What to Look for in a Roof When Buying a New Home

Whether buying your first home or upgrading, buying a house is an exciting time. Although the large open kitchen has already made you think “this is the one,” don’t forget to pay attention to the roof.

The roof is one of the most critical and expensive features of any home. When buying a home, you should ensure the roof on the house is sturdy, reliable, and has been well maintained. Here’s what you should look for in a roof when buying a new home:

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The Age of the Roof

It is essential to know precisely how old the roof is, so ensure you get a definite date from the official paperwork. A dated roof can come with a long list of unexpected issues, so don’t neglect the obvious:

  • Are there any shingles missing?
  • Does the roof appear flat, or are there spots where it sinks and buckles?
  • Do any of the shingles have curled edges?
  • Does it appear to have mold or mildew?
  • Are there spots where the roof looks lighter or darker?

Check Out the Gutters

Your roof’s drainage system plays a significant role in the roof’s health, so check them properly. The drainage system consists of gutters, downspouts, and drainage pipes. Often, gutters are messy and just need debris cleaned out to inspect the system. It is also important to keep an eye out for shingle grains in the gutters. This indicates that the protective coating is wearing off due to age. Without a proper drainage system for your roof, your home could encounter severe water damage.

Inspect For Leaks

No one wants to deal with roof leaks, especially after buying a new house. A leaking roof is not only harmful to the structural integrity of your home but also to your floors and furniture. But the most significant pain is finding the leak’s origin because the source could be 5-10 feet away from where you initially spotted water.

Because roof leaks are such a serious issue, it is important to ask the homeowner if they have experienced any roof leaks or sagging ceilings. If you are not experienced enough to do this yourself, call in a professional food a roof inspection.

How Good is the Ventilation?

When considering a house, regardless of how the roof looks from the outside, it is essential to know how well designed and maintained the roof ventilation mechanism is. Without proper ventilation, your prospective home could face serious issues. In addition, a good ventilation system should also let sunlight and air come in easily to avoid problems like the formation of mold and mildew. On the other hand, a poorly ventilated roof can also cause the cost of your utility bills to skyrocket. There are many types of roof vents, so you may want to have a roofer explain what’s going on.

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Take a Look at the Attic

If you’ve done all the roof inspections and everything seems to be in check, there is one more place to check out: the attic. The attic is the first place you will find any signs of leaking, mold or mildew, or any other ways the roof isn’t protecting the home. Here’s what to look out for:

  • Stains on the underside of the roofing that indicate water damage
  • Lack of insulation, meaning there isn’t an effective moisture barrier between the living areas of the home and the attic
  • Inadequate ventilation
  • Check on a sunny day for small pinholes of light, which indicate a hole in the roofing or a weakness in the seams

While an experienced inspector will do most of these checks for you, it is vital to be vigilant when inspecting the roof of the home you are considering buying.  While it’s important to love how the house looks inside, the outside must also be in good shape. The roof, in particular, should become a priority. Fortunately, by having a licensed roofer take a look at the details above, you can buy with confidence and fewer surprises in your future. Contact HomeWise Roofing and Exteriors for your roofing needs. Our expert team will ensure your family has a durable roof for years to come.

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