Why looking at the roof is essential before buying a home.
A roof inspection is an important part of home-buying. If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ve likely considered many factors, including location, price, and the home’s condition. When it comes to condition, though, many home buyers fail to take the time to look up and inspect the roof. Unless you’re planning on buying a fix-and-flip home to rehab and sell, taking time to look at the roof can save you money, stress, and inspection woes.
Do You Really Need to Look at the Roof?
Home buyers know that an inspection is an essential step in the purchasing process. However, you might not realize that a roof inspection is also key to making a wise buying decision. After all, the average cost for roof replacement on a moderately sized home is about $20,000. Buying a home only to find out weeks or months later that the roof needs to be replaced can put a serious dent in your budget.
Understand the Basics of Roof Inspection
If a thorough roof inspection won’t be included in the inspection report for a prospective home, you may wish to hire a professional roofing company to conduct one for you. The roofing contractor will assess the state of the roof and list any roof repairs that will need to be made in the coming years. Of course, you can also get up on the roof and take a look around yourself.
When it comes to inspecting a roof, one of the most important features you’ll need to take into account is roofing material. For most buyers, materials and the overall quality of the roofing job are the key factors that indicate the health of a roof. Before inspecting, familiarize yourself with the following roofing materials and concerns:
• Asphalt shingle roofing is incredibly popular and can last up to 20 years. When inspecting an asphalt roof, look for signs of curling shingles, split shingles, and a decrease in the roof’s granulation, or texture.
• Clay tile roofing is widely used in Ranch and Southwestern homes and can be incredibly durable. When it comes to clay roofs, you’ll need to pay particular attention to the underlayment beneath the tiles. You should look at overall water flow and be aware of any cracked tiles.
• Metal roofing tends to last the longest of all roofing types. Be wary of rust, loose fasteners, and roofing that can be moved by hand with ease.
• Foam roofing only lasts for 10 to 15 years but is inexpensive. Look for holes, discoloration, and signs that water is ponding, or collecting.
If you’re concerned about the roof on a home you’re about to buy, consider calling in a professional roofing contractor. At Interstate Roofing, we’re proud to help buyers throughout the Portland, OR, area. Give us a call today at 503-684-5611 to talk about your roofing inspection, repair, or replacement needs.