Purchasing
a new home is an exciting prospect, but it can also be a stressful
one. You want to make sure your new home is in good shape and will
protect your family, keeping you comfortable and safe from the wind
and weather. Whenever you visit a home for sale, keeping an eye out
for a few details can help you assess the condition of the roof
before you make any further decisions. Understanding the signs of
major and minor roof damage can help you assess any potential home’s
needs and whether it could be the right home for you.
Look
for Water Damage
Water
damage is one of the most common—and potentially costly—types of
damage that affects residential roofs. While you’re making an
outdoor inspection of any potential home, take a moment to look up at
the roof. Keep in mind that you may need to step back to the edge of
the property to get a clear view. Look for signs of water damage that
include dark streaks or stains, peeling or curling shingles, visible
rot, moss, or corrosion, bowed or clogged gutters, and pooling water
on the roof or around the home if it has recently rained. If the roof
is made from clay tile, look for deposits of dirt and debris, which
signal poor water flow and drainage from the roof and could be the
cause of leaks or other trouble later on.
Look
for Signs of Age
An
older roof doesn’t necessarily spell trouble, but a roof that’s
showing clear and abundant signs of its age should be a cause of
concern. Check asphalt
roofing for signs of excessive granule depletion; when the
coating of asphalt granules has washed or worn away, the shingles are
left vulnerable to further wear, while granule runoff can clog or
damage the gutters. Split, cracked, curling, or missing shingles are
another clear sign of age, especially if you notice a large number of
damaged areas over the entirety of the roof. Check clay tile roofing
for cracked or missing tiles as well, which could let water inside
and affect the weather-tightness of the roof. If the home has a metal
roof, look for loose panels, signs of corrosion, or missing
fastenings; check a foam roof for holes in the membrane or widespread
discoloration or changes in texture.
Talk
to the Roofer
One
of the simplest ways to evaluate a roof’s quality is to talk to the
roofing company responsible for installing the roof. If you are
seriously considering a home for purchase, ask the current homeowners
when the roof was last repaired or replaced and which company was
hired for the work. Even if the roof looks fine to you—and your
home inspector—it’s still worthwhile to perform a little research
on the reputation of the company responsible for the home’s roof.
Talking with the roofers themselves about the job they performed will
also give you a clear picture of the roof’s current condition and
whether there may be any potential roofing concerns in the short or
long term.
Working
with a trusted roofing contractor can make the purchase of your new
home a smooth and stress-free process. You can find out more about
our residential and commercial
roof inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement services in
Alexandria when you visit us on
the web.
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