Roof Certification Letters in Philadelphia
Buyers, lenders and insurers often want a roofer's written opinion before a sale closes. A certification states the roof's condition and how long it should keep performing, and it only means something if the roof was really checked.
A roof certification in Philadelphia is a roofer's written statement that the roof is in sound, watertight condition, with an expected remaining life that is commonly stated as two to five years. FHA lenders look for at least two years of remaining life. We inspect the roof, list any repairs needed to certify it, and issue the letter once the roof passes.
What a Roof Certification Is and Is Not
A certification is a professional opinion on the roof's current, visible condition and how long it should stay watertight under normal weather. It is not a new roof warranty, and it does not cover storm damage or neglect after the date of inspection.
Its value depends on the inspection behind it. We walk the roof, check the attic or deck, look at every flashing and seam, and only certify a roof we would stand behind for the stated period.
What We Check Before Certifying
The letter only means something if these were all looked at.
- Roof covering condition and remaining life
- Number of layers on each section
- Flashing at walls, chimneys and vents
- Pipe boots and other penetrations
- Seams, blisters and ponding on flat roofs
- Drains, scuppers and gutters
- Parapets and coping
- Attic or deck underside for past leaks
- Ventilation and moisture signs
How a Roof Certification Runs
- 1
Book with the settlement date
So repairs can fit before closing.
- 2
Full inspection
Roof, flashing, drains and attic checked.
- 3
Pass or repair list
Certify now, or list required repairs with prices.
- 4
Complete repairs
Small items fixed to certification standard.
- 5
Re-check
Repaired items inspected again.
- 6
Issue the letter
Condition and expected remaining life in writing.
Roof Certification for Home Sales
Sellers order a certification to head off a buyer's objection before it becomes a price cut; buyers and their lenders ask for one when the roof looks older or the home inspector flags it. We inspect the whole roof and attic, record the layer count and condition, and issue a letter stating the roof's condition and expected remaining life. The letter goes to the person who ordered it, who can share it with the other side, the lender and the insurer.
Repairs Required Before Certification
Most roofs that do not pass on the first visit need only small, inexpensive work: a cracked pipe boot, a lifted seam, loose flashing, or a clogged scupper. We list those items with prices, and once they are done, the roof is re-checked and certified. If the roof is at the end of its life, we say so plainly, because a certification on a roof that will not last would help nobody and would come back on the seller after closing.
Certification for Flat and Shingle Roofs
Flat and pitched roofs are judged differently. On a flat rowhome roof we look at seam integrity, blisters, ponding, the coating, parapet flashing and drains, and core the roof to count layers where needed. On shingle roofs we look at granule loss, curling, nailing, flashing and ventilation from the attic. Many Philadelphia houses have both, a pitched main roof and a flat rear addition, and the letter covers each section separately so a buyer can see exactly where each stands.
What We See on Philadelphia Roofs
Philadelphia already uses the word certification for re-roofing: on an EZ re-roofing permit the contractor files a certification with Licenses and Inspections that the new roof followed the manufacturer's instructions. A sale certification is a separate letter about an existing roof. On older houses the layer count matters to both, since the city requires a full tear-off once a roof carries two layers, which affects what a buyer should budget for.
Settlement date coming up?
Call now so there is time for any repairs before closing.
How Long Certification Takes Before Settlement
The inspection itself usually takes about an hour. If the roof passes, the letter follows shortly after. If repairs are needed, the timeline depends on the work and the weather, so the safest plan is to book the inspection as soon as the sale agreement is signed, leaving room to complete repairs and re-check before settlement.
What Affects the Cost of a Certification
- Roof size and sectionsPitched and flat sections are each inspected.
- Core cutsCounting layers on flat roofs adds a step.
- Required repairsPriced separately if the roof does not pass.
- Re-inspectionA second visit after repairs are done.
- AccessSteep or tall roofs need more setup.
No published local range covers certification letters, so we price the inspection up front and any required repairs separately.
Roof Certification Questions
The stated period depends on the roof's condition and age; two to five years is common.
No. It is a written professional opinion on condition and remaining life, not a guarantee against future damage.
That is set by the sale agreement. Often the seller orders it; sometimes the buyer does.
If it is sound and watertight, yes, usually for a shorter period.
You get a list of repairs with prices, or an honest statement that it needs replacement.
More Inspection & Maintenance Work in Philadelphia
From our guides: Roof Certification When Selling a Philadelphia Home
Get the Roof Certified Before Closing
Call with your settlement date. We inspect, list what it needs and certify roofs that pass.