There is no blanket approach to weathertightness warranties. In fact, the "standard warranty" of years gone by could end up leaving the warranted individual in the lurch. It is imperative that architects understand that with a manufacturer's standard 20-year weathertightness warranty, manufacturers are not responsible for ensuring proper installation. If one wants to do everything within his or her control to ensure the roof gets installed properly, specifying a "Day One" (also known as a "Single Source") warranty will be more beneficial.
This paper will examine some of the basic differences between the two main types of weathertightness warranties and will identify some of the key caveats for architects to consider when specifying this critical piece of the building plan.
Understanding the Benefits of Day One/Single Source Warranties