What Should You Know About Buying a House With An Old Roof

A house might be perfect in every way. You might find the perfect house in the ideal location, near the best schools, with a large, open yard for you to enjoy, at a price that is within your means. You wonder if you should buy it for just one reason. An old roof. These are often reasons to cancel a deal, and sometimes they are a reason for good. A roof that is well maintained will last at least 30 year. Poor maintenance, poor installation and low-quality tiles and shingles could all reduce the roof’s lifespan.

Ask the seller about the age of the roof. You should inspect the gutters carefully and check the drainage system. Poor ventilation is another reason to inspect your gutters. These problems can lead to crumbling or sagging.

Examine the Roof Closely and Assess Its Condition

Let’s face it, the roof on the house you are considering buying would not be brand new unless it was a newly built home. It is important to remember that roofs can get damaged and need to be repaired from time-to-time. You should also be concerned about the age and condition of your roof. Do you have a 15-year-old or 20-year-old roof? You will need to fix it as soon as possible.

A roof can last between 25 and 30 years on average. The type of material used will determine how long a roof lasts. A metal roof may last longer than a asphalt or composite shingle. Weatherization is another important factor in determining when the roof should be replaced. The following questions will help you gather information and make a decision.

• To assess the roof’s condition, get professional assistance from a home inspector
• Owners are required to submit documentation about past repairs and fixes
• For a second opinion, consult a professional roofer
• Take a close look at your roof and attic space
• Find out the estimated cost of repairing or replacing the roof in its current state.

You can now weigh your options after you have received the answers to the questions. It is important to remember that not everyone is interested in buying this house. A homeowner may not be open to negotiation due to roof repairs or price points. If all is fine and there are no major repairs required, then you can consider making an investment in repairing the roof to protect your family and align your purchase with your personal goals. It is not a way to leverage the seller to repair the house before you purchase it. You should then weigh your options and evaluate the results against your goals. To find out if it is worth your investment, answer the following questions.

• How long will this house be your home?
• Are you able to afford the cost of repairing the roof right away (if necessary)?
• Are you planning on making any changes to your house that could affect the roof?
• Will the seller agree to a deal if you feel the roof is in poor condition?
• How much roof repair is required? How much would the total cost be?

Should You Give Up on the Idea of Buying a House with an Old Roof?

Sometimes the roof can be in very bad shape and it is best to avoid it. This can cause headaches and make it difficult to find the right house. Let’s take a look at three signs that you should reconsider buying a house.

• Structural and Roof Damage
• Overgrowth of Algae, patches of missing shingles
• You can see water damage on interior walls and staining.

Concluding Comments

Roof leaks can be dangerous and you should consult a professional to assess the extent of the damage. Depending on the property, roof replacement can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000. Before you buy a house with an older roof, do extensive research and consult experts. Old Time Roofing can be contacted for any questions or other requirements related to roof repair, installation, maintenance, or replacement. They are available to serve Clearwater & Pinellas County, FL.

This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing which is the best roofing company in Clearwater! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.