Do I Need a New Asphalt Shingle Roof?
Getting a home is exciting, but the inspection can sometimes make that excitement feel a little different. What looked like the perfect home may suddenly have "roof issues."
Do I Need a New Asphalt Shingle Roof?
Getting a home is exciting, but the inspection can sometimes make that excitement feel a little different. What looked like the perfect home may suddenly have "roof issues."
But are all roof issues equal? Does finding a problem mean the entire roof needs to be replaced?
Not necessarily.
When I inspect an asphalt shingle roof, I consider several factors:
Age — How old is the roof?
Material and quality — What type and quality of roofing materials are present?
Installation — Was the roof installed properly?
Environmental conditions — What has the roof been exposed to over its service life?
These factors can affect the condition and expected performance of a roof, sometimes including individual areas or sections.
During an inspection, I may identify conditions that appear to be maintenance issues, improper repairs, or other deficiencies. Depending on what I observe, I may recommend maintenance, repair, or further evaluation by a qualified roofing contractor.
A home inspector isn't there to predict the exact day a roof will fail. The goal is to document observable conditions, explain their significance within the inspection scope, and help the client understand what may warrant further attention.
Nobody wants to discover that a new roof may be part of their future homeownership budget. But knowing about the condition of the roof before purchasing gives you information you can use to make a better decision.
For additional information, see InterNACHI's article on roof maintenance and inspection.
Image below used courtesy of InterNACHI. Used with permission.
