IT’S TIME TO GET YOUR ROOF READY FOR WINTER STORMS
HOME INSPECTIONS, SHASTA COUNTY, TIPS FOR BUYERS, TIPS FOR SELLERS, TIPS FOR SENIORS
September 23rd, 2008
Many homeowners wait for a leak to develop before addressing overdue roof maintenance issues. This saves money in the short run, but can lead to expensive repairs including damage to the home’s interior and even toxic mold! Not only that, if a homeowners insurance claim is filed to help pay for repairs, you and your property could have a major black mark on your CLUE report (See prior post).
Many maintenance items can be tackled by the homeowner depending on your ability and roof type. Composition and wood shingle roofs are usually easy to access and maintain. Tile and metal roofs could be more tricky due to the chance of cracking tiles while walking on them or slipping off a slick metal roof. Hire a roofer to make repairs if you have any doubts. Routine maintenance includes:
- Cleaning gutters and downspouts
- Removing leaves and pine needles from roof surface and valleys
- Sealing pipe and fireplace flashings
- Power washing moss off (usually on shaded north exposures)
- nail and/or replace loose shingles
In the event your roof is more than 15 years old, consider having a roof inspection. Determining the 
remaining life expectancy should be left to a reputable roofer. Plan to replace the roof before it starts leaking. If you know several years ahead of time when you will need to replace your roof, you can budget and save the necessary funds.
Small homes with less than 1,000 square feet will need at least $3,500 to remove and replace a comp roof. Medium size homes should expect to pay $5,000-$8,000 and large homes could cost $10,000 or more to replace a roof. If you convert from wood shake to comp, expect an additional cost for sheeting your roof.
Comp roofs last from 15-30 years in the Redding/Shasta County area, depending on quality. Tile roofs can last 50 years or more but typically have tiles that crack and must be replaced from time to time. Flashings should be inspected annually and sealed as necessary. If you see water spilling over the tops of your gutters, it’s time to clean them and the downspouts too.
Failure to maintain a roof can cause structural damage that could costs hundreds or thousands to repair. Roof joists, rafters, sheet rock and your valuable possessions can all be damaged by a leaky, neglected roof. It is one of the most important components of any home and should be properly maintained. Buyers and sellers of homes should take a close look at the roof before a sale closes escrow. The large expense of replacing a roof can bankrupt a buyer that just drained their cash resources to buy a home. Most lenders require a 2-3 year life expectancy at a minimum. In my opinion, buyers should not buy a home unless the roof has at least 5 or more years of life remaining.
Buying or selling, contact me:
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
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