In this article, A Cut Above Exteriors, a trusted roofing and exterior siding contractor in the area, suggests asking these three questions during a residential roof inspection.

1. What Is the Roof Made of?

When you hire a roofing contractor, they can easily tell you the material used and what you can expect from it in terms of performance, maintenance and future repair expenses. Asphalt shingle roofs are quite common, and they’re usually the least expensive to repair.

2. How Old Is It? And Is It Damaged?

Residential roofs last for an average of 20 years. Well-maintained roofs can exceed this mark, but you still have to be wary about getting a home with an aging roof. Old roofs are typically more vulnerable, so you’re likely to get a replacement sooner or later.

You should also ask about any damage that the roof might have. If you have a dependable contractor with you, they would check all areas from the ground up to assess the roof’s condition. They would look for cracks, leaks and water infiltration among others. The attic, siding and gutters would be inspected as well.

3. Does It Need Replacement?

If the roof is damaged, your contractor can advise you on how soon you may need to install a new roof. Of course, there’s no way to guarantee an exact time. However, this should be able to give you a good idea of how much time you can expect to have to prepare for a roof replacement.

A Cut Above Exteriors has been in the industry since 1995. We specialize in siding replacement, particularly in cedar siding and HardiePlank® siding. Our expertise also includes roofing, windows and patio doors. Call us at (503) 334-0733 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve customers in Portland, Oregon and nearby areas.