Twenty years is the approximate lifespan of an average roof. However, many roofs last longer than this, while others don’t make it this far.
Therefore, you can’t judge a roof on age alone. But, the roof matters when you’re buying a home. So, you’ll need to know what to look for with the roof before putting in your offer.
As you proceed through the home-buying process, follow this guide to know what to pay attention to with a home’s roof.
Age
A roof’s age matters, as roofs don’t last forever. Therefore, you might want to begin by examining its age, as this is one of the top home-buying tips to follow when evaluating a home. You can expect to need a roof replacement shortly after buying a house if the roof is 15 years old or older.
Roofing Materials
Asphalt shingles are common for homes, but this isn’t the only roofing material used on houses. Instead, there are other types of roofs and some last longer than others.
For example, some homes have metal roofs, which tend to be more durable than shingles. You might also find homes with other forms of shingles, which might not last as long as asphalt shingles.
Appearance
You can also judge home roofing by its appearance. For example, what do you see when you look at it from the ground? Does it look good?
You won’t see the roof up close by viewing it from the ground, but you can still get an overall sense of its condition. You can also judge how well it looks on the house. For example, does it match the home’s exterior?
Visible Problems
If you can see visible problems with the roof while viewing it, you’ll want to evaluate the roof to determine the extent of the issues. An example of a visible issue is missing shingles. Can you tell that some shingles are gone?
Additionally, you might see water, moss, or debris on the roof. You shouldn’t ignore these types of visible problems as they might require repairs or roof replacement. You can keep this in mind as you search for homes for sale.
Roof Inspection Results
You might want to hire a roofing contractor to conduct a roof inspection regardless of whether you see problems or not. A roof inspection is an in-depth evaluation of a roof that tells you several vital things.
You’ll learn about the roof’s issues and repair costs. Additionally, you’ll learn the remaining lifespan of the roof. It might be helpful to find a reputable roofing contractor to hire for this inspection.
Check the Roof Carefully When Buying a Home
Buying a home is a huge investment, and you might not want to spend a lot of money on repairs after moving into it. You can avoid this by learning more about a home’s roof before buying the house.