The largest investment most people will ever make is typically a home. Before making an offer, the most important step is to make sure the roof of your new dream home can adequately protect your family, your possessions, and your dreams.
Let’s dive into the most important 10 factors you should consider in a roof when buying a new home:
1. First Most important – What is the age of the Roof?
Finding out how old the roof is is the most crucial consideration. In general, the material utilized determines the suggested replacement schedule. Composition roofing shingles have a lifespan of 12 to 20 years, but asphalt roofing shingles normally last 15 to 20 years. The simplest and most accurate approach to determine the age of a roof is to find out when it was last changed, which may require getting in touch with the previous owner or the roof’s manufacturer. Do not, however, completely rely on the information provided previously. Instead, pay attention to whether your roofing seems tidy and reasonably fresh or curled up and chaotic. As a result, the roof has likely been there for close to 20 years if it appears worn out.
2. The Current condition – What is the Quality of your Roof?
Your roof may dramatically improve the aesthetic and curb appeal of your home because roofing materials come in a range of shapes, textures, and colors. Roofs can be styled with elegant tile, wood, or asphalt shingles in a variety of ways. A good roof, on the other hand, should be constructed from long-lasting roofing materials that can endure strong winds, withstand fire and UV rays, and direct water away from the house to minimize leaks and pools. If a roof needs to be changed every three to four years, it is not a good deal.
3. Does your roof have a good ventilation system?
The home you’re considering may have a brand-new roof, but when it comes to roofs, tiny issues can grow into significant and expensive ones very rapidly. A strong ventilation system that makes it simple for air and sunlight to enter is essential. So as long as ventilation is operating, mold risk can be avoided. These specifications are crucial for the lifespan of a roof.
4. Is your roof free of Mold spots or stains?
Molds can be found in an array of shades, including black, dark white, and green. Some mold, however, is concealed and difficult to observe because they grow in less obvious areas including between walls, under floors and roofs, or in darkly lit areas. Poor ventilation and water leaks are the primary causes of mold spores. It’s critical to carefully examine your roofing material if any interior areas were addressed for water damage. Most of the time, homeowners will just patch the leak where water entered the house and would not remedy the leak where water first damaged the roof. Make sure to glance high as you pass through the house because water stains could also be visible on some ceilings.
5. Is there any damage to the gutters?
Another problem that needs to be fixed right once to prevent more damage is blocked or broken guttering. If the home’s gutters are clogged, it may result in internal damage that eventually jeopardizes the structural integrity of the building. You may have fundamental damage, fungus, mildew, and flooding in the basement when water spills from the gutters. Since water isn’t being directed away from the roof itself, this eventually causes issues. This puts your health at harm in addition to causing severe damage to your house.
6. Is there any sign of sagging?
Your roof may get stressed and sag due to snow, ice, wind, and even an excessive number of shingle layers. Sagging roofs are often the result of inadequate internal bracing or inadequate trussers coupled with severe weight loads. Sagging ceilings inside the house could indicate previous water damage if you notice any indication of it. The best course of action is to hire a roofer to check below the shingles to see if any damage has been done.
7. Is there any sign of leakage and breaking?
Immediately after purchasing a home, you surely do not want to deal with roof leaks. Your valuables, the foundations of the house, and your floors are all affected by a leaking roof in addition to your floors. You might need to look into the roof’s valleys and chimneys. Leaks could exist along roof creases. Before you decide whether to purchase that house, it’s crucial to have your roof checked by qualified roofing experts for any potential leaks.
8. Have you checked out the attic?
The best way to inspect attics is to turn off all of the lights, close any blinds, and block any windows. By doing this, you might be able to find any exposed areas. Large leaks or cracks can be rapidly found with this method. The attic provides a good view of the roof from inside the highest point of the house.
9. Have you inspected the Seepage system?
Drainage pipes, gutters, and downspouts are components of a seepage system. All downspouts on the roof should not drain directly into the ground; otherwise, flooding will occur. Instead, these ought to be positioned at a sharp angle to channel water away from the house. An excellent technique to assess a roof’s condition is to climb up on the roof and look at the seepage system. However, please hire a professional to do this job as it is not recommended to climb yourself on your roof. Also, be careful to look inside the roof-side drainage pipes.
10. Do you have enough information on the previous roof repair work?
Don’t be afraid to get all the relevant information on the roof if you are thinking about purchasing a new house. The seller or real estate agent must state when the roof was last replaced, as well as any repairs or inspections. In calculating the listing price of a home, it’s important to take into account the condition of the roof as roofing is one of the most expensive part of the home.
Looking for a Roofing professional to do a detailed roofing inspection?
While it’s necessary to appreciate the way the house looks on the inside, it’s equally important that the outside is in good condition. We can assist you in determining the condition of your new home as we are GTA’s top roofing company.
Click here to schedule a free roofing estimate with Metro Roofing!
Happy House hunting and good luck with your dream home purchase.
