The Promise of a 20-Year Warranty

Have you ever been lured by the promise of a "20-year warranty" from a sales representative, only to later realize that you have no idea what it really covers? Let's unravel the mystery behind steel structure warranties and understand what lies beneath the surface. Without doing your research, you might be left in the dark about what is covered.

Starting with the basics of steel structures, there are key elements to consider. For instance, there are two framing gauges - 14 and 12. Surprisingly, 12 gauge is thicker than 14, despite common assumptions. Additionally, there are different roof styles like regular, box eave, and vertical. While regular and box eaves are good options, vertical roofs offer better water runoff.

What does this have to do with warranty? Everything.

When the sales representative mentions a “20-year warranty,” they are referring to a 20-year warranty on the metal paneling rust-through. However, this isn’t straightforward.

If you opt for a regular or boxed eave-style roof that exceeds 31 feet, you lose the 20-year warranty. To maintain the warranty, choose a vertical roof style for longer structures.

The complexity doesn’t end there. Different manufacturers have differing policies regarding framing gauges. Some cover both 14 gauge and 12 gauge framing under the 20-year warranty, while others only cover 12 gauge under 20 years and provide a 10-year warranty for 14 gauge. There are even manufacturers leaving you without a warranty for 14 gauge framing.

Any alterations to your building void the 20-year warranty. Inclement weather is not covered, and depending on your steel structure placement, the warranty can be impacted.

And let's not forget the workmanship warranty, which typically lasts for 90 days to a year. It’s recommended to carefully review your structure and address any concerns during installation.

Buying a steel structure is a significant investment, so take the time to review and understand the manufacturers' warranties. As your representative for a copy of the warranty. After all, knowledge is power when it comes to protecting your investment.