Ben's Construction Inc

The roof is one of the most significant aspects that homebuyers consider before making a decision. A good roof looks beautiful and provides long-term protection. However, you will never know about the roof’s current condition without asking the right questions. 

Learn more about your prospective home’s roofing system by asking these questions.

Questions to Ask About the Roof

How Old Is the Roof?

The roof’s age determines its condition. New roofs rarely have any issues if professionals installed them correctly. On the other hand, old roofs are prone to issues and may require more frequent repairs. Ask the current homeowner or seller for documentation that proves the roof’s age. Remember that the age of the roof also affects your insurance costs, so it’s an important detail that you must know. Insurers may not cover old roofs that need replacement soon. 

Did Your Roof Suffer From Damage Before?

Home sellers must disclose any damage the roof sustained in the past. With this information, you can anticipate problems and create a budget for possible replacements and repairs. Furthermore, you can also negotiate a lower price to purchase the property.

When Did You Last Inspect the Roof?

Regular maintenance means the roof is in good condition. It can give you confidence that the roof does not have leaks and damage. Through maintenance and inspection, a roofing contractor can detect issues that may be hidden. These are vital in addressing problems promptly and avoiding more extensive damage.

Is the Roofing Warranty Transferable?

Some manufacturers allow warranty transfers from the original owner to the new homeowner. That said, ask the seller for a copy of the warranty contract, and read through the terms and conditions. You can also call the manufacturer and ask the representative about the terms of the warranty, specifically its transferability.

If the warranty isn’t transferable, have a specialist inspect the roof. A properly installed roof with a non-transferable warranty can still provide several years of protection for the home.

Can You Lower the Price Due to the Damaged Roof?

Damaged roofs are troublesome and expensive to repair, so you can use any existing roofing issue as a negotiating point. In this case, the seller may be willing to lower the price. 

What Is Considered a Well-Performing Roof Material?

A roofing professional can tell you if a roof can perform well based on the inspection. New roofs will likely be functional because they don’t have issues. However, a thorough inspection can show if an old roof is still dependable and how many years it has left. 

Generally, the following qualities make a good roof:

Strength
High-quality roofing materials have exceptional durability. They’re tough and won’t easily sustain damage from ice pellets. However, they might suffer minor damage from large hailstones. Specially manufactured asphalt shingles can have great impact resistance. Some can have exceptional algae and fire resistance. Ask your reliable roofer or roof material manufacturer to learn more about the roof material’s strength and durability.

Algae Resistance
Some asphalt shingles have a coating that prevents microbial growth. This special coating can prolong shingle lifespan in environments with high humidity. Algae-resistant asphalt shingles may also prevent mold growth.

Wind Resistance
Some asphalt shingles are designed to be wind-resistant. They can remain in place even during severe storms. You can further improve your roof’s wind resistance by using starter strip shingles and more roofing nails. Furthermore, roofs with short overhangs have excellent wind resistance. 

Water Resistance
Good roofs won’t weaken easily because of water. Standard asphalt shingles usually have excellent water resistance. However, older ones are more susceptible to water damage and may already need replacement. Roofers can remove moss and clean debris to extend the roof’s lifespan and minimize moisture accumulation.

Fire Resistance
Fire-resistant asphalt shingles can slow down a fire’s progress, giving the occupants a better chance of escaping to safety. They can also give firefighters more time to stop the spread of fire. Asphalt shingles with a Class A fire rating have flame-retarding capabilities, but they are usually more expensive.

How Is Roof Warranty Transferred?

A property with a newly installed roof may come with a transferable warranty. In most cases, sellers can only transfer the warranty once, and the manufacturer may charge a transfer fee. Learn more about warranty transfers in this section:

Warranty Coverage

Your manufacturer may allow the transfer of warranty, but with deductions based on the roof’s age. With a newly installed roof, you may still get full coverage. However, if the roof is more than 10 years old, you can expect significant reductions in the warranty coverage.

Deadlines

There is usually a deadline to submit warranty transfer requests, so check with the manufacturer regarding this process. In most cases, the deadline can be two months before your transaction with the seller closes. Ask your manufacturer’s representative about this process to adjust your schedule accordingly.

Ownership History

Most manufacturers will ask about your ownership history. You can use the following documents to establish proof of roof ownership:

• Building permits
• Copy of the deed
• Sales closing documents indicating your name as the new owner and the property transfer date
• Product installation date
• Product proof of purchase, such as a receipt
• Original manufacturer documents
• Contractor agreement contract

The documents listed will establish if you’re the property’s second owner. We recommend calling the manufacturer to verify if you can use them. They can also help you find other supporting documents for the transfer.

Understanding Different Kinds of Warranties

Another important thing to discuss with the home seller is the type of warranty coverage that the roof has. These are the typical warranties that cover most roof materials:

Limited Warranty

Limited warranties consider time, the cause of the problem (like material wear and tear) and disallowed costs. Disallowed costs may include the labor costs involved in the roof installation or replacement.

Lifetime Warranty

A lifetime warranty provides full coverage if the original owner still owns the property. Based on this definition, a lifetime warranty might not be transferable. You can confirm its transferability with the roof manufacturer.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Limited lifetime warranties combine the concepts of the other two types of warranty. For instance, the warranty provides full coverage for the original owner with some limitations specified in the terms and conditions.

Ben’s Construction Inc is a dependable roofing company with decades of experience. With our expertise, we can inspect your roof and determine its issues. We also install roofing systems based on the manufacturer’s standards. To request an estimate, call us at (508) 962-2417, or fill out this contact form.