Roof Cert
(Roof Certification)
What Is A Roof Cert?
A roof certification is sometimes requested by a mortgage company or bank when a home is being sold. It is usually the mortgage company for the buyer who requests the certifications.
A mortgage company or bank wants assurance that the roof on the home wont need to be replaced for a certain number of years (usually 5).
Roofs are expensive and since the bank or mortgage company is taking on risk buying the home they want to make sure the roof is in satisfactory condition.
A roof certification document is prepared by a licensed roofing contractor after they inspect the roof for defects, leaks, deficiencies, or problems.
The roofing contractor may require repairs be completed before they issue a roof certification.
What Do You Look For On A Roof Certification?
During the roof inspection for the certification there are some important things the inspector will look for.
All vents, pipes, and flashings on the roof will be inspected to ensure they are still sealed.
The drainage of the roof will also be carefully inspected to ensure its free flowing and has positive drainage.
The shingles, ridge caps, and hips will also be inspected to make sure there isn’t any product failures or excessive granule loss.
After these items are completed the inspector will estimate the remaining life of the roof. If a permit was pulled when the work was completed this can be easy to verify. If a permit was not required this can be tougher to estimate.
Inspect the attic for leaks or cracks in the decking (plywood or OSB)
Check the roof drainage, gutters, and downspouts
Verify the age of the roof (if there was a permit pulled)
Estimate remaining life of the roof
Inspect all flashings, vents, and any other roof intrusions.
Inspect ridge, hips, and field shingles for exposed nails
Inspect intake and exhaust vents
