Submittals and warranties relationship: which statement is true?

• A. Submittals transfer warranty obligations to the designer.
• B. Submittals are the sole basis for warranty claims.
• C. Submittals do not guarantee warranty compliance.
• D. Submittals replace warranties.

Answer: (C)

Submittals document that the proposed materials and systems meet the design and project requirements, and they help verify compatibility and proper installation methods. But they do not guarantee warranty coverage. Warranty protection comes from the contract terms and the manufacturer’s warranty, which normally rely on proper installation in accordance with approved instructions, use of specified components, and ongoing maintenance. Even with approved submittals, a warranty can be voided or limited if installation deviates from requirements, if maintenance lapses, or if conditions fall outside the warranty’s scope. So submittals support compliance with design intent and aid in managing risk, but they are not a guarantee of warranty performance. The other options misstate the relationship by implying transfer of obligations, exclusivity of submittals as a basis for claims, or replacement of warranties.