What is a Roof Certification, and Why do you Need One?
When you're looking to buy a new home, buying a property with a roof certification gives you peace of mind that the roof is in good condition. If you're selling your home, a roof certification demonstrates to buyers that the roof is in good condition and won't need replacing in the near future.
Buyers can make it part of the contract that a Roof Certification is provided, so it makes sense to get one if you're planning to sell your home. For buyers, requesting a Roof Certification reduces the likelihood that they will have to replace the roof, which can be a significant investment.
A Roof Certification is issued by a Licenced Roofing Inspector to certify that a roof has no defects and, under normal conditions, it should not need repairing or replacing for a specified period. The period of time varies but is usually 1-2 years. And sometimes up to 5 years.
Do I need a Roof Certification if I've had a Home Inspection?
Home inspections only offer a superficial roof inspection that may not flag some issues. A roof certification is performed by roofing company employees who are specially qualified to identify any potential problems and carry out any necessary repairs before issuing a certification.
What will a Roof Certification inspection look for?
When inspecting your roof, a roofing inspector will look at:
The age of your roof. Depending on the type of material, it might be expected to last between 10 and 20+ years. The material of your roof, combined with typical weather patterns in your area, can give a good indication of the expected lifespan of your roof. For example, clay tiles are most suitable for warm weather.
Previous repairs. Any previous repairs will need to be inspected to ensure that they were completed to a high standard and won't cause any potential future issues.
Layers. Sometimes, a 'new' roof is laid over the existing roof. In some cases, there are only a certain number of reroofing layers that can be laid before it is necessary to remove the entire roof and replace, due to the weight of the layers.
Gutters and downspouts will be checked for signs of damage.
Interior. Roofing Inspectors will check for damage from the inside, checking for visible signs of a problem such as mold, stains, or other signs of water damage.
Does a Roof Certification provide a guarantee?
Roof Certifications are usually very reliable because they are carried out by licensed roof inspectors who are expert roofers. However, there is typically no guarantee that the roof will remain leak and problem-free for the certified period. Instead, if there is a leak during the certification period, the contractor will come and repair the roof.
At Pace Roofing, We are a family-owned company, proudly serving the Tri-State area. We offer reliable Roof Certifications and examinations along with repairs, maintenance, and replacement roofs. If you're looking for a reputable roofing contractor in the Philadelphia area, why not contact us today?