If you’re thinking of buying and moving into a new home, there are a couple of things you need to double check before you sign the deal with the landlord. Amongst the list includes the condition of the roof. A poorly maintained, old roof could break your bank very soon and you might be knee deep into roof repairing and renovation projects a few months after you move in.
Many prospective buyers seem to ignore the rooftop because it’s not very obvious as the living room in the house is. Nevertheless, a thorough roof inspection by a certified roofing company is essential to make sure you don’t have to invest in roofing projects just after your move in.
Here are a couple of things you need to be watchful of during your roof inspection:
An Overlook
Grab a ladder and get on top the roof (with the permission of the homeowner or the real estate agent of course!). A close overview of the roof can give you a good idea of the general condition of the roof. Check for any missing or broken shingles, obvious cracks, bulges, holes and molds or fungus growing on the roof. Any major deformities or problems with the roof are a red flag that you should be looking for a house elsewhere.
Age of the Roof
Don’t hesitate in asking the age of the roof from the homeowner. The age of the roof can give you a good idea of how many more years it will last. Normally roofs can last up to 20-30 years depending on the individual shingle material. Once the age has reached, there’s no other option but to get a roof replacement.
Leaks and Drainage
Leaks are a frequent problem with roof. A leaky roof can damage the interior of your house so checking for leaks and a proper drainage system is important. You may ask to run a hose on top of the roof to check if any water dribbles inside. Cracks in the ceiling of the house or mold on the walls are also telltale signs of a roof leakage problem.
Proper Ventilation
Good ventilation is one of the main functions a roof should have. If the roof does not allow adequate air or sunlight to enter the house, then you might have a ventilation problem.
Check out yesterday’s post…Key Considerations When Changing Your Roof