As a Chicago home buyer, there are a few big-ticket repairs you hope to avoid for a long as possible. Among these are roof replacements, which can range anywhere from $10,000 up to $40,000 or more. There are a ton of variables in roof replacement costs: home size, roof pitch, roof design, type of materials, amount of labor required, etc.
If you’ve owned your home for several years, expensive repairs like a new roof could possibly be financed with a home equity loan. But for recent buyers who haven’t been in their home all that long, an unexpected roof replacement could be a serious financial hit. Home buyers who use an inspection contingency in thier purchase offer, and have a professional home inspection performed, are less likey to be surprised by this situation. Unfortunately, it isn’t impossible. As we mentioned in a prior blog post, your homeowners insurance company could decide your roof is too old, and require you to replace it, in order to continue your policy.
While there’s no substitute for a professional inspection, having a basic understanding of common roof condition issues can help you spot potential headaches well in advance. Many issues can be spotted from the ground by simply looking up at the shingles. (For a closer look, use the zoom feature on your phone camera.)
Signs of potential roofing issues include:
Dark streaks, stains, or moss. This can indicate moisture damage and algae growth, which speed up shingle deterioration.
Cracking or splitting. This indicates shingle breakdown. Fine lines can happen with temperature extremes. Large cracks or splits mean shingles should be replaced.
Curling or cupping. Shingles should lie flat. If they are curling up, or raised in the center, they are ready for replacement.
Missing or loose shingles. If left unrepaired, water damage to the roof deck can follow. A roof inspection should be conducted.
Dented, rusted or lifting flashing. Flashing is used to prevent water from getting through roof joints, edges, chimneys and vents. A problem with flashing can lead to leaks around these areas.
Granule loss and asphalt debris. As shingles break down, dark, sandy grit may appear in downspouts and gutters. Dark, gritty stains near the roofline can indicate an aging roof that needs attention.
A professional home inspector performs a visual inspection of the roof as part of their service. If the home inspection report comes back with any concerns, call in a roofing contractor for estimates. Depending on the language and contingencies used in your purchase contract, you should be able to work out any issues with the seller – or, exit the deal if needed. At StartingPoint Realty, we explain how contingencies work, and we guide you through the home buying process from start to finish!
StartingPoint Realty – serving Chicagoland since 2004!
StartingPoint Realty proudly serves home buyers and sellers throughout Chicago and the suburbs. We offer free, first-time home buyer seminars every month! We offer free home selling seminars too! Contact us for your free home buying or home selling consultation!
Ryan Gable Broker/CEO Starting Point Realty
Phone: 847.348.1154
Email: RyanGable@startingpointrealty.com
https://startingpointrealty.com/
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