“20-year warranty” is the headline you see on every commercial roof coating quote. But what’s actually covered varies enormously between manufacturers. This article cuts through the marketing and tells you what a genuine silicone roof coating warranty for a building in Ireland or Northern Ireland should include — and the red flags to watch for.
The three tiers of warranty in commercial roofing
1. Product-only (material) warranty
The manufacturer warrants the coating material itself against defects. Does NOT cover installation workmanship, substrate failure, consequential damage. If the coating fails because the contractor applied it wrong, the manufacturer isn’t paying. Entry-level tier. Typically 10 years.
2. System warranty
The manufacturer warrants both the material AND correct installation, provided the install was done by an approved contractor with manufacturer sign-off. Covers material failure AND some workmanship issues. Typically 15 years.
3. Premium (managed) warranty
Full material + workmanship + sometimes consequential damage cover, backed by the manufacturer. Requires triple-inspection regime, certified applicator, and detailed project documentation. Typically 20 years. The gold standard.
Questions to ask your silicone coating quote
- Is this a product-only or system warranty? (There’s a big difference in what’s covered)
- Is it manufacturer-backed, or is it a contractor-backed warranty that evaporates if the contractor goes out of business?
- What’s the inspection regime? (Triple-inspection = premium tier; no inspection = suspect)
- Is consequential damage covered? (If the coating fails and damages stock below, is that included?)
- Is it transferable on sale of the building? (Commercial assets change hands)
- What voids the warranty? (Normal exclusions: structural movement, mechanical damage, altered substrate)
- How is a claim made? (Single point of contact or three-party dispute?)
What GacoFlex S42 offers
| Tier | Duration | Cover | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 10 years | Material defects only | Any competent contractor |
| System (standard) | 15 years | Material + workmanship | Duratite Approved Applicator, single mid-install inspection |
| System (premium) | 20 years | Material + workmanship + extended cover | Duratite Certified Applicator, triple-inspection regime |
What to watch for in competitor warranties
- “Up to 20 years” with small print capping at 10 for most substrates — read the fine print
- Contractor-issued warranties with no manufacturer counter-signature — worth nothing if the contractor dissolves
- Warranties that exclude ponding water — the whole point of silicone
- Warranties tied to a specific installation company only (not transferable)
- No documented inspection regime
The managed-warranty model
Some liquid roofing manufacturers (Liquasil, Garland, Polyroof) operate a “managed” warranty — they control the supply chain and stand behind the installation via a nominated contractor network. These can extend to 25 years. It’s a different model from the Gaco approach (an independent applicator network across Ireland and Northern Ireland, coordinated by Duratite). Both work; ask what suits your project.
Need a proper warranty comparison for your tender? Email info@duratite.ie or see our silicone guide.