Executive Summary
- A roof certification gives homebuyers a helpful written assessment of a roof’s condition and expected lifespan.
- A roof certification can give buyers peace of mind by showing an incredibly low risk of unexpected repair or replacement costs.
- During a home sale, roof certifications can simplify closing and offer leverage in price negotiations.
- Some lenders and insurers require a roof certification, particularly for older homes, before offering financial assistance or coverage for the buyer.
The Hidden Value of a Roof Certification
When buying a home, it is easy for people to focus on floor plans, appliances, and cosmetic updates, but they overlook one of the most critical components: the roof. The condition of a roof plays a significant role in the stability, safety, and comfort of the home as a whole, making it important to confirm a roof’s condition before purchasing a new home.
Thankfully, a roof certification can give homebuyers peace of mind. A licensed roofing contractor issues this formal document that verifies a roof’s current condition and provides a well-calculated expectancy for its lifespan. This thorough, roof-specific service goes beyond a standard home inspection, which may only offer a basic visual overview.
The guide below explains what a roof certification is and outlines how it can be a helpful tool during the sale of a home. With a certification, you can confidently understand a roof’s condition before closing on a house. Thanks to this tool, many homebuyers can save thousands of dollars by preventing future repair expenses that would fall on the new homeowner.
What Is a Roof Certification?
A roof certification is a written statement from a qualified roofing professional that is typically issued after a thorough inspection. This document evaluates the roof’s condition and estimates how long it will last based on a variety of factors. Some details that are taken into account during a roof certification include:
- The age of the roof
- The material of the roof
- Current issues, such as signs of water intrusion
- The overall condition of flashing and sealants
- Ventilation and drainage performance
By assessing the details above and communicating findings to interested parties, a professional roofing contractor can supply an estimation of the roof’s remaining lifespan that offers peace of mind. The specialist may suggest repairs that could increase the roof’s longevity if needed.
Roof Inspection vs. Roof Certification
A traditional roof inspection identifies current issues, but a roof certification goes further by giving professional-backed assurance that the roof will remain stable and leak-free for a specific period if maintained properly.
Why Roof Certifications Are Essential for Homebuyers
Roof certifications can make the property acquisition process smoother by offering the following benefits to prospective homebuyers.
Avoid Costly Surprises
Although general home inspections offer an all-encompassing view of the home, they usually only include a brief visual roof check from the ground. Therefore, hidden issues like soft spots, worn flashing, or poor ventilation can go unnoticed without a thorough roof-specific inspection.
Thankfully, a roof certification can uncover various problems before a home sale is finalized. Some examples of costly surprises buyers may discover without a roof certification are:
- Undetected leaks that lead to mold or water damage
- Structural weaknesses from prolonged moisture exposure
- Hidden rot or deterioration under shingles or decking
- Poor attic ventilation spurring excess heat and humidity buildup
- Pest infestations due to roof gaps or damaged flashing
Suppose the homebuyer doesn’t walk away or negotiate a fair deal before closing on a home without a roof certification. In that case, the problems above can reveal themselves after the purchase is complete, forcing the homebuyer to eat the cost of the unexpected repairs or a replacement.
Negotiation Leverage
If the inspection leading to the roof certification reveals damage or a short remaining lifespan, buyers can use the findings to negotiate with the seller. Some common negotiation tactics that homebuyers can use before purchasing a home with roofing problems include:
- Requesting the seller to finish repairs before closing
- Asking for a price reduction to offset future roofing expenses
- Requesting seller-paid concessions or credits
For example, if a buyer receives a certification suggesting a roof only has two years of life left, they can negotiate a $10,000 reduction that can facilitate a future roof replacement.
Peace of Mind
Buyers can confidently move into their new home if the roof is certified by a trustworthy professional. Instead of guessing whether or not you’ll need to replace the roof a few months after purchasing, you’ll have a reliable estimate of its lifespan. Some other ways roof certifications can offer comfort include:
- Showing which parts of the roof need attention
- Pinpointing ventilation or drainage issues that could arise
- Giving clear recommendations for long-term care
The clarity that a roof certification provides can help buyers make wise real estate investment decisions.
How Roof Certifications Impact Mortgage and Insurance
When it comes to roofs, lenders and insurers are always trying to reduce risk. Therefore, if a roof is over 20 years old, many institutions will require an official roof certification before finalizing a mortgage or issuing a new homeowners insurance policy. This means that a roof in poor condition may delay or derail loan approval or insurance coverage.
Some benefits of a roof certification for financing purposes are:
- The document helps satisfy underwriting requirements
- The certification limits the need for post-sale roof inspections
- Having assurance from a professional may lower insurance premiums by communicating that the roof is in good condition
If the home you are trying to buy is old, a roof certification may be necessary to keep the deal moving forward. Nevertheless, requesting a roof certification can benefit homebuyers regardless of the age of the house.
How to Get Your Roof Certified
The certification process starts with a roof inspection—contact a licensed roofing contractor like Roof Life of Oregon, and let them know you’re requesting a roof certification. Some other steps involved in the certification process are:
- The contractor will perform an on-site evaluation to inspect the roof’s materials, flashing, gutters, ventilation, and structure.
- After the evaluation, you’ll receive a written report that outlines any recommended repairs and gives you an estimated lifespan.
- If the roof needs to be fixed to qualify for the certification, you should promptly schedule the repairs or negotiate with the seller.
- Once the roof meets the criteria, the contractor will issue a certification that will be valid for a set number of years.
Although each property differs, roof certifications usually range from $200 to $500, depending on home size and roof complexity.
If you live in Portland, Oregon, choose Roof Life of Oregon for your certification needs. Our experienced team offers thorough evaluations with fast certification turnarounds and high-quality repair options on an as-needed basis, making it easy to keep real estate transactions on schedule.
Common Reasons for Failing a Roof Inspection
Unfortunately, not all roofs pass inspection. Some frequently seen reasons homes fail roof certification inspections are:
- Curling or missing shingles
- Structural sagging
- Soft decking
- Damaged flashing
- Improper sealing for flashing and connections
- Substantial moss or algae growth
What Happens If the Roof Fails the Certification?
A failed certification doesn’t always mean the deal needs to be terminated—it’s simply a tool that brings transparency and promotes fair negotiation. If the roof doesn’t qualify for a certification, the seller has several options, such as:
- Making the necessary repairs and requesting a reinspection
- Offering a credit or reduced price to the homebuyer
- Declining repairs and allowing the buyer to decide whether to move forward
Secure Peace of Mind with a Roof Certification
Getting a roof certification can provide critical insight during the homebuying process. This document can protect a homebuyer’s investment by giving a professionally backed estimate on the roof’s lifespan and confidence that there will not be any predictable, roof-related financial surprises anytime soon.
Whether you’re purchasing your first home or your fifth, get assurance on the roof’s quality and strengthen your negotiating position by getting a roof certification. The experienced team at Roof Life of Oregon offers roof certifications for existing roofs and roofing warranties on newly installed roofs, giving buyers and sellers peace of mind. If you live in or around Portland in areas like Tigard, Sherwood, or Tualatin, our team can ensure your roof is in shape or give you the information you need to move forward with confidence.
Act fast and contact Roof Life of Oregon to schedule an inspection for a roof certification before closing.