If you are about to purchase your first home, you probably have some fears about possibly buying a money pit. While you may not mind paying for a few minor repairs, replacing a bad roof can set you back thousands of dollars. Still, your home’s roof is likely to need replacement eventually.
According to U.S. News and World Report, residential roofs should last about 30 years. Still, depending on roofing materials, your roof may last considerably longer. It also may not last nearly as long.
Which roofs last the longest?
Most residential roofs have composite shingles on them. If your home has these shingles, you can probably depend on them to provide good protection for about three decades. Still, to estimate your home’s roof replacement date, you should ask the seller to confirm its installation date.
Some roofs last considerably longer than those with composite shingles. Concrete, clay or slate shingles, for example, are often good for 50 or 60 years. By contrast, rolled asphalt can wear out after only a decade. Inclement weather, of course, is always a factor, as it can shorten the lifespan of any roofing material.
How can you protect yourself?
Unless you are a roofer or building contractor, you simply may not be able to tell whether your new home has a good or bad roof. Therefore, to protect yourself from making a bad investment, you should not forego a home inspection.
A certified inspector can alert you to potential problems with enough time either to seek concessions from the seller or to back out of the deal altogether. Ultimately, while home inspections can be somewhat expensive, it is impossible to put a price tag on your peace of mind.
