Warranty

Green roof warranties can include multiple aspects of the project.  They range from “wraparound” or single-source full-system warranties to simple materials only warranties on various components.  One important issue to consider is how waterproofing system warranties interface with the green roof system warranties.

To select the right coverage that aligns with an owner’s risk tolerance and budget, it’s essential to understand the available options. These include:

  • By individual components or by specific materials: This allows for tailored coverage on a part-by-part basis.
  • Full-system, single-source: This offers comprehensive coverage from one provider for the entire system.
  • Wraparound with or without overburden material: This type of coverage can encompass broader elements, potentially including or excluding the overburden material.

Remember, a vegetative green roof is a living system that requires regular care and maintenance to sustain long-term health and performance. If you don’t take care of your roof after it has been installed, it will not perform as expected.  Regular maintenance is often a criteria for maintaining a valid warranty as well.

Four types of vegetative green roof warranty:
Choosing the right warranty coverage for your vegetative green roof is an IMPORTANT STEP in the design process.

Component or Material Warranties

These warranties typically apply to the various parts and pieces that make up the green roof system, offered by the manufacturer(s). Components that carry a warranty include modules, edging, accessory products, vegetation, and with built in place systems, the various layers as well. Material warranties range from 1 to 20 years or more depending on the item. Each component is warranted separately against defects or flaws.

Vegetation warranties might also guarantee healthy plants upon arrival, a percent coverage, and/or plant health from 90 days to 2 years. Keep in mind that plant warranties in particular will require maintenance to be valid. Soil media is usually not warranted.

Full System or Single Source

These warranties are typically issued by a green roof system supplier, and cover the plants, growing medium, drainage layers, and any associated components. Regardless of actual manufacturer, the supplier holds the warranty for the system as a “single source”. Coverage is going to be similar to Component warranties, and may have varying duration by material. Other requirements to maintain a valid warranty will be similar as well. Consider this a warranty of convenience with limited additional coverage from Component.

Wraparound

This warranty takes the complexity out of green roof coverage by combining the benefits of the previous options into a single unified package that also will include the underlying waterproofing system. Offered primarily by waterproofing system manufacturers, it provides comprehensive protection for all aspects of your green roof and adds workmanship coverage in most cases as well.

Overburden Removal/Replacement

Typically an option that carries additional cost and needs to be specified, overburden removal coverage addresses the cost of removing and reinstalling your green roof system in order to address a leak in the waterproofing system. Without this option, removal and replacement is by the owner, or at the owner’s cost. Modular systems minimize the cost and risk associated with overburden removal.

This "one-stop shop" approach simplifies the warranty process and offers peace of mind by ensuring a single point of contact for any potential issues.

Maintenance Requirements

Remember, a green roof is a living system that requires regular care and maintenance to sustain long-term health and performance. Neglecting maintenance can result in the roof not performing as expected and may void the warranty.

Choosing the right warranty coverage for your green roof is a crucial step in the design process. To ensure the best protection that aligns with your risk tolerance and budget, it’s important to know the available options and their implications.

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