You’ve found a Michigan home you love, but before you sign on the dotted line, pay extra attention to the roof. It may look fine from the yard, but the roof could be getting on in years, or perhaps if could have a history of recurring repairs. You don’t want these problems to become yours after closing – at least without bringing them up first.
Knowing the roof’s condition before you buywill give you an opportunity to ask questions and better understandwhat investments you will have to make in the coming years. If a repair or replacement is in the cards, this is something that should enter the conversation with the current owners before sitting down to the closing table.
Check out these eight roof questions you should ask before closing on a Michigan home. Having a trusted roofing contractor in Metro Detroit perform an inspection is a wise move so you know what you’re dealing with.
1. How Old Is the Roof?
Ask the seller when the roof was installed and if they have any documentation that can back it up. Just keep in mind that age alone isn’t the only determining factor of a roof’s condition. The rate at which a roof ages can be influenced by:
- Roofing material
- Quality of installation
- Ventilation
- Maintenance level
- Weather exposure
That being said, it’s still helpful to know the approximate date of installation to help you determine when a replacement may be necessary.
2. Has the Roof Ever Leaked?
A past leak doesn’t necessarily equal an ongoing roofing problem. It’s more important to find out why the leak occurred. Find out the location, what the cause was, how it was repaired, and if the leak returned.
If you have spotted ceiling stains or discoloration, ask the seller when the damage occurred and what was done to mitigate it.
3. What Roof Repairs Have Been Made?
A roof’s repair history can tell quite the story. Ask the seller if they ever had to make repairs to:
- Shingles
- Flashing
- Vents
- Valleys
- Other roofing components
One isolated repair is not as much of a red flag as repeated repairs in the same area. If you find out there has been a history of recurring problems, have your Michigan roofer take a look before you buy.
4. Is There a Transferable Roof Warranty?
Existing roofing warranties don’t always automatically transfer with the house. Ask for paperwork that specifies who issued the warranty, what the coverage is, how many years are left, and what must be done to transfer coverage to a new homeowner.
5. Are There Multiple Layers of Roofing?
Find out if the existing shingles were put on after a complete tear-off, or if they were installed over an old roofing layer. When you know what’s underneath the roof, you can gain useful insight into what may be involved when the time for a new roof arrives.
6. What’s Happening in the Attic?
Attic ventilation and insulation can tell you a lot about moisture and temperature conditions that can’t be seen. During the home inspection, ask if there are signs of excessive moisture, staining, condensation, or ventilation concerns.
7. Are the Gutters and Drainage Systems Working Properly?
When examining the gutters, check to see if any look loose, damaged, sagging, or improperly positioned. Ask if the seller has had a history of overflowing gutters or drainage problems. Roofs and gutters go hand in hand, so when one isn’t working properly, it affects the other.
8. What Did the Inspection Actually Find?
Just because a roof passed inspection doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask for specifics. Ask these questions:
- What condition are the shingles in?
- Did the inspector take note of damaged flashing, previous repairs, or moisture concerns?
- Are repairs recommended at this point in time?
- What should I keep an eye on in the future?
A general home inspection may identify potential roofing concerns, but it doesn’t drill down into specifics. If something causes concern beyond the general inspection, call an experienced roofing contractor in Michigan before closing so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
Contact McLean Roofing and Siding
If you’re considering buying a Metro Detroit home and have questions about the condition of the roof, call McLean Roofing and Siding at (248) 524-1111 to schedule an inspection for peace of mind.