Manufacturer Warranties
Manufacturer Warranties | Metal Roofing | Roofing | Knoxville
When you choose HEP for your Knoxville home, you’re not just investing in a roof—you’re securing peace of mind backed by rock-solid manufacturer warranties. Our certified installation team partners with top brands that stand behind their products for decades, covering everything from finish integrity to weather-tight performance. If a covered issue ever arises, HEP’s local experts handle all the paperwork and repairs, so your warranty protection feels as effortless as it is powerful.
That commitment is especially important with metal roofing, where superior materials can easily last 50 years or more when properly protected. From the first consultation to the final inspection, we make sure every panel, fastener, and factory coating meets the stringent standards required to keep your warranty intact. The result is a striking, energy-efficient roof that’s guaranteed to perform, letting you enjoy Knoxville’s changing seasons without a second thought.
FAQs
What is a manufacturer warranty on a metal roof and how is it different from a workmanship warranty?
A manufacturer warranty (sometimes called a material or product warranty) is the written guarantee issued by the company that mills, paints, or forms the metal panels and trims. It promises that the metal itself will meet certain performance standards—such as resisting rust perforation, paint fade, and chalking—for a stated time period. A workmanship warranty, on the other hand, is provided by the Knoxville roofing contractor and covers installation‐related issues like loose fasteners, leaks at seams, or improper flashing. When you purchase a new metal roof you should receive both warranties: one from the manufacturer covering the product and one from the installer covering labor.
How long do manufacturer warranties for metal roofs typically last in Knoxville?
Most leading steel and aluminum panel manufacturers offer 25- to 40-year paint finish warranties and 30- to 50-year warranties against base‐metal perforation due to rust. Some high-end standing seam products carry limited lifetime coverage for the original owner. Warranty length can vary by color, gauge, and whether the panel is Galvalume or galvanized. Always confirm the exact term on your order paperwork and keep a copy in your home records.
What does a metal roofing manufacturer warranty usually cover and what does it exclude?
Coverage normally includes: • Film integrity – the paint system will not crack, peel, or delaminate. • Color retention – the paint will not fade or chalk beyond specified Delta-E or chalk rating limits. • Base-metal integrity – no perforation due to corrosion in normal atmospheric conditions. Typical exclusions are: • Damage from improper installation, fasteners, or dissimilar metals. • Abuse, foot traffic, or impact from hail larger than the stated size (often 2" diameter). • Ponding water, chemical exposure, or salt-spray beyond 1 mile of the coast. • Acts of God such as tornadoes or winds above a listed speed (e.g., 140 mph). Reading the exclusions section helps you understand when you may need supplemental insurance rather than relying on warranty protection.
Does Knoxville’s climate affect my manufacturer warranty or the metal roofing product I should choose?
Knoxville experiences high humidity, occasional hail, and wide temperature swings. Fortunately, reputable manufacturers test and rate their coatings for these conditions. A PVDF (Kynar 500®/Hylar 5000®) paint system is recommended because it offers superior fade and chalk resistance under strong UV exposure. If your property is in a tree-covered area, consider panels with an enhanced scratch-resistant clear coat so falling branches are less likely to breach the finish. Always verify that the warranty explicitly covers exposure to hail up to at least 2" in diameter, a common size in East Tennessee storms.
Is the manufacturer warranty transferable if I sell my Knoxville home?
Most manufacturers allow a one-time transfer to the next homeowner within a set period—commonly within 10 years of the installation date. The new owner must complete a transfer form, submit proof of sale, and pay a small administrative fee (often $50-$150). After transfer, the warranty term usually continues but may convert from “non-pro-rated” to “pro-rated,” meaning only a percentage of material cost is covered as the roof ages. Failing to register the transfer within the stated window can void remaining coverage, so be sure to handle this during closing.
What can void my manufacturer warranty, and how do I keep it in force?
The biggest causes of warranty voidance are: 1. Improper installation—using unapproved fasteners, cutting panels with abrasive saws that leave burns, or mixing copper with steel. 2. Post-installation modifications—adding rooftop equipment, satellite dishes, or walkways without isolation pads. 3. Lack of maintenance—allowing debris buildup, tree limbs to scrape the finish, or gutters to overflow and cause standing water. 4. Unauthorized repairs—patching with incompatible sealants or touch-up paint not supplied by the manufacturer. To protect your coverage, insist on certified installers, schedule an annual inspection, clean gutters twice a year, and keep all receipts and photos. If damage occurs, contact both your installer and the manufacturer before making repairs so you follow approved procedures.