A very exciting time in your life is buying a home. And, it can also be stressful because your new home is literally a “roof over your head”. You will want to make sure the home has a solid roof by having a roof inspection. And, you’ll want to do this by getting a proper roof inspection, not just a home inspector’s look on the roof.
Should You Buy A House With An OldER Roof?
Perhaps you have found a home to buy that checks most of your boxes for your needs. Except one – the home has an older roof. And, ignoring the condition of the roof could lead to costly, unforeseen problems if you don’t have all of the information and know what to expect for repairs. If you get a professional Roof Inspection prior to buying, you will have a better chance of making the right decision.
Do Home Inspectors Get On The Roof?
Home Inspectors can certainly get on a roof as part of their visual inspection, but generally, a home inspection means just that – a limited visual examination of the roof covering. A professional, licensed roof Inspector can give you a complete assessment of the condition of your roof and go beyond a limited visual roof covering examination. This is done by conducting an interior and exterior inspection of the roof. A real roof inspector will do this by assessing the entire roofing system.
What Do Roof Inspectors Look For?
Generally, roof inspectors will look into three major facets of a roof – structure, material components, and workmanship. Of course, assessments vary depending on the type of roof you have, tile, shingles, flat, metal, etc. They will specifically look for:
- Cracked sealant or rust spots on flashing due to age. This could lead to leaks in the roof.
- Shingles that are buckling, curling, or blistering.
- Missing, loose or broken shingles or tiles.
- Cracked and worn rubber boots around vent pipes.
- Deteriorated wood at overhang areas which signal moisture intrusion.
- Loose or missing fasteners.
- Blistering, buckling, cracking of flat roof materials.
What Fixes Are Mandatory After A Home Inspection?
A home inspection report is not a must-do list. In Arizona, there are not mandatory repairs. Properties are sold in as-is condition. There are times when lenders may require certain repairs. So, most items identified are negotiable and at the same time can become the cause of the contract failing. Since the lender can require the repairs in order to release the funds for a home loan, a home buyer will want to make sure the lender’s requirements are fulfilled. So as a home buyer you will want a real Roof Inspection. Typically, it’s FHA loans where an appraiser may ask for repairs prior to closing. Occasionally lenders will require a ‘Roof Certification’ before funding which (in Arizona) is a statement that the roof has a minimum of two years life expectancy. Sometimes we require repairs to be done before we will Certify a roof.
Items that will likely require roof repairs or replacement include:
- Active leaking
- Curled or cupped shingles
- Deteriorated underlayment on tile roofs due to age or poor workmanship.
- Aging on the flat roofs.
- Evidence of termites
- Sagging structural members.
Why Should I Pay for $75.00 for a Roof Inspection When I Can Get a Free Estimate from Another Contractor?
A home purchase is probably the largest investment of your life. You need trusted accurate information. A “Free Estimate” is one way we contractors use to get more business. If I am giving you a “Free Estimate”, I am going to tweak my assessment and proposal to benefit ME, not you. Free Estimates are not free. The contractor bears the cost of time, travel, and other expenses in hopes of getting your business.
If you are paying for our time, we are obligated to give you an honest assessment of the roof’s condition, remaining life expectancy, and costs of repair or replacement. Do we hope to get work if any is required? OF COURSE! But you have paid for the information necessary to help you make the right decision on your investment. Our Roof Inspections give YOU the power. We are not tweaking the information to OUR advantage. Is $75.00 bucks worth it on your dream home? You bet it is!
Learn The Truth About That Roof Before You Buy
Taking care of your roof can help you retain the value of your home and save money in the long run. An old saying– Knowledge is Power – is a good thing to remember when you are buying a home. What you can learn from a professional, real roofer can save you lots of money. Schedule your Roof Inspection today by calling Roofstar Arizona at (480) 426-1915, or submit your request online at Roofstar.com.
“We’ll Tell You the Truth About Your Roof”