Buying The Roof With The Home
People tend to focus on certain components of a home and forget to look at the basics. Yes, the kitchen is an important area, but it is only as good as the roof keeping the wind, rain, sun and snow out.
Given the rather high location of the roof, how can you possibly inspect it on your own? Well, first get general information. Then do a walk around the home to look for some specific signs of problems. If you are serious about the home, you will also want a professional inspection done.
The first subject to consider is the appropriateness of the roofing material for the geographic area. If you live in an area that is threatened by brush or forest fires, a wood shingle roof is not really a good choice. Even treated wood will burn if things get hot enough.
That being said, it helps to know the pillars of roofing systems, particularly the different types most commonly found on homes. There are many types, but three basic styles stick out. Each has their strengths and weaknesses.
The classic roof is the wood shingle roof. It will last from 15 to 30 years. The cost of replacing it with a similar roof is roughly $8,000. This is a roof that should only be used in areas that are not threatened by fire.
A metal roof may seem like a perfect roof. In some cases it is, but it tends to require a lot of maintenance work. Expect to pay in the eleven to fourteen thousand dollar range to replace it. With good care, it will last thirty five years or so.
The tile roof is the new standard bearer for many locations. It does not rust or burn, so it is viewed as a pretty attractive choice. It can have a life of 50 years, but replacement costs can be $15,000 or more.
When inspecting the roof, look for missing or broken pieces. They should not exist on a home for sale. If you see them, it means water may have penetrated into the underlying materials which can mean rot, mold and decay.
If the home has a wood shingle roof, there is a secret you can apply to gauge the condition of the roof. If the wood shingles bend up at the end, it is a bad sign. They are warping, which means the roof has serious problems. Do not buy this home!
Flashing is the metal that sits in corners and transitions on the roofing. If it is rusted, it means water is getting down into the roof. This is a very bad sign. It can be repaired, but get a written estimate from a certified roofer and then ask the seller for a credit.
We have covered the outside of the home, so now head inside into the attic. Your goal here is to look at the underside of the roof. If you see stains, it means there is a leak. It also means water may be migrating under the roof as a whole, a very bad sign.
Buying a home can be an exciting time. Checking out a roof is not. Still, taking a close look at the roof can prevent situations where you later regret getting caught up in the curb appeal of a home and buying a lemon that needs an expensive roof repair.