Whether you're buying or selling a home, it's worth glancing at the roof warranty. For sellers, informing prospective buyers that the home's roof comes with a transferable warranty can boost the home's value. For buyers, knowing that the home's roof not only looks great but has a warranty might also provide some peace of mind.
Here's what buyers and sellers should know about the question: can you transfer your home's roof warranty?
What Do Residential Roof Warranties Typically Cover?
Coverage can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer of the roofing products, the combination of products installed, and even who installs it. The most basic types, such as the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty*, provide coverage against manufacturing defects in the roofing materials with no additional purchase or registration needed.
Roofing manufacturers may also offer enhanced roof warranty coverage when you install a certain number of products, or when the roofing system is installed by certain contractors. For example, the GAF Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty*, only available through GAF Master Elite® Contractors**, provides coverage against manufacturing defects in the products, their misapplication, as well as coverage for tear-off and disposal — if necessary in connection with a covered claim.
Many residential roof warranties also provide some coverage for wind damage and algae discoloration. It is important to carefully review and understand your warranty's terms. Here's some information on GAF roof warranties if you'd like to explore the options available to you when it comes to protecting your most important investment: your home!
Can I Transfer Any Roof Warranty?
Warranty terms vary widely, and transfer rules are no exception. Be sure to pay close attention to your warranty's terms. Buyers should ask sellers at or before the time of closing what kind of roof warranty they have, and ask for a copy whenever possible. Most roofing warranties allow for one transfer. So if the seller is not the one who had the roof installed, there may be restrictions on a second transfer. This varies by warranty, and even by state — so be sure to look into it as quickly and thoroughly as possible. If you determine that the warranty is eligible to be transferred, buyers should also ask the seller to leave them with any documentation they have with respect to the installation of the roof, such as a contract with the installer and/or material invoices. This may be needed at the time of transfer, or in the unlikely event of a claim later.
How Do I Transfer My GAF Roof Warranty and Is There a Cost?
Once you've purchased your new home, moved in, and have determined that your warranty is eligible to be transferred into your name, you should email ccp@gaf.com or call 1-877-423-7663 as soon as possible. Simply provide your name, address, and the date you purchased the property and be prepared to provide a copy of your deed, as GAF might request proof that you own the home. Be advised that most residential roof warranties, including GAF's, provide a specific timeframe within which you are required to notify the manufacturer about the property transfer so be sure to do so as quickly as possible. GAF's residential roof warranties can be transferred within the first year after the property transfer occurs.
*See the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty and Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
**Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may have agreed that they will use GAF roofing products, and may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program.
