If your agent has provided you with a Seller’s Property Disclosure for a home that you like, be sure to check how old the home’s roof is! It’s important to consider when determining the fair market value of the home (this is also true if you’re listing your home for sale!).

There are a variety of roofing styles, and each type has its pros and cons. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roof type in our region by far, and they come in a variety of “life expectancy’s”, from 20 year to 50 year. With proper maintenance, they can usually be expected to last that long. Be sure to get a home inspection on any home you wish to purchase in order to ensure that there isn’t any damage!

Slate, roofing tile, and concrete are other roofing materials that may be available for your home. They all have longer lifespans (30 years and up), but can be a bit pricier. Wood shakes are another great alternative and provide a really great look, but can require a bit more maintenance and the lifespan isn’t always as long as the others.

In order to keep your roof lasting as long as possible, be sure that your attic is properly insulated and ventilated and that you inspect your roof after any storms. If you’re missing a shingle or two, call your contractor right away—if it goes without getting repaired, it can create a domino effect!

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