Buying a home is surely one of the most exciting – and terrifying — things you’ll ever do, particularly if you are a new home buyer. Problem is, many people, in their initial excitement and haste to become homeowners, lose sight of the end game and forget to ask key questions about the roof. Your goal is to invest in a healthy house that passes inspection prior to moving in. You also want to be apprised of any issues you will encounter in the near future.
This is why it’s imperative to ask all the right questions before you sign on the dotted line. Here are four questions you must ask before buying the house of your dreams.
1. When was the roof installed?
The average shingle roof lasts about 20 years, while some only last 15. If the previous owners maintained their roof well or installed durable material such as metal or slate, the roof could see up to 50 years and beyond. However, this doesn’t mean every roof doesn’t have a finite life span. This is why you should never forget to ask about the age of the roof. If the answer is 15 years old, be smart and budget for a new roof in the next few years. If the answer is three years old, you’re good for a while.
2. Which Roofing Company Installed the Roof?
Ensure a professional contractor installed the roof, and ask specifically for the company name. Then you can do some research into the experience level of the contractors, background, licensing and certification. Now you have a better idea of the work and material quality. If the roofer was inexperienced or cheap, he or she probably didn’t apply the roofing material properly. This means you may have to shell out money later to fix those mistakes once you own the home, says Home Advisor.
3. What Roof Type is It?
The material will give you an idea of how long it will last. Each material withstands elements in different ways. In Dallas, we have intense heat and a lot of hail storms. The roofing material has to be able to handle those demands. At most, asphalt shingles last 20 years, while steel and metal roofing last a lifetime when correctly maintained.
4. How Many Layers of Shingles are on There?
If the house has shingles, inquire how many layers are up there. Some roofers apply new shingles over the old ones, but this can lead to warping later on. A good contractor will take off the old layer first, then place the new layer on, so the shingles lay flat against the roof surface instead of on top of a lumpy surface of old material. This gives the new layer a chance to form a good seal and keep water out.
Contact Ferris Roofing Contractors
Need a second opinion on roofing quality for a home you’re considering purchasing? Just contact us at 817-727-4214. Ferris Roofing Contractors serves all of Fort Worth, as well as Dallas, Austin and San Antonio, so schedule your free estimate today!