You’ve found your dream home. It’s perfect, from its beautiful vaulted ceiling to the spacious garage, but before you make an offer, take a good look at the roof. While a roof may not be the most exciting part of a new home selection, it’s an important aspect of your home, there to protect you and your belongings from the elements. Home buyers who are not well educated in roofing can easily be taken advantage of and stuck in a dream home that needs costly roof repairs or worse — an entire roof replacement.
Before making a major home-buying decision, ask yourself these three questions:
1. How Old Is the Roof?
To get an accurate answer to this question, ask the seller for proof with official paperwork that states the age of the roof. Most homes in Florida have roofs with a life span of anywhere from 15 to 20 years, but the condition of the roof can also tell you a lot about how much life it has left. Signs that the roof is older and getting close to needing to be replaced include:
- Signs of mold or dry rot
- Curled edges or bulges
- Bald or cracked shingles
- Dark streaks
- Moss growth
If you see any of these signs or if paperwork shows that the roof is more than 10 to 15 years old, it can impact negotiations of the price of the home as the roof will need to be replaced soon.
2. What Is the Quality of the Roof?
By determining the quality of the materials used for a roof, you can get a better idea of how long it will last. If the home has asphalt shingles, an inexpensive three-tab shingle won’t last nearly as long as a thicker, architectural shingle. If the home you have chosen has a metal roof, there is less concern about an impending replacement. Metal roofs tend to last 50 years or more, meaning you likely won’t have to worry about a replacement any time soon. Always ask the seller whether warranties for the roofing material and installer labor can be transferred to you, as this can help give you peace of mind.
3. What Is the Condition of the Roof?
Regardless of the age of the roof, the best indication of how long it will last is whether it has visible signs of wear and damage. Signs that the roof is on its last leg include:
- Damaged shingles that are sagging, cracked, curling, peeling, or shrinking
- Granules in gutters
- Cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing, gutters, or downspouts
- Cracked or worn rubber seals around vent pipes
What To Do Before Signing
Once you’ve taken a good look at the roof and are ready to continue forward with the purchase, there are a few ways to ensure you’re protected. The first is to get a roofing inspection from a professional who can get an up-close view of the condition of the roof and any major issues that may be difficult to see from the ground. Make sure to include the inspection and a roof certificate in the contract as contingencies.
You’ll also want to ask the prior owner for all important documents in regard to the care of the roof, including receipts for any maintenance or repairs, official installation paperwork, and documentation of any roof warranties, whether they are transferable or not.
Work With Allstate Roofing Construction Inc.
Once your new home is officially yours, trust Allstate Roofing Construction Inc. for all necessary maintenance, repairs, and replacements. We’re proud to offer superior customer service and quality craftsmanship to the residents of Southwest Florida!
Schedule your free, no-obligation inspection today by calling (239) 317-2000 or contacting us online!
