Would a manufacturer’s warranty be terminated due to ponding?
Would a manufacturer’s warranty be terminated due to ponding?
As it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain their roof and check it regularly for signs of ponding, it could impact their manufacturer’s EPDM warranty if water accumulates on the roof’s surface and ponding. As ponding water causes damage to the EPDM’s membrane, prolonged exposure causes leaks, deterioration, adhesion failure, and algae growth, which are often reasons enough for warranty exclusion.
The bottom line
Almost all EPDM manufacturers have specific terms in their warranties for ponding water. Warranties typically include clauses that exclude coverage in situations where ponding water arises. Flexiproof, the brand of EPDM we sell, specifically addresses ponding water:
- The FlexiProof One Piece EPDM comes with a 25-year contractor warranty.
- Excludes coverage for damage resulting in ponding water (if ponding water is the cause of damage to your roofing system, then it might not be covered under a standard warranty).
- The warranty assumes the rubber membrane will be properly installed with a drainage system to prevent ponding and has specific specifications to avoid these problems.
When you’re not covered
The homeowner and roofer are responsible for properly designing their flat roof and drainage system. Manufacturers expect the roofs to be installed with adequate sloping and drainage to prevent pooling, which is often excluded and a problem for the homeowner to resolve. The manufacturer also expects the homeowner to regularly maintain their flat roof and address any problems found with drainage and ponding water before they become a real problem.
When you will be covered by the warranty
In the case of valid claims, if a roofing issue arises that’s not related to ponding water and is covered under the warranty terms, the manufacturer is likely to honour the claim. When ponding water is identified as the cause of damage, it often voids the warranty or results in partial coverage, depending on the severity.
Steps to take:
- Review the documents provided by the manufacturer to understand the coverage related to draining issues.
- Always ensure proper installation, follow manufacturer guidelines, and ensure correct design and drainage.
- Inspect your roof regularly and carry out frequent maintenance to address issues before ponding occurs.
Consult with experienced flat roof contractors to ensure the correct design, pitch, slope and drainage.
