Having to replace the roof on a home is never going to be cheap. When buying a new house, the last thing you want is to move in and quickly realize your roof has major issues, necessitating spending at least a few thousand dollars more for a full roof replacement. Luckily, this is something you can usually avoid quite easily by taking a few basic steps to evaluate the roof on any home you’re considering buying. In this article, we’ll provide some tips on how to do just that and also look at some other factors to consider when it comes to the roof of your potential new home.
Focus on the Age of the Roof and the Type of Roofing Material
When touring a home you’re considering buying, always ask the real estate agent when the roof was last replaced. Most municipalities require a building permit when replacing a roof, and the real estate agent can usually check with the local building and planning department to see when the permit was issued if the homeowner is unsure exactly how old the roof is. Determining the roof’s age will help you estimate how many more years it might last.
Consider, too, the type of roofing material since some materials tend to last longer than others. For instance, three-tab asphalt shingles typically don’t last more than 15 years, whereas architectural or dimensional asphalt shingles can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years. Composite shingles are typically stronger and more durable and usually last for 40 to 50 years. Metal roofing often performs even better with a lifespan of 40 to 70 years. If the roof has clay or slate tiles, they can last for up to 50 to 100 years.
If the home has a shingle roof, check the wind-resistance and impact-resistance ratings of the shingles. This is especially important in places that can get hit by hurricanes since it lessens the chances of the roof suffering storm damage. If the shingles don’t have a high enough wind- and impact-resistance rating, you’ll also likely have to pay higher rates for homeowner’s insurance.
Consider the Color of the Roof
One thing you may not be fully aware of, especially if you’re a first-time homeowner, is that the color of the roof makes a major difference in how energy-efficient the home is. In a place like Georgia where the summers are fairly hot, a lighter-colored roof is much better than a dark-colored roof. Light colors reflect sunlight and don’t get nearly as hot compared to darker colors that absorb sunlight and heat. That means if the roof on your home is a dark color, it will cause your house to heat up faster, forcing your air conditioning to run more. On the other hand, a lighter-colored roof will help reduce your energy bills by keeping your house from getting as hot.
The other reason color matters is that it can directly affect how long shingles last. Heat always causes shingles to weather and deteriorate. That’s why light-colored shingles typically last longer in hotter climates since they don’t get nearly as hot as darker shingles.
Have the Roof Professionally Inspected
Home inspections are highly recommended and, in some cases, required for potential homeowners. Home-buying inspectors can help spot many potential issues inside and outside the house, but most don’t have the necessary knowledge and training to spot potential roofing issues. That’s why you’re always better off having an experienced, professional roofing company perform a complete inspection just to be certain that the roof is in good shape and doesn’t have any issues that could lead to it leaking or force you to have it replaced soon after purchasing the house. If the inspection reveals any issues, you can use this as a bargaining chip when negotiating the price. In situations where the roof is in poor condition and should be replaced, you can normally get the homeowner to replace the roof as a condition of the purchase or have them put money in escrow to pay for the roof replacement after you close on the house.
Atlanta Premier Roofing is a locally-owned company with over 25 years of experience in all commercial and residential roofing services. We serve customers in Lilburn and the surrounding areas and are ready to handle all of your roofing replacement, maintenance and repair needs. If you’re looking at buying a new home and need a professional roof inspection, contact us and we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make the most informed decision possible.
