Newsletter Exclusive: What To Look Out For On A Roof When Buying A Home
Quick Things To Watch Out For When Looking to Buy A Home
When looking to buy a home, one of the most important things you should look out for and consider is the quality and condition of the roof. The roof is one of the most valuable parts of your home, as it protects you from the elements, and requires a fair bit of maintenance to retain its value.
Evaluate The Age of the Roof
One of your priorities when evaluating a home, particularly the exterior of the home, should be to take a step back and inspect the roof with your own eyes. You don't need to be a trained inspector to be able to notice the following signs of a roof that is in need of repair. Take a long look at the shape and curvature of the roof. Are the shingles laid out perfectly flat? Are there curly edges or bulges anywhere in the shingles? These are all signs that there could be mold somewhere on the roof, which means that moisture is getting into the roof, and could be inside of the house as well. Additionally, are there any shingles missing on the rooftop,o r any areas where you can notice a deterioration of the quality of the shingles? Either of those signs could mean that the roof is old, and that it might need more maintenance than other roofs of homes you are looking at.
Canals and Seepage System
The canals and seepage system of the rooftop are composed of drainage pipes, downspouts, and gutters. These aspects of the roof are vital, as they prevent water buildup on the roof, which can lead to an assortment of expensive problems. To inspect these, you will need to get up on the roof and inspect them, unless you are experienced in this kind of work, we recommend that you let an expert handle this portion. The canals and seepage system can be a good indicator of the overall quality of the roof, as they are the first line of defense against many of the issues that can occur with your roof.
The Ventilation of the Roof
No matter the condition of the roof, having someone examine the complete ventilation system of the roof is vital to understand when potentially buying a home. A ventilation system needs to be set up in a way that regulates the temperature of your home, and allows sunlight and air to enter and leave your home properly. If the ventilation system is not working properly, the temperature inside your home will be irregular, and mold and wood rot can be allowed to occur more easily.
Leaks & Cracks
The drainage and seepage system of your roof is rendered almost useless if water is allowed to enter your home through a leak or a crack in your roof. A leak can lead to plenty of problems down the road, including damage to your walls, paint, and even furniture. This is another issue that will require a professional to solve. As well as actually getting up on the roof or inspecting the chimney, tracking down the leak is challenging, as what you might think is the source of the leak might not actually be the source at all.
Check Where the Downspouts Lead Out To
In addition to checking out the drainage and seepage system of the roof, make sure to take a look at where the downspouts on the roof lead out to. You'll want to make sure that all of the drainage leads away from the foundation of your house, and that the downspouts are collecting any water on your rooftop and transporting it away from areas where it could pool on your roof. This can especially cause a problem when combined with a poor ventilation system. During the colder months, snow will actually melt on top of the warm roof, then accumulate near the caves of the roof, refreeze and then create an ice dam on your roof.
Make Sure There's No Mold!
Even though they are the last point mentioned on this list, it isn't due to a lack of importance. Mold occurring in your roof or your household is actually due to an accumulation of some of the issues listed above, and can cause serious damage not only to your household, but to the health of you and your family as well. Mold will grow in your household due to a combination of insufficient ventilation, and water leakage. When water is allowed to leak into your home through a crack in the roof or accumulates due to poor drainage, mold can grow if the temperature is warm enough.
Worried About A Roof or Finding the Right Home? Contact an Expert!
If you're worried about any aspect of a roof you are looking at or just want to make sure your current roof is in good shape, it's best to contact a professional roofing company to do an inspection. When it comes to buying a home, you want an expert in your corner as well. In this market, it's important to have an experienced Realtor Ⓡ guiding you through the process and representing you during negotiations on a home. Get in contact with one of our Realtors Ⓡ by filling out the form below.
