When buying a new home there are so many things to consider and inspect, sometimes the most important questions are forgotten until its too late! Especially when it comes to the more expensive parts of the house, like the roof, it is important to know as much as you can about the house you’re buying upfront.
Before you sign that contract, make sure you know the answers to these five questions about your potential homes roof.
How old is the roof?
Roofs on average last around 10 to 15 years, depending on several factors such as it’s condition, upkeep, and quality of the materials and installation. If it’s on the older side you should be prepared to budget out a new roof soon and determine if it fits in your budget. If it’s new, quality, and professionally installed then that will actually save you money in roof repairs and regular maintenance!
What type of roof is it/what is it made of?
Some roofs are stronger than others, some much stronger. While shingle roofs typically last 10-15 years, a steel roof can last a generation! There are a large variety of materials used in modern roofs and each have varying lifespans and maintenance requirements.
Who installed the roof?
Did a professional roof contractor install the roof? If so who was it? You can tell a lot about a roof contractor using the internet. Do your homework on the roof installer to get the information you need.
How many layers of shingles are on the roof?
Although due to State regulations and restrictions it’s not a huge problem in Georgia since 2014, there were contractors who installed or repaired roofs over many layers of old shingles, resulting in multi-layered shingles that in many cases don’t last as long as those installed “from scratch”. Find out if your potential home is one of these houses so you may be prepared for replacement should problems arise.
Are there an existing material and workmanship warranties on the roof?
Roofing materials come with varying warranties, from 20 years to lifetime. Knowing if the roof is under warranty can save you a lot of money, especially if you keep up with required maintenance.
A roofing contractor should also offer a warranty on their workmanship, especially on new roofs. A new roof with a current materials and workmanship warranty in effect is definitely a big plus!
However, if the contractor who installed the roof is no longer around or is unknown, calling another local roof contractor and getting a full inspection to determine it’s current shape is the next best way to determine a roofs condition as well as reveal any potential problems you will be responsible for.
Buying a home isn’t something you rush through. For many people this will be the largest purchase they will ever make. Do your homework and arm yourself with the knowledge to make the best decision you can!
In Metro Atlanta, Atlanta Roofing Specialists offers inspections on any roof in the Metro Area! Call us today at 770-419-2222 to get all the information you need to help you make an educated decision!