A roof is a key component in any home. It protects your property from damaging elements such as rain, hail, snow, wind, and sunshine. It is wise to protect your roof in any way you can, such as through obtaining the best warranty on your new roof as possible. In this article, we look at two important things about roof warranties you need to know. Many homeowners wonder these two things:

  1. Can I buy a roof warranty?
  2. Are roof warranties transferable?

Read on to learn the answer to both of these questions!

1. Buying a Roof Warranty

Many homeowners ask if they can buy a roof warranty. The answer to this is a resounding yes. Most reputable roofing contractors offer warranty upgrades. The most popular upgrade for GAF is their Golden Pledge, a 25-year workmanship warranty. This includes a 25-year workmanship warranty and GAF Weather Stopper® 50 years coverage for non-prorated material defects.

This warranty is covered by GAF, a reputable roofing material manufacturer who has been around for over 150 years. So, even if your roof isn’t covered by your roofing contractor’s workmanship warranty, it’s covered by a 3rd party and you don’t have to worry about the roofing contractor.

On average, a roofing warranty costs about 10% of your replacement cost. As part of the package, you get installation extras such as ice and water shield on the rakes and eaves to protect your roof from wind-driven rain and snow. You also get underlayment upgrades above the standard installation grade, giving you peace of mind that your installation is effectively protected.

Some home warranties often cover roof leaks, although the coverage is typically an optional, add-on coverage you must consent to when buying the policy. A roof warranty will cover specific items and vary from plan to plan, so you need to read through the fine print to understand what is covered and what isn’t.

2. Transferability of Roof Warranties

The second question is, are roof warranties transferable? Again, yes. When you sell your home, you want the new owner to have the same peace of mind about the roof as you’ve had. A workmanship warranty from AIC Roofing is automatically transferred to the new homeowner since it’s tied to the address, not the owner.

GAF allows for one transfer per warranty. GAF warranty transfers require action on your part but are still easy to do. All you need to do is contact GAF or your roofing contractor to get it transferred. A transfer typically takes 45 – 60 days to complete. Great roofing contractors, on the other hand, tie their workmanship warranties to your address, so it doesn’t matter how many times the house is sold.

Requirements for Transferring Roofing Warranties

Depending on the specifics of your warranty, there are a few common requirements you need to adhere to in order to transfer the roofing warranty to a second owner. They include:

  • Administrative Fee: You may need to pay some administration fee to have the warranty transferred to the next owner. The fee will vary from one roofing contractor to the next and from one roofing material manufacturer to the next.
  • Notify Manufacturer: At the very least, you’ll be required to notify the warranty provider about the transfer of ownership within a specified duration.

Tip: It’s always a good idea to also identify your window manufacturer and inquire whether they offer a warranty. You can usually find this information on a sticker affixed on the window.

Warranties and Your Home’s Selling Price

When buying or selling a home, you should always think about how much value you can place on a roof warranty. The same should be factored into how much you’re willing to pay for the home. Since roofing warranties often last for several years, it can be a great bargaining point when selling your home.

Workmanship Warranties

Other than the manufacturer’s warranty, many trustworthy roofing contractors, such as AIC Roofing & Construction in Central Kentucky, are willing to provide a workmanship warranty to homeowners. Workmanship warranties indicate the contractor has confidence in the job they performed on your roof. If any problems are discovered, they are willing to repair or replace your roof at no extra cost.

Work with the Experts!

Do the right thing for your investment by reviewing your warranty options. Go through the fine print to fully understand the terms and conditions. Implement a smart maintenance plan to ensure you remain compliant with your roof’s warranty requirements for its entire lifespan. AIC Roofing is the ultimate resource for all your roofing questions, from roofing inspection to warranty repair and replacement. We always strive to provide outstanding customer service and quick response times while delivering the highest quality roofing services in a safe manner. Contact us today for any roofing needs in Central Kentucky.

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