People often buy older homes because they have character and more affordable price tags. Buyers should be aware of indications that these houses may need roof replacements to ensure they’re offering a reasonable amount. Here are four signs that a real estate listing may need repairs or a new roof.

4 Issues With Roofing on Old Houses

1. Age

Always ask the realtor when the roof was installed. While the house may be decades old, the owners may have done a roof replacement or two since it was constructed. 

Asphalt and asphalt composite roofs often last around 20 years, while wood shakes have a 30-year lifespan. If the roof is reaching the end of its proposed life, consider reroofing to ensure the home is weather- and pest-proof.

2. Damaged Shingles

Buckled, missing, or curled asphalt shingles will need replacement to provide water resistance. Chipped or moldy wood shake shingles likely have water damage underneath the layers, potentially indicating a wet attic or moldy walls.

If you notice these issues on a small portion of the roof, it may be fixable by replacing the shingles. Larger damaged sections often require a full roof replacement to waterproof the underlayers before adding shingles to protect the home.

3. Inadequate Insulation

Many houses built between 1900 and 1940 do not have enough insulation to prevent air exchange. These houses have higher energy bills as they let out heat in the winter and cool air in the summer. Consider the costs of redoing the insulation or adding more to make sure you’re providing a fair offering price. 

4. Limited Circulation

Attics must have adequate ventilation to prevent heat buildup that can damage the roof from the inside due to high water vapor. Homes built between 1960 and 1980 may have few or no vents from the attic. Look for several vents leading from the attic through the roof to minimize moisture levels and lower heat buildup that can swell the shingles. You’ll have better indoor air quality if a home has attic ventilation since it will be less likely to have mold, which can infiltrate the HVAC and spread throughout the house, causing respiratory problems like coughing, allergies, and skin rashes. 

Those interested in roof replacement quotes should contact Pinnacle Roofing & Siding in Lancaster County, NE. The experienced contractors offer fair-cost services for their expert craftsmanship. Call the Lincoln-area specialists at (402) 560-0232 or visit the website for information on their residential and commercial repairs, replacements, and long-term warranties.