Buying A House With A 20-Year-Old Roof

Considering buying a house with a 20-year-old roof? While older roofs might cause some people to turn away, that doesn’t always have to be the case. The key to purchasing any home is knowing what you’re getting into. That means any repairs or renovations that you’ll have to make upfront.

Can a Roof Last 20 Years?

A roof can easily last 20 years if you properly maintain it. The average asphalt or shingle roof lasts between 10 and 30 years and can last even longer depending on how well you care for it, the material it’s made of, and the quality of the roof installation. A roof that’s been correctly vented and installed will last longer than one that hasn’t been. That’s why you need to get the best quality roofers you can if you’re replacing or repairing your roof.

Is an Old Roof a Dealbreaker?

Buying a house with an old roof doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, especially if you love everything else about the house. Usually, you can find a way to negotiate the roof repairs into the purchase price. However, if you’re financing your home purchase using an FHA loan, federal regulations require a roof to have at least two years of life left, or they won’t issue the loan.

Keep in mind that FHA appraisers aren’t roofing experts. If you need a Roof Certification to keep the home sale moving to a professional roofer and have them inspect the roof. They’ll give you a rough estimate of the cost of repair or replacement and the roof’s remaining life expectancy, and can provide a Certification document.When Should You Replace Your Roof?

If you’re buying a house with an old roof, you might find yourself having to decide between replacing or repairing your roof. Several factors play into this decision. Getting a roof inspection from a trusted roofer is the best way to know if you should repair or replace your roof. To help, here’s a quick and easy guide to help you decide:

Replace if…

  • It’s older than 20 years and not made of slate, clay, or metal.
  • Your budget allows you.
  • There is extensive damage.
  • You plan on living in your home for a long time.

Repair if…

  • The damage is minor.
  • Your budget won’t allow for replacement.
  • The area of damage is small.

Buying A House With A 20-Year-Old Roof

Buying a house with a 20-year-old roof means that you have to be ready to replace or repair the roof sooner rather than later. This could be costly, especially if it wasn’t something you negotiated during the home sale. Make sure to prepare your budget for these costs. You should also check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if they’ll cover a home with a roof that’s over 20 years old, as many will not.

Get the Truth About Your Roof

If you’re considering buying a home with an older roof, you should always check the roof for signs of damage. If you want to move forward on the house, always hire a roof inspector to do a thorough in-depth inspection. For a small inspection fee they’ll tell you everything you need to know about the home’s roof, including any repair costs, damage, and how much longer it might last. A true inspection is not a “free estimate”. Free estimates are often skewed to benefit the contractor not the customer. A few dollars spent on an honest inspection can save thousands in future costs.

At Roofstar Arizona, we help people in the Mesa-Phoenix area learn the truth about their roofs before they buy. Call us at (480) 426-1915 now for a professional roof inspection.

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