What to Look For in a Roof When You’re Buying a Home

The house hunting process is usually both intimidating and exhilarating, especially for first-time buyers. If you fall into this category, the odds are good that you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the advice you’ve heard from well-meaning loved ones, television programs, and even internet articles like this. There are a lot of things to pay attention to when you walk through any given house, but the truth is, you don’t need to feel daunted.

Remember, you will eventually undergo an inspection on your house of choice, which is a great way to find out about any issues you initially missed. Furthermore, the more you know about what to look for, the better prepared you’ll be for your next tour, so doing a lot of research should make you feel prepared, not overwhelmed! You are taking charge of your house hunting process. In this particular guide, you’ll learn more about what to look for in a roof when you are buying a home.

The age of the roof.

The age of a home’s roof is important. The older it is, the more likely it is that you will need to replace it in the near future, especially if it is covered with traditional asphalt shingles. As a general rule, shingles last anywhere from 15-25 years, though they can last a shorter period of time if they are regularly in contact with saltwater. If, therefore, you discover that the shingles on a house you love were put on over a decade ago, you may want to request that a new roof be put on at the seller’s expense before you close.

It bears noting that shingles are certainly not the only roofing material that can be used on residential homes. In fact, today’s homeowners are increasingly turning to alternative options, although about ¾ of American homes still have asphalt shingles. Metal, though, is gaining traction and is generally rated to last for 30-40 years. Slate roofs last the longest if they are properly cared for. In fact, some historic homes have slate roof tiles that are well over a century in age.

Look for obvious issues.

As mentioned previously, you will go through a home inspection before you sign any closing paperwork, but there are still some blatant roof problems you should be on the lookout for. Missing shingles or tiles, of course, are a major red flag. You should also take note of any mold patches on the roof. This could indicate that there is a more serious mold problem under the surface and, at the very least, means the roof should probably be replaced in the near future.

Note if the roof is new.

Sometimes, sellers actually replace their roofs before listing their houses. If you discover that one of the homes on your shortlist has a brand new roof, you should move it closer to the top of your list of options. This means you and your family will be warm and dry for the foreseeable future and you shouldn’t any major roof repairs out-of-pocket anytime soon. Furthermore, sellers who have the foresight to have their residences re-roofed usually take good care of everything else too, which is a definite perk.

These things are not only important to keep an eye out for if you are looking to buy a home but also if you are looking to sell your home as they can indicate that it may be time to replace your roof before selling. This will not only add to the value of your home but also increase its appeal to potential buyers. Contact the roofing professionals at Burke Roofs today by calling (781) 246-5622 or online!