Buying a new home is an exciting yet stressful experience. While entering a new chapter of your life that includes your dream kitchen is surely a happy time, worries about what could go wrong can plague your thoughts. No one wants to be on the hook for extra expenses after saving up for that down payment. While plumbing, lead paint and other issues can come into play, problems with your roof are among the largest concerns. Here are a few things you should look for when buying your new home.
First, the most important thing to remember is that you’ll need an inspection. A home inspector will not normally get on your roof to do a thorough inspection. You should have a licensed roofing contractor look for any damage or repairs that the home inspector may have missed. The contractor can also determine the age of the roof and whether or not there is another layer of shingles beneath the current layer. This step is extremely important in determining the actual value of the home before you are committed to buying it.
It is also important to know where to look for trouble on your roof. Areas around chimneys or skylights can often endure water damage if the flashings are loose and allowing leakage. The gutters on your roof can also indicate future issues. It is important to ensure that they are all intact and draining properly. Clogged or obstructed gutters can not only cause damage to your roof, they can also result in flooding and moisture issues. If your new home is located in a wooded area, you may want to consider having gutter guards installed.
The health of your shingles is another good indicator on the age of your roof or how much maintenance will be required. If you find dark spots and loose or missing shingles, this could indicate water damage or the need to replace some shingles. Any damp, mossy areas usually indicate a lack of sunlight due to wooded areas. This can be resolved through cutting down access brush and tree branches and allowing the sun to dry out your roof. There are also different solutions you can purchase to remove the moss but depending on the age of your roof, you may want to consider a total replacement.
Be sure to inspect the attic of your new home as well. This can reveal any roofing issues that may be concealed when inspecting from the outside of the home. Hidden issues in the attic can range from holes and leaking to a potential for ice dams. Ice dams form when warm air from inside the home rises to the top of an attic space, melting the snow and ice that has accumulated. That water then flows down to the edges of your roof, where it freezes again. To prevent this issue, ensure that your attic is insulated properly.
You should also consider some basic maintenance you will need to conduct regularly. Tasks like cleaning the gutters twice a year and removing any tree branches that could damage your roof should remain top of mind. When living under the cover of trees, you may actually have to get on your roof with a leaf blower and remove excess debris. It is important to put your safety first when performing this action. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, consider hiring an insured professional.
If you have any questions about the roof of a home you’re under contract with or would like a free estimate on any repairs that need to be done, don’t hesitate to contact us.