There are so many things you need to think about and consider when buying a home, including the condition of the roof. Roof repairs are a big-ticket item so when you are buying a home, it is important to know what you are getting into before you sign on the dotted line. There are some important factors to consider when looking at the roof of a prospective home.
Age and Material When buying a home an older roof may scare you, it is not necessarily a bad thing. Yes, the older the roof the more wear and tear it generally has, but you must also factor in the materials that were used. Roofs are usually made of either metal, rubber, cedar or composite materials. Composite shingles will last longer than the other options so factor that into your decision when thinking of buying a home.
Condition
The condition of the roof is very important because a roof that has not been maintained can cost you a lot of money from the start. Some important things to check for are the presence of mold, curling edges, worn spots, missing or loose shingles, rust spots, moss, cracking caulk and work down rubber around the base of vent pipes. Any of these issues could point to a poorly preserved roof and more problems down the road.
Ventilation Ventilation that lets sunlight and air in is very important to the health of a roof. If the ventilation system is sub-par it will allow mold to form and infect the house, which can be costly and time consuming to get rid of. Make sure if there is mold in the house you check the roof ventilation as a possible source. This is an important step in buying a home.
Drainage The drainage system is also very important to the roof and is especially important to look for in buying a home. If it doesn’t work properly, it will cause water and ice to back up on the roof and rot it away. Check the downspouts, gutters and drainage pipes to make sure they are not blocked or damaged and that water can flow freely to the ground. If the gutters are full of gritty asphalt shingle grains, it is a good sign that the roof might need replaced.
Leaks
Of course, you will want to check for any leaks in the roof. Leaking water can destroy not only the roof but also the floors, furniture, and walls. It can be difficult to find the source of a leak, so make sure to consider that before purchasing. Some telltale signs include dark spots on the ceiling, any wet areas especially near fireplaces, gaps in the roof or chimney, peeling paint or wallpaper.
These problem areas are helpful to look for before buying a home, however if after you purchase you notice an issue, be sure to call Roof Advance for a free estimate and a quick solution to all your roofing needs. For more helpful tips visit more of our blogs here.
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