If you’re interested in purchasing a house, it’s important to know as much as you can about the current state of its roofing system. Remember that the roof provides critical protection to the property. So, if it hasn’t been maintained, repaired or replaced recently, you should consider it a red flag.
Here are five questions that you should ask about the roof before buying a house.
“How Old Is the Roof?”
A roof that has been installed for over 20 years may no longer be able to offer adequate protection for the property for 5 or 10 more years. Depending on the material, it might even be up for replacement soon. Consider this carefully because you might have to shoulder another significant expense – in this case, a roof replacement – just after spending a hefty sum on a new home.
“When Was the Roof Last Inspected?”
A recent roof inspection will give you a better idea if the roof is still in good shape or not. You can ask for the inspection report so that you’ll know the previous issues with the roof. Apart from the inspection report, you should also find out if there are maintenance records that will help prove the roof received proper care and upkeep in the past years.
“What Roofing Materials Were Used?”
The roofing material will inform you when a roof replacement would be ideal. For example, asphalt roofs have an average lifespan of 20 years while clay tiles can last for a century or more. Knowing the roof material will also give you an idea of how much maintenance would be needed by the roof – which could affect your long-term expenses.
“Who Installed the Roof?”
Ask for the roofing company that installed the roof so that you can review the company’s background, experience and local reputation. Having this information will help you feel more comfortable with the property you’re buying. If the contractor has poor reviews or a track record of bad installations, or it has gone out of business, you might want to have a qualified professional inspect the roof.
“Is the Warranty Transferable?”
The roof may have a warranty that is transferable from one homeowner to the next. If this is the case, make sure to ask for a copy of the roof warranty, and review the terms and conditions. A roof without a transferable warranty doesn’t necessarily have to be a deal-breaker since the roof may still have plenty of life left.
Superior Roofing guarantees top-notch workmanship for every project we handle. Call us at (706) 322-9032 (Columbus), (334) 298-5253 (Phenix City) or (334) 821-8411 (Auburn). You may also fill out our contact form to request an estimate.