5 Questions Potential Home Buyers Should Ask about their Roof

Editor's note: This post was originally published on October 19, 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and relevance.

Buying a new home is rarely a simple process. First, there comes the searching for that perfectly sized, well-designed home that’s in the right neighborhood and listed at the right price. That, in and of itself, is a very tall order, but the stress hardly ends there. There will be negotiations, financing, and of course, inspections.

When purchasing a new home, you certainly can’t buy on looks alone. You’ll want to make sure that everything from the bottom up is structurally sound. This, of course, includes the roof, which requires a close inspection to determine its condition, even if all looks great from below. As a prospective homebuyer, you’ll want to fully understand what you can expect from your roof in the coming years before signing on the dotted line. Does it need repairs now? Will it need to be replaced in a few years’ time? These questions and more can be answered by first asking the ones below:

What Type of Roof Does Your New Home Have?

There are many different styles of roofs , and which one your new home has could impact how well it will hold up in the years to come. Asphalt shingles, for instance, are quite common, but potential buyers should look for damaged or missing shingles that could pose future problems. Clay barrel tiles are a popular for Mediterranean style homes, but when not installed properly, leaking could become an issue. Even metal roofs , which are quite durable, should be inspected before purchase.

How Old is Your New Home’s Roof?

Obviously, the newer a roof is, the fewer problems you are likely to encounter. However, it is important to keep in mind that different types of roofs will have different lifespans. A metal roof, for instance, could last up to 50 years, whereas a wood shake roof will likely need to be repaired or replaced earlier than other options.

What is the Overall Condition of Your New Home’s Roof?

Are shingles missing, loose, or curled? Are there other visible signs of wear and tear or indicators of leaking inside the home? All of these factors should be taken into consideration when determining the quality and durability of your roof, as such indicators could foreshadow expensive repairs.

Have any Recent Repairs been done on Your New Home’s Roof?

Whether optional or necessary, any repairs that have recently been performed on your new home’s roof should be fully disclosed. Learn what you can about the roofing company that did the work and their reputation. There may even be a warranty for the workmanship or parts that can be transferred to you as the new owner.

Is Your New Home’s Roof under Warranty?

The roofing company who installed your home’s roof may offer a warranty on their work, and many manufacturers offer long-term and even lifetime warranties on their products. Your agent should be able to help you determine if any of these warranties apply to your new home and if they may be transferred to you upon purchase.

Your dream home should be perfect in more than its layout and curb appeal. When you finally find the house that you want to call home, ensure that it’s the best fit for you with a complete roof inspection by a licensed, experienced roofing contractor . In the Baton Rouge area, Cribb’s Roofing has just the qualifications and expertise you’ll need to determine the condition of your roof.