If you are ready to purchase your new home, you are undoubtedly excited about picking the right place. Still, you do not want to end up with either a money pit or a home that does not protect you from the elements. Before closing, it is advisable to schedule a comprehensive inspection of the property.
By including a home inspection in your due diligence, you know whether you are making a good investment. You also know where you need to devote your time, efforts and money after closing. Therefore, you should not forget to ask your home inspector to take a good look at the roof.
Roofing materials do not last forever
According to Bob Vila, residential roofs should last between 20 and 100 years. This wide range is due to the many different roofing materials on the market today. For example, while asphalt shingles may be good for a couple of decades, you can depend on a metal roof to provide protection for up to 70 years.
Weather can change everything
It is not wise only to consider a roof’s installation date and materials when calculating how long it is likely to last. After all, heavy rain, ice, hail and wind can wreak havoc on roofing materials, causing them to fail much earlier than their manufacturers say. Luckily, an experienced home inspector should be able to look at the roof and tell you whether it has sustained damage during a storm.
Ultimately, if your home inspector thinks the roof is in terrible shape, you may need to ask the seller for a new one or back out of your contract altogether.
