How long will a roof last?
When buying a house, one of the most important factors that must be taken into consideration is the roofing system. A big part of your investment is going to be spent for the roofs. So, the question that is lingering in your mind is how long will a roof last? They say that it normally lasts for 20 years or if you’re lucky, its life cycle can reach of up to 25 years. Let’s say you are 30 years old when you decided to get a housing loan. That means that when you turn 50, the original roofing system of the house which you bought will be needing a complete replacement by that time. What if you don’t want to deal with the headaches of hiring a licensed roofer then?
You actually have two options. First, you can choose to buy a brand new house with roofs which are completely made of new materials. Or you can opt for a fixer upper house which is much cheaper but with structural issues. Now it gets more confusing, isn’t it? First off, who doesn’t like an entirely new house? It’s more exciting to live in a home knowing that you are the first and only owner. You might not even have to ask how long will a roof last because when the materials are 100% new, you can be certain that the roofs are strong and durable.
On the other hand, choosing a fixer upper house does not automatically mean that it’s going to help you save money. In most cases, such houses for sale are lacking of many things. Like there is no assurance if the roofs are still in good condition. Of course the seller will tell you that it is at its best condition but expect all brokers to say the same thing. They’d say anything to sweet talk you into buying an old house.
However, for people who have a very modest income, the choices are not that wonderful. Usually, an average employee can only afford a second-hand house. If you belong to this group, don’t worry because you can still find a beautiful old home that will fit the bill. If you are concerned with how long will a roof last, you can hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect the roofs for you. If possible, get the services of at least 3 roofers from different companies to obtain an accurate analysis.
The roofing contractor will analyze the current state of the roof by checking the type of material from which it was made of. As you know, the longevity of a roof also depends on the materials used. Clay, shingles and metal are highly durable and can even surpass the average life span of 20 years. They will also base their findings according to the geographical location of the house. If it is located in a humid or cold area, if there are blizzards and tornadoes in the place, etc., all these things contribute to the life cycle of a roof.
So, the question was left unanswered. How long will a roof last? If you are into quality, choosing an entirely new house is a better option than settling for a fixer upper house. Although money may be an issue, remember that pre-owned roof generally need lots of major repair and restoration.