Skylights are an important part of many commercial roofing systems, providing natural light while helping reduce the need for artificial lighting. However, building owners often assume that a roof warranty automatically covers every component installed on the roof. In most cases, skylights and the roof membrane have separate warranty coverage, and understanding the difference can prevent confusion when a leak or other problem occurs.
What Does the Roof Membrane Warranty Cover?
The roof membrane warranty primarily protects the roofing material and, depending on the warranty, the installed roofing system against specified defects or leaks.
Commercial roofing membranes such as TPO, PVC, EPDM, and modified bitumen can have manufacturer warranties or system guarantees with different coverage periods and requirements. For example, commercial roofing manufacturers may offer coverage for manufacturing defects, membrane-related leaks, and—in higher-level system guarantees—certain installation or workmanship issues. GAF’s commercial warranty comparison shows that coverage can range from material-defect-only warranties to system guarantees that include workmanship and labor for covered leaks.
However, the membrane warranty generally does not mean that every rooftop component is automatically covered. Items such as skylights, HVAC equipment, roof penetrations, metal work, and other accessories may have their own warranty terms or exclusions.
What Warranty Covers a Skylight?
A skylight is typically covered by the skylight manufacturer’s product warranty, rather than solely by the roof membrane warranty. Depending on the manufacturer and product, the warranty may address defects in the skylight dome, frame, glazing, seals, or other components.
Some commercial roofing manufacturers have approved or integrated skylight products that may qualify for coverage under specific roofing-system warranties. For example, GAF identifies VELUX commercial deck-mounted domes as skylights eligible for GAF coverage, subject to applicable requirements and restrictions.
The important distinction is that eligibility does not necessarily mean unlimited coverage. The exact warranty documents determine what is covered, how long it is covered, who is responsible, and whether labor or replacement costs are included.
What Happens When a Skylight Leaks?
A skylight leak can have more than one possible source. Water may enter through the skylight itself, its flashing, sealants, fasteners, curb, or the surrounding roof membrane.
This is why determining the actual source of the leak is critical before making a warranty claim.
If the skylight itself has a manufacturing defect, the skylight manufacturer’s warranty may apply. If the surrounding membrane has a covered manufacturing defect or system failure, the roof membrane warranty may apply. If improper installation caused the problem, responsibility may instead fall under the roofing contractor’s workmanship obligations—assuming workmanship is included in the applicable guarantee.
Roof warranties can also contain exclusions for improper workmanship, incompatible materials, poor maintenance, structural conditions, or damage caused by other roof components.
Why You Should Review Both Warranties
For commercial property owners and facility managers, the safest approach is to keep both the skylight warranty and roof system warranty with the building’s roofing records.
Before approving repairs, review:
- The skylight manufacturer’s warranty
- The roofing membrane manufacturer’s warranty or guarantee
- The roofing contractor’s workmanship warranty
- Installation and inspection records
- Documentation of previous repairs and maintenance
- Any exclusions involving skylights, flashing, penetrations, or third-party components
Most importantly, do not assume that a leak near a skylight automatically means the roof membrane warranty applies.
The Bottom Line
Skylights and roof membranes are often covered by different warranties. The skylight warranty generally protects the skylight product and its specified components, while the roof membrane warranty protects the membrane or qualifying roofing system against the specific defects and failures identified in its warranty documents.
At Shieldline Roofing, professional inspection can help determine whether a skylight, flashing detail, membrane, or another roofing component is responsible for a leak. Proper diagnosis is the first step toward identifying the correct warranty coverage and avoiding unnecessary repair costs.
Warranty coverage varies by manufacturer, roofing system, installation, and contract. Always review the specific warranty documents for the building before assuming a repair is covered.
Related Questions
- Can Pressure Washing Void a Membrane Warranty?
- What causes skylight leaks and how are they diagnosed?
- Do skylights increase cooling loads more than they reduce lighting costs?
- What is the difference between a unit skylight and a structural skylight?
- How does warranty coverage differ between a new roof and a restoration coating?
- What warranty terms are typically offered on EPDM in Florida?
- Does my commercial roof warranty require professional inspections?
- Does an NDL warranty cover natural disasters?
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