When it comes to buying your first house, a lot of home-buyers seem to look over the state of the roof, unless it’s in extreme distress. However, the roof should be one of the first items on your checklist when you’re on the hunt for that perfect house.
Ask the seller about the age of the roof; its history (whether there has been any damage in the past that needed to be fixed); how often the homeowner got it properly inspected; and the projected lifespan of the roof (depending on the material that it’s made from).
What You Should Look At:
1. The Obvious
Take a solid look at the state of the roof. Common warning signs would be missing shingles, mold, worn spots, and curled edges.
2. Proper Ventilation
The ventilation system of a home is a major factor in the “healthiness” of a roof. Although the roof may be relatively new, if the ventilation system isn’t up-to-date or working properly, you will have problems with the roof down the road. A proper ventilation system lets sunlight and air come in easily; it also reduces energy costs and decreases the level of moisture in the home. If the system is not working properly, you could be facing mold or a warped roof.
3. Gutters and Good Drainage System
A drainage system involves three aspects: downspouts, gutters, and drainage pipes. You’ll want to make sure all of these parts are in working order, which State Roofing Company can help you with. When looking at the gutters, thoroughly inspect the shingle grains, they protect the shingles from the sun’s rays.
4. Leaks
When a roof leaks, the water may be pouring out of one spot, but it’s actually leaking from something that’s closer to 10 feet away from the problem area. Common leakers include areas such as chimneys, plumbing vents, roof seam connecting additions, and head wall flashings.