-rated edge metal—a critical detail in high-wind areas.
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Fluid-applied coatings
- Seek written terms that specify mil thickness, substrate prep, eligible membranes, and ponding water provisions.
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Coatings can extend service life and improve reflectivity, but eligibility depends on existing roof condition.
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Metal roofing systems
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Clarify finish (paint) warranties for fade and chalk, watertight warranties where applicable, and fastener/back-out provisions.
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Steep-slope asphalt shingles
- Consider impact-resistant shingles to better endure hail. As an Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified contractor, AC INC. Roofing can offer enhanced Atlas warranties up to 50 years on qualifying installations. GAF System Plus warranties are also available on qualifying systems.
How AC INC. Roofing protects your investment
- Credentials that matter
- Master HAAG Certification (Colorado’s first company to reach Master level) for precise damage assessment and documentation.
- Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified and GAF Certified contractor status for access to enhanced shingle system warranties.
- Directorii-certified, providing a third-party customer guarantee up to $20,000.
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Fortified Roofing Solutions certified—systems designed to withstand 130 mph winds, EF-2 tornadoes, and 2″ hail when specified—supporting resilience goals.
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Services for businesses across Denver, the Front Range, and Cheyenne
- Comprehensive roof inspections, repairs, and replacements for commercial and multi-family properties.
- Storm damage restoration with detailed, photo-rich documentation to support insurance claims.
- Installation and restoration using premium materials: TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen, fluid-applied coatings, metal and tile systems, and impact-resistant shingles.
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Siding and gutter installation, plus concrete and asphalt sealing for site protection.
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Documentation you can count on
- Pre- and post-project photo sets, test data (as applicable), warranty registration assistance, and clear maintenance plans to keep your coverage in force.
Red flags to avoid
- Vague or verbal-only promises—insist on written warranty certificates.
- “Lifetime” language without defined terms, transferability, and exclusions.
- Missing details around accessories (edge metal, flashings) and ponding water.
- No maintenance plan or inspection schedule requirements.
Quick checklist for your next roofing project
- Identify the warranty type(s) you’ll receive and by whom they are issued.
- Confirm term length, proration, wind/hail provisions, and ponding definitions.
- Verify coverage of details, penetrations, edge metal, and accessories.
- Lock in maintenance requirements and inspection cadence in writing.
- Ensure documentation and warranty registration are included at closeout.
AC INC. Roofing is a licensed, insured, 5.0-star-rated contractor based in Denver, committed to integrity, reliability, and exceptional service. Our HAAG-certified inspectors and certified installation teams help Colorado businesses secure the right roof—and the right warranty—for the climate we live in.