Look To The Roof To See The True Value of the Home

Posted by Mike Gibson

October 30, 2008

by Mike Gibson

When home shopping, it can be easy to get caught up in the sizzle of the sale. Look at that kitchen! Well, the sizzle is great and all, but you need some steak as well. The quality of the roof on a home definitely counts as steak.

When it comes to issues related to the roof, most people get those eyes. You know, the glazed over look. Do not make this mistake. There is general and specific information that you can easily get that will tell you a lot about the roof and the home.

The first thing to do is to take a look around you. What are the conditions? Is the roof really good for those conditions? If you are looking at a home in San Diego, a wood shingle roof is a poor choice because of the risk of fires in the area.

That being said, it helps to know the pillars of roofing systems, particularly the different types most commonly found on homes. There are many types, but three basic styles stick out. Each has their strengths and weaknesses.

When discussing roofs, the wood shingle variety has to be mentioned first. It was the standard bearer for many years and can last up to 30 years. Most last well short of that, so it is important to know you can expect to pay $10,000 or so to replace them.

One step up is the metal roof. What could be better, eh? Well, metal roofs do last thirty plus years, but maintenance can be a bear. You can expect to spend $12,000 or more to replace one depending on square footage and such.

The tile roof is the new standard bearer for many locations. It does not rust or burn, so it is viewed as a pretty attractive choice. It can have a life of 50 years, but replacement costs can be $15,000 or more.

The condition of a roof can help you see through the facade of a home for sale. How so? People will spiff out things at eye level, but not a roof. If you see broken tiles, dirty gutters and so on, it is a sign the house was poorly maintained.

If the home has a wood shingle roof, there is a secret you can apply to gauge the condition of the roof. If the wood shingles bend up at the end, it is a bad sign. They are warping, which means the roof has serious problems. Do not buy this home!

Flashing is the metal that sits in corners and transitions on the roofing. If it is rusted, it means water is getting down into the roof. This is a very bad sign. It can be repaired, but get a written estimate from a certified roofer and then ask the seller for a credit.

We have covered the outside of the home, so now head inside into the attic. Your goal here is to look at the underside of the roof. If you see stains, it means there is a leak. It also means water may be migrating under the roof as a whole, a very bad sign.

Buying a home can be an exciting time. Checking out a roof is not. Still, taking a close look at the roof can prevent situations where you later regret getting caught up in the curb appeal of a home and buying a lemon that needs an expensive roof repair.

About the Author:

Find a Southern California roofing contractor at 866FixMyRoof.com.

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.