It’s exciting – and stressful — to buy a new home, whether it’s your first or 5th. This is the biggest investment you will ever make, so it stands to reason that you would have a lot of questions as to the condition of the property – specifically the roof. Be your own advocate and do your homework to protect yourself and your new home before signing on the dotted line. A roof has a big job: to protect the home and everyone and everything in it. Make sure it can do its job before you take the plunge.
The first step is to hire a reputable roofer in Royal Oak MI to inspect the roof prior to buying your dream house. In the meantime, check out these important roofing questions to ask the seller before committing.
1. How Old is the Roof?
First off, it’s important to know just how old the roof is. Even just knowing an approximate age can help you anticipate any possible future problems that may come up. Depending on material and quality of installation, a roof can last between 20 and 75 years. Knowing how old it is can help you budget for upcoming repairs or replacements. On top of that, the age of your roof will impact your homeowner’s insurance premiums, and even whether or not you can secure a new policy from the insurer. Keep in mind that some insurance companies will give you a discount on certain materials, such as impact-resistant metal.
2. What Material is the Roof Currently Made Of?
As said above, the material will have a big influence on how long the roof will last. Some last longer than others. For instance, asphalt shingles last about 20 to 25 years with good maintenance. Slate and clay tiles will give you 50 years or more of life. And metal has been known to last up to 75 years with the proper care. Material also determines the cost of repairs and replacements you may face in the future.
3. What Was the Date of the Last Roof Inspection?
To maintain proper health, a roof needs regular inspections as well as inspections after a big event such as a severe storm. Damage isn’t always visible to you on the ground, but that does not mean it didn’t occur. Only a professional roofer can tell if wind and hail damage has limited the roof’s lifespan or created a problem that needs to be fixed. If the seller can’t tell you the date of the last inspection, book one yourself with a trusted Royal Oak roofer before buying the home.
4. Are You Aware of Any Damage or Previous Repairs?
By law, sellers must disclose known damage or problems to the house, including the roof, to any prospective buyers. It’s important to use this information to either abandon your pursuit of that particular home or to budget for the cost of potential repairs down the line.
If you hire your own roofer, they can assess the condition of the existing roof, checking for signs of poor workmanship. These signs can include anything from nailing mistakes to overlapping shingles to mismatched roofing materials.
5. Does the Roof Have Breaks or Leaks?
Leaks – and their origins – are notoriously tricky to detect. That’s because the leaks don’t always originate where you see water spots on walls and ceilings inside the home. Only a professional roofer can determine where the leak is coming from and then fix the root cause. The challenging thing about leaks is that they are often more extensive and costly than they first appear. And on top of that, a damaged roof can cause other issues, such as insulation and drywall damage, and even structural issues in extreme cases.
Do yourself a favor and ask questions about the roof before you buy a home. You will thank yourself later!
Get Your Free No Obligation Roofing Quote From McLean Today
We pride ourselves on our transparency here at McLean Roofing and Siding, so feel free to ask us any questions you like. Whether you need a repair, installation or inspection, book your free, no obligation estimate on roofing services in Troy MI online or call us at (248) 524-1111.