Roofing Certifications: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
Most people understand how important having a sound roof is, but not many realize what a roofing certification is or how that certification can save them money. There are several reasons to consider having your home’s roof inspected and certified.
What is a Roof Inspection, and Why is it Important?
Knowing the condition of your home’s roof is always important. Perhaps most importantly, knowing the roof is sound makes it easier to sleep at night. If you’re constantly worried about a roof leaking, it’s harder to focus on other important matters. Having the home’s roof checked out by a roofing expert makes it easier to understand the roof’s condition and when it may need to be replaced. If you’re unsure when your home’s roof was last inspected, you can get help at Texas Home Improvement with a simple phone call.
The roof inspector will access the roof, examine the roofing, and check the condition of flashing materials to get an accurate picture of the roof’s condition. Once the inspection is completed, the roofing expert will review the findings with the homeowner and recommend any needed maintenance or repairs. If the owner is considering selling the property, the roofing professional can provide a roofing certification outlining the roof’s condition and providing an estimate of its life expectancy. The roofing certification will be good for anywhere from two to five years, depending on the existing circumstances. Having a certification makes it easier to market the property, as the buyers know they won’t need to worry about replacing the roof immediately.
What Factors Impact a Roofing Inspection and Certification?
There are numerous factors the roofing professional will consider when evaluating a home’s roof. The final determination of the roof’s condition and life expectancy will depend on the totality of evidence present. Here are a few of the elements the inspector will look at:
· The type of roofing materials used. Some roofing products are designed to last for 15 to 20 years, while others are intended to last for several decades. Composition shingles have the shortest lifespans, but they are also less expensive and easier to install than, for example, wood shakes or tile.
· Theage of the roof. Since different materials age at varying rates, it’s not always easy for a layperson to predict how long they will last. Roofing experts have the skills and experience to evaluate a roof and estimate its remaining life accurately.
· Previous repairs. It’s not uncommon for roofs to suffer damage from weather events or physical damage, such as a tree limb falling on the roof. If high-quality repairs are made, that will make little difference in the overall life expectancy of a roof. However, if the repairs were sloppily made, the roof’s life expectancy may be shorter.
· The number of roofing layers present. If a home already has two layers of shingles present, all the roofing materials will most likely have to be removed before a new roof can be installed. While there are exceptions to this roofing standard, multiple layers of roofing can impact the estimated life of the newest layer.
There are other factors if the roofing material is metal, tile, or slate. The roofing expert will explain those considerations and how they will affect the roofing inspection and certification.
Explore Your Options Now
Having a roof inspected periodically is always a good idea. If you’re considering selling the home, a certification will certainly help. Your insurance carrier may also require a roofing certification prior to issuing a policy or renewing an existing one. If you need help deciding whether a roofing certification is needed, take the time now to contact a roofing expert for advice.
