What To Look For In A Roof
Did you know that spring is the most common time that people buy new houses? There are many aspects of a house you should look at before deciding to buy it. One of the biggest things to look at on a house is its roof. The roof is an essential part of any home. You want to ensure that it is in good condition before you buy. So, what should you look for in a roof?
Why Is A Roof So Important?
First, let’s detail why a roof is so important to any home. WIthout one, your home has no protection. If a roof isn’t in good condition, that means it’s at risk for all sorts of damage.
One of the biggest issues a roof can have is water damage. If water gets in your roof, it can cause mold, water damage to your ceilings and walls, and can rot your roof beams. These are all not simple to fix. They also tend to cost a lot of money to fix, which is the last thing you want while you are buying a new home.
How To Check A Roof
You can check your roof a couple of different ways. You can see some roof damage with the naked eye. However, if you want a full and comprehensive inspection of your roof, you’re going to need to call an expert.
Firstly, you can hire a roofing professional to check the roof out for you. They’ll get on the roof to take a good look at it from the outside. They will also get into the attic to see if any damage has occurred inside it. They’ll then give you a full report of what condition the roof is in, and what they would recommend for it should you purchase the home.
You may also find that the current home owner has already had an inspection done on the roof. If they have done this, ask to see it and read over it carefully. You’re looking for any issues that will need to be addressed in the near future, in order to keep the home safe from damage.
What To Look For In a Roof
If you are having the roof inspected by a roofing professional, what should you be looking for? Here’s a list of issues you want to check and have fixed before you move in.
Missing or Broken Shingles
This is an issue you will be able to see with the naked eye. If there are any tiles or shingles missing or broken, that means the roof is vulnerable to water damage. Missing or broken shingles are not a big problem so long as they are caught early. After every storm, homeowners should be checking their roofs to ensure that all shingles are still there and not missing or damaged. Most roofing companies recommend that homeowners get an extra box of shingles when they have their roof replaced. This way it’s easy to grab a replacement and fix the problem.
Sagging Ceilings
Check the ceilings and make sure that none of them are sagging inside the home. This could mean water damage has occurred in the past. The best way to address this problem is is by having a roofer look under the shingles to determine if any damage has been done. They’ll be able to look for water damage as well as mold so you can prepare for repairs or a new roof.
Gutter Problems
Make sure to ask your roofer to check to see if there is any sitting debris in the gutters. If there is, that is a sign that water may be getting backed up while getting out of the gutters and getting into the roof. This causes problems over time as water isn’t being guided away from the roof.
This is a problem that is solved pretty quickly and easily. Simply pull the debris out with your hands. You can also install a gutter guard to keep the debris out.
Another thing to look for in your gutters is colored grit. They come from the shingles on the roof, and cover and protect the roof from the heat. Without them, damage can occur inside the home. Grit is a bad sign and something you should get checked right away.
Look For Mold And Moss
Check the roof to make sure it isn’t covered with moss or mold. Moss build up is a sign of a decaying roof. This is a sign that the roofing underneath the covered area might be rotting.
Make sure to also check for any mold on the roof. Mold is a highly dangerous fungus that can be hidden and not easily seen. Mold can form between walls, under floors, and roofs. It contaminates the walls and the paint of the house. The most common reasons for mold developing is a poor ventilation system and water leakage.
Water Stains
Water stains are a sure sign that there is a leak somewhere in the house. They are most likely found on ceilings in the upstairs rooms of the home. Home owners can try to cover these up so look for signs of fresh paint on any ceilings or high walls. This is another reason why it is good to have a roofing professional inspect your roof to check for leaks and water damage.
Age Of The Roof
All roofs will need to be replaced at some point. Aging roofs just do not protect your home as well as newer ones can. The average roof can last up to 50 years, depending on the materials used to make the roof. Make sure to ask the age of the roof when purchasing a home. The older it is, the more likely it is you will need to replace the roof entirely soon. You can build this cost into your home budget if you are set on buying a home with an older roof.
Other Issues To Consider
There are a few other issues to consider when inspecting a roof before purchasing a home. A good ventilation system is a vital mechanism for your roof. A ventilation system that lets sunlight and air come in easily is a must. Poor ventilation can cause a number of problems, including the formation of mold.
Remember, we are here to help you. Your roof is the most important part of your home, and it protects you and your family. Safety is our priority. We offer free estimates for your roofing or siding issues, so give us a call today at 636-699-0449 to get started.