Roof Certifications

[Vince Santos]

I've been getting call lately from buyers looking for a roof certification. Apparently lenders, particularly for FHA, want some type of roof certification. Up to now I've told them to contact a roofing contractor as I don't certify systems.

I'm not interested in providing any guarantee or certification on any system but what exactly is a roof certification?

[rmaday]

They want you to certify (ie. warranty) the roof for a certain life expectancy (3-5 years, if I recall) in order to process the loan.

[Nick Gromicko]

Some lenders want someone with some expertise to say (in writing) that the roof will last X amount of years. It typically is no more than a quick evaluation typed up on your letterhead.

[John Evans]

In my opinion, I would never write a roof certification. Always refer to a licensed roofing contractor for certifications.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Roofing contractor perform them here.

[Nick Gromicko]

The advantage of using a roofing contractor with expertise above and beyond an unbiased home inspector's (if any additional expertise even exists) is far outweighed by the disadvantage of using a roofing contractor due to the fact that contractors suffer from conflict of interest (they sell roof repair and replacement services).

A roofing contractor is the last person a lender should use for a roof certification. The contractor's license should disqualify them.

[John Evans]

Nick, I see your point but do you expect a home inspector to certify a roof for x amount of time? And, what happens to the inspector if the roof fails within the certification period? I also do not think E&O carriers would cover the inspector writing certifications. No different than reporting the HVAC or water heater will last 3 years, which I never do. I only verbally state average life expectancies of certain components.

[rmaday]

Originally Posted by gromicko

The advantage of using a roofing contractor with expertise above and beyond an unbiased home inspector's (if any additional expertise even exists) is far outweighed by the disadvantage of using a roofing contractor due to the fact that contractors suffer from conflict of interest (they sell roof repair and replacement services).

A roofing contractor is the last person a lender should use for a roof certification. The contractor's license should disqualify them.

Here's the thing about the cert, though. They're not looking fior a bid to repair or replace, quite the opposite - They're looking for someone to document that this roof will "last" X # of years.

If it leaks in that time frome, there is no money to be made (only lost), as the certifier has stated it would last X # of years and will probably be called on to fix it for free.

[rmaday]

"Hmm..X amount, yes very good, X amount"

[Michael Roberson]

Some lenders want someone with some expertise to say (in writing) that the roof will last X amount of years. It typically is no more than a quick evaluation typed up on your letterhead.

I did this once, and regretted it, FHA seems to want this lately. I'm not going to do it any more. They wanted my NACHI cert ID, and to sign it. I made clear that my inspection was "a statement of condition at the time of inspection and not a warranty" which they accepted.

I totally agree with the contractor statement Nick, the ONLY plus to state licensing. In my area, contractors think they ARE home inspectors. Oh, and they will give you a bid on site too.

[Nick Gromicko]

A roof cert is not a guarantee or warranty (state that right on the cert)

It is an third-party, unbiased, inspector's written opinion of the age of the roof and the life left in the roof.

[mnahrgang]

Originally Posted by gromicko

A roof cert is not a guarantee or warranty (state that right on the cert)

It is an third-party, unbiased, inspector's written opinion of the age of the roof and the life left in the roof.

I've done these. And I clearly state that they are not a guarantee nor a warranty. I skirt the "X number of years" by stating the estimated age, and the average life expectancy (same as in my inspection report.) That gives them the same information that they are asking for without the implied "guarantee" that the other wording provides. It's seemed to be fine. When I was asked about it one time, I responded that I was not a prophet and could not see into the future. Anyone who says that the roof will last "x number of years" is only guessing. They liked that, and said thank you.

[jhugenroth]

Around here standard roof certs are for two years. It is not a life expectancy estimate, but a guarantee that the roof won't leak for that period of time.
If the roof is in need of repairs, then the certification fee will include any needed repairs before the roofer will certify it.

The beauty of roof certs (at least from the roofer's perspective) is that they guarantee the roof only, and will not cover any house contents that may be damaged due to a leak.

[John Shishilla]

I do these all the time. (see attached)

[Darren Spencer]

Every home inspector should have the knowledge to certify a roof, unless they are just looking around.