If you are selling a home, a roof warranty that carries over can be something buyers ask about. If you are buying, you want to know whether that coverage will actually be yours. Transferable warranties usually come with steps the new owner has to follow. Some have short deadlines that start at closing.
Start by listing every warranty on the roof
A roof often has two warranties from two different companies: one from the shingle manufacturer and one from the contractor that installed it. Each is transferred separately under its own rules. If you’re not sure which is which, our guide to materials and workmanship warranties explains the difference.
For each warranty, note the provider, the product or contract it covers, and how to reach its warranty department. A listing that says “transferable roof warranty” is a good starting point, but the warranty documents themselves set the terms.
Gather the records the provider will ask for
Manufacturers generally need proof that the roof is theirs and that ownership has changed. Owens Corning, for example, asks for:
- Proof of ownership change. A copy of the deed, or closing documents that show the prior owner, the new owner, and the date of the property transfer. Owens Corning notes this information is often available on a county website or through building permits.
- Installation date and proof of purchase for the Owens Corning products on the roof.
The seller is the person most likely to have these papers from the original job, so it helps to hand them over before closing rather than after. The contract, final invoice, and shingle product name kept for warranty claims usually cover most of what a provider asks for.
Check the deadline and limits before closing
Transfer rules vary by brand, product, and the year the roof was installed. Owens Corning says the paperwork and transfer request must be submitted within 60 days of the closing. Its guide also notes that, in general:
- Many warranties can be transferred only once, so only the second owner benefits.
- Some manufacturers charge a small transfer fee.
- Coverage on some components may be reduced based on the roof’s age at the time of transfer.
Other manufacturers set their own terms. IKO, for example, says its transfer terms vary by year and product, so the version that matters is the limited warranty in effect when the shingles were installed. IKO’s warranty services department can send a copy if you need one.
When to do each step
- Before listing or making an offer: identify each warranty and contact each provider to confirm the sale qualifies.
- Before closing: decide whether the buyer or seller will submit each transfer, and gather the installation records.
- After closing: submit each transfer with the closing documents before the provider’s deadline.
- Once confirmed: keep the provider’s written acknowledgment with the house records.
If the roof was installed by Remi
Owens Corning notes that contractor workmanship warranties are not commonly transferable. Remi’s is. According to Remi’s warranty page, if you sell your home, your Remi workmanship warranty transfers directly to the new owners. Material warranties are also fully transferable when Remi’s standard GAF and IKO shingles were used.
If you are buying a home with a Remi roof, ask the seller for the Remi contract and product details. For questions about a specific project, Remi support is at 916-999-7497.
Every step of the way Greg and his staff were helpful, patient, and kind.
Teri describes one homeowner’s experience. Ask each warranty provider to confirm the transfer and remaining coverage for your roof.
Roof quote
Plan for resale from day one
A transferable warranty is easier to pass on when the paperwork is clear from the start.
Questions homeowners ask
You may still have options. For an Owens Corning roof, the company suggests calling the contractor or supplier for proof of purchase and confirming the month and year the shingles were installed. If that does not work, Owens Corning asks owners to contact it to discuss other options. Other manufacturers have their own process, so contact each one directly.
It depends on the provider. With Owens Corning, the new owner submits the transfer, either by calling 1-800-ROOFING or through the warranty section of the Owens Corning website. Other providers may handle it differently, so ask each one.
Sources and further reading
- Owens Corning: How to Transfer a Roof Warranty (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-10-25)
- IKO: Warranty Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-10-25)
Product instructions, warranty terms and local requirements can change; use the documents that apply to your project.
