Why are there roof warranties? With #RolfTheRoofongGuy

Why are there warranties in the roofing industry?
Before the 1980’s, they were an anomaly.
So where did they come from?
Here’s the history of roof warranties, explained:
· 1850 TO 1870: Built-Up Roofs (BUR) come into vogue.
· 1870’s: Chicago and New Orleans fires cause change (rock on roof).
· 1870 TO 1940: Stable Industry. Roofs worked, performed well.
· 1940’S: Labor and material shortages cause inflation.
· 1950 TO 197O’s: Industry brings in cost reduction response.
· 1970’s: OPEC oil embargo causes more inflation.
Performance issues result, and force change.
Warranties didn’t exist before this time period.
· 1980’s: Result: Single-Ply Roof (SPR) Revolution.
Problem: No material track record: Warranties enter the market.
· 1990’s: SPR’S take significant hold, ballasted EPDM popular.
· 2000’s: Codes drive change: TPO becomes popular, Urban Heat Island Effect.
· 2020’s: And Again: Labor and material shortages cause inflation.

So, how will we buy in the future?
There are SPR’s on the market with 40 years’ service.
Will we buy based upon actual service again?
Imagine a roof that far outlives it’s intended lifespan, doesn’t that sound like #Sustainability?
Or will warranties continue to be a prime decision criterion?

Rolf Snobeck, RRC
630-514-1867
#RolfTheRoofingGuy, helping you make better #roofing (and #warranty) decisions.

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