Path-Q Solar
What should a workmanship warranty say about leaks that appear several years after installation?
Answer
It should clearly cover installation-caused roof leaks for a defined period, state the remedy, identify who investigates and pays for diagnosis and repairs, and explain how exclusions and claim procedures work. Coverage should address consequential damage where appropriate rather than merely promising an inspection.
Key points
- Define covered workmanship defects and distinguish them from pre-existing roof conditions or unrelated damage.
- Specify whether removal and reinstallation of panels are covered to repair the roof.
- State whether interior damage, insulation, finishes, and related losses are covered or excluded.
- Identify response times, claim documentation, transferability, and the entity responsible if the installer changes ownership.
- Require the warranty to be part of the signed contract, not only a marketing statement.
What it depends on
- Warranty duration and exclusions
- Roof condition at installation
- Leak investigation and repair process
- Removal and reinstallation responsibility
- Installer continuity and insurance
Risks and trade-offs
- A long warranty with broad exclusions may provide little practical protection.
- Leak coverage may not cover damage caused by other contractors or roof aging.
- Enforcing a warranty years later may be difficult if the installer no longer operates.
Information you may need
- Full workmanship warranty
- Roof inspection and pre-existing-condition documentation
- Leak-response and repair procedure
- Coverage for removal, reinstallation, and consequential damage
- Installer insurance and continuity information
Your next step
What to do next
Have the installer mark up the warranty to identify exactly who pays for leak diagnosis, roof repair, panel removal, reinstallation, and resulting interior damage.
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