Roof Week
It is a fact: every house needs a roof. Today’s modern roofing material is an asphalt based architectural shingle layered on top of tar paper, or some composite material, all trimmed with various types of metal flashing. All of this is on top of the underlayment which is usually plywood or OSB (oriented strand board). Depending on the brand and who you talk to, the standard shingle life is 25-30 years unless you upgrade to a “presidential” shingle which is 50.
This is what your roof should look like.
These systems also need to be installed correctly and maintained properly to maximize their life. All of the seasons and elements are enemies of your roof. Moss, excessive heat and power washing are the biggest shingle-life killers. Moss tends to accumulate in shady areas especially on the north side. Adding an anti-moss powder annually to the ridge line, prior to a light rain, can keep the surface clean indefinitely. If you do get some green stuff growing up there DO NOT USE A POWERWASHER to remove it, as tempting as it may be. It will take the moss and the granules with it; in an afternoon you could take 10 years of life away. If the attic is not properly ventilated, excessive heat builds even on a cool day, and it can cook years off of your roof.
In the context of a real estate transaction, the condition of the roof is often a bone of contention, and like everything else, it can be quite subjective. As a seller it is a good practice to have the roof cleaned and assessed with a written report prior to going live. This way you can stay out in front of any buyer concerns. Buyers: just know that the seller is always going to think that their roof is “fine” and it is a tall order to get much of a concession out of them when it still has a few years of life left in it.
This one is cooked and the sellers didn’t see the problem.
I’ve seen tons of “failed” roofs with no leaks. In reality, there are a lot of layers that water needs to get through before it lands in your living room. Roofs tend to be considerate and will give a few years of warning before they ruin your hard wood floors. As a homeowner it is your responsibility to listen to what it is telling you and replace it when the time comes.
If you have any questions or need a contractor referral, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.