What New Homeowners Should Know About Roofs
It is important to understand the condition of your roofing system. A home inspection (if you choose to have one) is a major part of the home buying process. An inspection can help the buyer identify any issues with the home before making the purchase. This is significant because if you find out the roof needs replaced, your bank may not approve financing until this is done. What if the roof fails a few months after you move in, are you financially prepared for this? So what does this mean for your roof? Read below 6 things new homeowners should know about their roof.
(1) When was the roof installed?
The age of the roof may not be an indication of the overall condition depending on how well the roof was maintained. However, if this information is available, it could give you an idea of the remaining life of the roof. Knowing the age of the roof could also indicate if it is still under warranty.
(2) How many layers are on it?
Layovers are quite common. A second layer of roofing does not necessarily mean there is anything wrong with your roof. Homeowners who choose layovers are typically doing it for the cost savings. However, there are some downsides to extra layers on your roof especially if it involves different types of roofing materials. Adding more weight to your roofing system without making ventilation adjustments could lead to problems down the road. There is also a limit to how many layers can be on a roof. Keep this in mind if you plan on replacing the roof later on.
(3) What type of material is it and how long will it last?
The most popular roofing materials for residential homes is asphalt shingles. Depending on the age of your home or slope of the roof, you could be purchasing a home with shake wood shingles, metal roofing or low slope flat roofing material such as TPO or EPDM. Different types of roofing have their own recommendations for maintenance, warranty coverage and lifespan. If you are not familiar with the type of roofing material on the home, it may be a good idea to do a little research on maintenance and cost of replacement.
(4) Is it under warranty and is the warranty transferable?
Your roof may still have a warranty depending on the install date. It couldn’t hurt to make a few phone calls to roofing manufacturers if you are unsure of who may have installed the roof. Be aware, depending on the manufacturer, some warranties are not transferable or cost a fee to transfer them. Some manufacturers also have a required window of time to allow for a free transferred warranty.
(5) Is the roof properly ventilated?
Your roof should have both exhaust vents as well as intake vents. Proper venting allows for the appropriate amount of airflow in and out of the attic space. If the airflow is not correctly balanced, it could result in mold or moisture build up in the attic space. This can cause damage to your roof decking. Ventilation repairs can be somewhat inexpensive so correcting this issue right away can be critical.
(6) Do I need to clean it?
Here in the Pacific Northwest, roof maintenance is important. It is quite common for moss to grow on asphalt shingles in areas where it rains a lot. Depending on the area you live in, you may have to clean your roof once a year or every few years. If you have flat roofing material, it is important to avoid walking on it as much as possible, but make sure drains are clear and debris is removed.
Our in-house installers are factory trained and certified. Most have been with us for 10 years or more. MCE has been a GAF Certified Contractor since 2011 and has held the President’s Club Status since 2014. Master Elite Certification is GAF’s assurance that your roof will be completed professionally and with quality.
Get a professional roofing contractor’s opinion and have peace of mind knowing the roof is in good condition. If you don’t own the home yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t get another opinion from a roofer. Here at MCE, we offer free evaluations of your roofing and gutter systems. Give MCE a call at (503) 397-2215 or Fill Out Our Free Roofing Consultation Form to schedule a contact-free roof evaluation. We are family owned and operated serving Columbia County, the Portland Metro and surrounding areas with over 25 years of experience.