7 Roofing Questions You Should Ask Before Buying a Home
Buying a home is certainly an exciting time in anyone’s life. After all, it’s the largest and most important investment you’ll ever make. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself, do your due diligence, and research the property before signing on the dotted line. This includes making sure the roof is in good shape, as it has a big job to do: protect your home and everything in it.
The key is to hire a reputable roofer in Virginia to inspect the roof before you buy a home. In the meantime, here are some critical roofing questions you should ask the seller before buying the house.
1. How Old is the Roof?
When you know the age of the roof, or at least the approximate age, you can better predict any possible future problems and be prepared for them. A roof can last between 20 and 75 years, depending on material, climate, and installation, so knowing the age can be very helpful in planning for upcoming repairs or replacements. The roof’s age can also influence your homeowner’s insurance premiums and whether you can get a new policy from the insurer. Some materials, such as impact-resistant metal, will earn you a discount on your homeowners insurance.
2. When Was the Roof Last Inspected?
A roof should have regular inspections to ensure its health, as well as after severe storms. You may not notice any visible damage, but that doesn’t mean damage wasn’t done. A professional roofer can spot wind and hail damage that may limit its lifespan. Find out from the seller when the roof was last inspected and serviced. If it’s been a while, hire a VA roofer to evaluate its condition and make recommendations.
3. What is the Current Roofing Material?
The materials used on a roof will greatly influence how long it lasts. Asphalt shingles will give you about 20 years, while clay tiles and slate can give you 50 years or more. Metal can last up to 75 years with the right care. In addition to lifespan, the material of the roof will determine the cost of repairs and replacements in the future.
4. Do You Know of Any Damage or Previous Repairs to the Roof?
By law, a seller has to disclose any known damage or problems to the house to any prospective buyers. It’s best to get bad news early on so you don’t waste time further considering the house, or to budget for the cost of potential repairs that may be needed if you are still interested.
Depending on the contractor who did the initial work, roof repairs may not meet the industry standard. You don’t want to spend money on subpar work, so get the roof inspected and repaired by experienced and skilled roofers. Take a look at the state of the existing roof and check for signs of poor workmanship, such as overlapping shingles, nailing mistakes, and mismatched roofing materials.
5. Does the Roof Have Breaks or Leaks?
Complicated roof leaks can be tricky to spot. Inside your home, you may see water spots and other signs of leaks, but they don’t always originate where they reveal themselves on your walls and ceilings. That’s why leaks are so hard to determine, and why a professional roofer is needed.
Certain roofing materials are at a higher risk of leaks, including roofs with ridge vents and tile roofs. Leaks can damage your walls, furniture, and carpeting, destroying paint and saturating your insulation. The problem with leaks is that they can be more expensive than they first appear. Plus, a damaged roof can lead to other issues, such as damage to insulation, drywall, and ceilings, or even structural replacement.
6. Is the Roof Warranty Valid and Transferable?
Manufacturers and contractors have different warranty inclusions and exclusions. Roofing warranties are typically divided into two categories:
- Manufacturer guarantee that covers product defects.
- Workmanship warranty that covers installation errors.
Find out from the seller what the roofing warranties are and if they’re transferable. If not, think twice before buying the property.
7. Who Installed the Roof?
The seller may or may not know this information, especially if the roof was installed prior to them buying it. But it’s a good question to ask so you can learn if it was installed by a reputable contractor. Look up the company and do some research on them. A simple background check on them will reveal their reputation, reviews, and business practices.
Book a FREE Roofing Inspection Today!
Here at NVB Contracting, we pride ourselves on our transparency, so feel free to call us and ask questions. Or, to book your free inspection for roof maintenance or repair, call NVB Contracting for service throughout Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland.