July 12

5 Reasons to Get a Roof Certification

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Your roof is your home's first line of defense against rain, snow, wind, hail, and intense sunlight. Extending the life of your roof starts with regular inspections and routine maintenance. Keeping your roof clear of debris and regularly cleaning gutters and downspouts goes a long way to protecting it from damage. 

A leaky roof can end up costing homeowners thousands of dollars if left unrepaired. Even a small leak can lead to serious structural damage so it’s important to have repairs made quickly. 

Most homeowners get a roof inspection after a hailstorm or other severe weather. 

A roof inspector will look for leaks, unusual wear and tear, damage caused by windblown debris or hail, and other problems. For your own peace of mind, consider getting a roof certification.

How Is a Roof Certification Different than an Inspection?

roof certification

Many people are unfamiliar with the roof certification process and why it is important for both home sellers and buyers. The condition of a roof has a direct impact on the value of a home. A roof in poor condition can significantly lower the price of a property. A roof certification can protect both sellers and buyers during real estate transactions. 

The roof certification process is different from a regular roof inspection. A roof certification is a written document issued by a licensed roofing expert to certify that a roof isn’t damaged and should perform as expected for a certain period of time. 

This time period normally lasts 2 years but may be as long as 5 years in some instances. These certifications are typically used by lenders and in real estate transactions. Roof certifications are also sometimes required by insurance companies.

Roof certifications are done to:

  • Inform the lender and buyer about the condition of a roof

  • Disclose its remaining lifespan

  • Identify necessary repairs

A typical home inspection only offers a superficial roof inspection that may not identify some issues. A roof certification is performed by roofing professionals who are qualified to identify potential problems and carry out any necessary repairs before issuing a certification. 

When examining a roof for certification, inspectors take into consideration the type of roofing materials, age, pitch, previous repairs, and number of layers. They also check for damage from the inside of the home, checking for visible signs of mold, stains, or other signs of water damage. 

Who Should Get a Roof Certification?

Roof certifications are a requirement for some types of loans and must be compliant with Federal Housing Administration (FHA) standards. For example, roofs that leak or allow moisture to enter a home cannot be certified until necessary repairs have been made. Roofs must also have a remaining physical lifespan of at least two years in order to receive certification.

If you’re buying a home, getting a roof certification is advisable. The condition of the roof should always be a major consideration before buying a home. A roof is one of the most expensive elements of a property and unexpected leaks can cause thousands of dollars in repairs and property damage.

When you’re ready to sell your home, it’s to your advantage to make sure your roof doesn’t need major repairs, as this can reduce the value of your property and drive away potential homebuyers. Having a certification to prove the condition of your roof can be a proactive measure. 

A certified roof is a great selling point for your home. It shows a buyer that the roof has been well maintained and will not need to be replaced soon. If you’re looking to buy a home, knowing that the roof has been certified is important so that you know you are paying a fair price for the property and won’t be hit with unexpected repair bills.

Here are 5 additional reasons to get a roof certification:

1. Increases the value of your property. 

A roof certification serves as evidence that an important part of your property is in good condition. If the inspection reveals critical issues, you have the opportunity to have them repaired to avoid having to offer your buyers a credit. Fixing your roof before it is listed will allow you to sell it at the top of its price range. 

2. You won’t lose a sale due to unresolved roof issues. 

Many buyers will walk away from a property that needs a new roof. When buyers are aware of a damaged roof they may assume that there are other costly problems with the home.

3. You’ll be protected from inaccurate home inspection reports. 

Routine home inspections do only a cursory inspection of a roof. If a home inspection report erroneously identifies roofing problems, the value of a home can be significantly impacted. 

4. You’ll prevent closing delays. 

Most lenders will not proceed with a real estate transaction if serious problems are not correctly addressed before the closing date. By having the roof certified, the buyer and their lender can be confident that the roof is in good condition. 

5. It may lower your homeowners’ insurance.

Insurance companies want to make sure people’s homes are as safe as possible. If you own an older home or decide to buy an older home, a roof inspection is often required by the insurance company before they will provide coverage. A roof certification issued by a licensed roofer may even lower your insurance premiums.

Get Your Roof Certified by a Trusted Roofing Contractor

Since 1999, Brian Dawson Roofing & Construction has been installing residential and commercial roofing systems throughout the greater St. Louis region. Because all of our work is done under warranty and fully insured, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your new roof is dependable and long-lasting. 

Contact us online or at (636) 733-6435 to schedule a free inspection and consultation. Our experienced professionals will arrive on time, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to detect leaks and other problems your roof may be facing. Our mission is to provide quality roofing services and top-notch customer service, all at a competitive price.


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