Warranties and Material Failures Explained

OSHA’s growing self-auditing and compliance programs for roofing contractors

By Art Aisner, Editor-in-Chief, Roofing Contractor, Trent Cotney, Jill Bloom, Executive Director, Walls & Ceilings

Warranties are often the key feature of a roofing sales presentation and can also be a confusing and stressful process to navigate for roofing contractors.

Who Covers What? Navigating Warranties

Legal Insights expert Trent Cotney breaks down some of the key features roofing contractors need to have in their contractors when it comes to workmanship and material warranties.

“The devil’s in the details when it comes to making sure your workmanship warranty is spelled out specifically,” W&C Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney said in a brief videochat.

Limited warranties with targeted exclusions are important, but confusion often sets in when manufacturer defects come into play, Cotney said.

“You want to make sure that in your contract and in your warranties you’re directing the customer to that manufacturer. You’re making the manufacturer warranty the sole and exclusive remedy,” he explained.

The roofing contractor can act as a liaison for the customer and help resolve issues, and can also be part of a unified solution that keeps everyone happy.

Also in this exclusive episode, Cotney discussed the importance of keeping roofing crews cool during the final weeks of the peak roofing season, as temperatures continue to soar.

Watch the full episode here.

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Art Aisner is Editor-in-Chief of Roofing Contractor and Roofing Supply Pro. He spent the bulk of his career as a multi-media journalist for newspapers and television stations before joining the RC team in 2015. He is the driving force behind the publication’s content development, editorial strategy and other initiatives that serve growing audiences in the roofing space.

Trent Cotney is a Partner with Adams & Reese and a Florida Bar Board Certified Construction Lawyer, licensed to practice in multiple states across the U.S. and in Canada. With nearly 25 years of experience, Trent has dedicated his career to serving the construction and roofing industries. He is a zealous advocate for the international commercial roofing sector and serves as general counsel for over 10 prominent trade associations and organizations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), National Slate Association, Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), and Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). Trent’s commitment to the industry extends beyond legal counsel; he is an active participant in education, advocacy, and innovation, working tirelessly to address the challenges contractors face and advance the industry as a whole. Known for his deep understanding of construction law and unwavering dedication, Trent Cotney remains a trusted advisor and leader in the roofing community.

Jill Bloom is the innovative Executive Director of Roofing Contractor, Walls & Ceilings, Building Enclosure, Roofing Supply Pro, and the highly regarded Best of Success event. With a deep commitment to advancing the roofing, construction, and building enclosure industries, Jill oversees a robust portfolio of publications, podcasts, and events that empower professionals with knowledge, inspiration, and connections.

Her brands deliver exceptional value across multiple platforms, including:

Techos y Más, the Spanish-language newsletter of Roofing Contractor.
Safety Advisor, a newsletter focused on critical resources for jobsite safety.
Thermal Talk, a newsletter focused on insights and news for the insulation contractor.
eRock, a leading newsletter for drywall contractors.
The Enclosure Experts podcast, offering architects deep insights into building enclosure technologies.
If Walls Could Talk, a podcast dedicated to exploring trends and innovations for the wall and ceiling contractor.
The Best of Success Podcast, providing thought leadership and practical advice for roofing professionals.

Jill’s passion for professional development and fostering industry connections is exemplified by the Best of Success event, a premier gathering of contractors, suppliers, and thought leaders for unmatched education and networking.