Here in the Sarasota area, we have a wide variety of homes and lifestyle choices. Although there are hundreds of choices for new home communities, many prefer the charm and history of an older home. Whether century-old Spanish Mediterranean homes in Burns Court, Sarasota school of architecture homes west of Trail, or the thousands of traditional Florida ranch neighborhoods that comprise our city, homebuyers often find themselves purchasing an older home, raising questions as to the structural integrity of the roof.

Here are some tips to help you to determine the best course of action as you consider an older home – and its accompanying older roof.

Considerations when Buying a Home with an Older Roof

• Ask for documentation regarding the roof. Often the homeowner will have paperwork which indicates when the last roof was installed, and who the roofing contractor was. This will give you a good starting point to set expectations as to the likely condition of the roof. Remember, a 50-year-old home doesn’t necessarily mean a 50-year-old roof. Most roofs are replaced every 20 to 30 years.
• An older roof is likely to show visible signs of aging in its materials. Curled or eroded asphalt tiles, sagging sections, cracked clay tiles, or rotting soffits are all easily discerned indications that the older roof may need attention.
• While readily observable damage is a great indication of problems, you may need to look underneath to truly ascertain the roof condition. If you can access the attic space, look for signs of a rotting, wet, discolored or warped framing structure. Examine the interior of the home for stains, spots, or discoloration on the ceiling. All of these may indicate a roof leak.
• Look for concentrated areas of algae or mold on the roof. Although these are often just aesthetic issues, they may also indicate water intrusion and could be eroding the tile or materials on the roof.
• Keep in mind that throughout the years, damage may have occurred which was addressed – for instance, a dry water stain on a bedroom ceiling may be a left-over remnant of a leak subsequently fixed. Homes older than 40 years may have already had a roof replaced more than once. Simply point any concern out to your roofing inspector to get a professional assessment.
• Even if the roof is structurally sound, be sure to check the insulation which may have deteriorated over the years. Proper insulation helps to regulate your home’s temperature and save on energy costs, so is an important aspect of any inspection of an older roof. Here’s a tip – homes built before 1940 often have insufficient insulation for today’s standards, so be sure to take a look.
• Check the attic and roof ventilation, especially in homes built prior to 1980. These homes were less likely to have adequate vents to the outside, as well as proper ventilation from exhaust fans. If too much hot, moist air has been collecting in your attic, there may be mold or rot. You may wish to ask a roofing contractor as to the best ventilation system is available to update your home.

When buying a home, an older roof need not be a reason to walk away. Understanding the condition of the roof, its maintenance history and the quality of the materials used will allow you to properly negotiate. The roofing professionals at Avery Roof Services are experts at inspecting, diagnosing, repairing and replacing all types of roofs across the Sarasota area. Give us a call for a roof inspection if you are considering any home purchase, and then proceed confidently knowing that you have the information you need to make the best decisions.

Avery Roof Services is proud to serve homeowners and businesses throughout the greater Sarasota area.