Buying a house is a big decision. There are lots of things to consider, such as location, size, price, and even the type of roof. The question remains though – do you really need to worry about the roof?
Roof problems are often overlooked until they become major issues. If you don’t take care of them early, you might face costly repairs later. While some roofs last for decades, other types require replacement sooner.
Here are five things to look for in a roof when buying a home!
1. How Old Is The Roof?
If you’re buying a home, one thing you’ll want to find out is how old the roof is. This is especially important if you plan to live there long term. You don’t want to buy a house with a leaky roof or a shoddy repair job.
The average lifespan of a roof is about 20 years. But, what does this mean exactly? Well, it simply means that the roof is old enough to warrant replacement. As per experts, it is best to replace the roof once it reaches 25 years. At this stage, the chances of water penetration into the structure are high. Also, the roof becomes vulnerable to damage caused by natural disasters.
2. Good Ventilation System
If the house does not have proper ventilation, then it could lead to several health hazards like asthma attacks, allergies, and more.
When you’re looking at a potential home, make sure that there is adequate ventilation. This means that the roof needs to allow plenty of sun and wind into the house. If you see a property that looks like it might be lacking in this area, take some time to look into it further.
3. How Does The Attic Look?
The attic is often overlooked during home inspections, but it’s one of the most important parts of the house. If you’ve ever noticed stains on the ceiling or walls or even felt dampness underfoot, chances are good that the attic is responsible.
4. Inspecting Canals and Seepage System
Roof leaks happen for many reasons, including improper installation or damage during construction. But there are some signs that indicate whether or not the problem lies within the roof itself. Inspecting the roof and looking for water stains or puddling around the eaves is one way to determine whether the leak is coming from the roof. If you notice that the water looks like it’s draining into the house rather than away from it, you might want to contact a professional.
If the roof does not drain properly, make sure that the shingles are intact. Look for cracks in the shingles along the edge of the roof. Check underneath the shingles for asphalt shingle grains. These tiny grains shield the shingles from damaging sunlight.
5. Inspecting for Breaks and Leaks on the Roof
A leaking roof is one of those things that you don’t want to deal with right away. And while inspecting for breaks and leaks
on the roof isn’t exactly fun, it is important to know what you’re looking for.
The first step in finding out whether or not your roof has a problem is to inspect the roof itself. This involves getting up on the roof and looking around. If you see anything suspicious, like water stains near the eaves, check to make sure the shingles aren’t loose or missing. Also, take note of how much snow is accumulating on the roof. If the roof looks full, chances are good that there’s no problem. However, if the roof appears empty, you’ll need to investigate further.
Need a Roof Inspection?
When you partner with Tristate Roofing & Remodeling, we will walk you through the process of making the best decisions for your new home. Contact us today to get started!
