Serving Residents of Alpha, NJ When you buy a home, you must do your due diligence and ask about the warranties on any existing systems or appliances. This is especially true for the roof, which is often one of the most expensive components of a home. Many roofing manufacturers offer extended warranties that can provide coverage for up to 50 years transferrable. But what happens when you sell your home? Do roofing warranties transfer to new owners?
The answer, unfortunately, is not a simple yes or no. It depends on the terms of the warranty and the roofing contractor. Some manufacturers will void a warranty if the ownership of the property changes hands, while others will transfer the warranty to the new owner. So if you’re considering selling your home (or buying a new one), be sure to research the roofing warranty before making any decisions.
Types of Roofing Warranties
Two types of warranties cover most roofs: labor and material.
Labor warranties are typically provided by the roofing contractor and cover the cost of repairs or replacement due to defects in workmanship.
Material warranties are provided by the manufacturer and cover defects in the roofing materials themselves.
Each of these warranties has different terms and conditions, so it’s crucial to read the fine print and do your research before making any assumptions.
Research To Find Out If Your Roof Warranty Will Transfer
The best way to find out if a roofing warranty will transfer to a new owner is to call the roofing company and ask. Be sure to have the following information handy:
- The name of the manufacturer
- The date of installation
- The type of warranty (labor, material, or both)
- The expiration date of the warranty
Questions To Ask The Roofing Company
When you call the roofing company or the company that provided the warranty on the roof, be sure to ask the following questions:
Is the warranty transferable?
Whether you’re the buyer or seller of the home, the first question you’ll probably want to ask them is if the warranty is easily transferable to the new homeowners.
If you’re the seller, you’ll want to know if the warranty will add any value to the sale of your home.
And if you’re the buyer, you might wonder if the warranty will cover any issues or damage that may happen down the road.
Is there a set time you must transfer the warranty after selling or purchasing the home?
If the warranty is transferable, you’ll want to ask if there are any time limits on when you must make the transfer.
For example, some companies might require that you notify them within 30 days of the sale, while others might give you a year or more.
It’s essential to find out this information ahead of time to ensure the warranty stays in effect.
How long is the warranty in effect?
The length of the warranty will likely be one of your main concerns. After all, you’ll want to know how long the coverage will last before it expires.
Be sure to ask about both the labor and material warranties, as they may have different expiration dates.
Are their roofing warranties prorated?
Prorated warranties are common in the roofing industry. If you have a prorated warranty, the coverage decreases over time as the value of the roof depreciates.
So, for example, a 10-year warranty that is 50% prorated will only cover 50% of the cost of repairs after ten years.
It’s important to ask about proration because it can affect your coverage and how much you’ll have to pay out of pocket for repairs.
What voids a roof warranty?
Most warranties come with certain exclusions or conditions that will void the coverage.
For example, many warranties require that the homeowner maintain the roof a certain way or have it inspected regularly.
Failure to do so can void the warranty, leaving you responsible for the total cost of repairs.
Therefore, it’s important to read the fine print and ensure you understand all the terms and conditions of the warranty before making any assumptions.
Get a Transfer Document from the Company that Provides the Warranty
Once you’ve verified that the warranty is transferable, you’ll need to get a transfer document from the roofing company or the company that provided the warranty.
This document will state that the warranty is being transferred to the new homeowner and will include all the relevant information, such as the manufacturer’s name, installation date, and expiration date.
It’s important to have this document in hand when you sell or buy a home, so there are no misunderstandings about the coverage.
Hire A Trusted Roofing Company To Ensure Your Roof Is Properly Warrantied
Selling a home with a roofing warranty can be a great selling point, as it provides peace of mind to the buyer, knowing that they won’t have to pay for any repairs that may come up.
If you’re in the market for a new roof in the Warren County, New Jersey area and want to ensure you’re covered in the event of any potential problems, be sure to contact Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding.
We use high-quality materials backed by some of the best warranties in the business, and our team is dedicated to providing quality service that you can count on.
Plus, our knowledgeable staff can answer any questions you may have about transferring or voiding a warranty.
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