Roof Tips for Buying a New Home
Have you ever been so excited to purchase a new home that it’s the only thing you think about? We get it! It’s a huge accomplishment and you just want to be in the new space now called home. However, sometimes that excitement causes us to miss or omit minor details. So, take a breath and slow it down. You need to do a couple of things, like check the roof, before you put down any offers.
First Things First
Checking the roof is something we usually don’t think to do when purchasing a new home. However, it should be implemented into our examination of the new spot. Why? You can tell a lot about the condition of the home from the quality of the roof. Always check for pre-existing damages. Make sure the surface of the roof is even and there are no odd-shaped spots. Even the slightest bulge or uneven spot can cause further damages that you definitely do not want to deal with. If you notice a deformation or discoloration in the roof, it is a strong sign that your roof may be outdated. An outdated roof is not always a bad thing. But, something bigger may arise in the future. We recommend you ask the previous homeowner about the history of the roof. Word of mouth can save you from future headaches. Missing shingles, worn out spots, and curly edges are more things you will want to search for when looking at the roof. Sometimes, you may have to take multiple looks. Three, maybe even four times. Not all of us have 20/20 vision.
Looking for a Leak
Let’s be honest, roof leaks equal stress. If you’ve ever had one, you know it’s not fun to deal with… at all! Don’t forget to also search for leaks in any valleys and chimneys. Leaks are no good because it’s usually very difficult to track the exact location of the source. You may think the source is in one area and it ends up being in an area you never would have thought about. It’s beyond frustrating. Long story short, no one wants leaks. No one.
Dealing with Mold
Spotting mold on the roof is not a rare thing. But, sometimes it can be small and hidden within the roof. Therefore, it may be necessary to have a professional spray, just to be safe. Mold not only looks bad, it can rot your roof, damage your foundation, and cause an odor, making it difficult to live comfortably in your home. If you have a fear of mold, go ahead, call a professional, and have them take a look for you.
Checking Ventilation
A strong ventilation system is important for any home. Checking the ventilation system should not be brushed off when buying your new home. You want sunlight and air to come through as easily as possible. If it doesn’t, there may be a serious problem. The formation of mold can stem from ventilation and even bigger problems can begin to project. You want your transition to be stress free. So, check your ventilation! You’ll be thankful that you did.
Drainage
Inspect the downpipes and make sure they’re releasing into wells and not directly onto the ground. Flooding is real, people. You should search for any possibilities of excessive water flowing or flooding. Here in Texas, it floods more often than we think. Quite often at that. Lastly, check drainage pipes. This can give you a clue to the overall condition of your roof. Downspouts and gutters should be evaluated as well.
Finally
As you can probably tell, there is a lot to look for in a roof. So, the easiest way to complete this task (and complete it correctly) is to simply hire a professional to perform a roof inspection. The professional will check for all the issues we mentioned and you won’t even have to get your hands dirty. Sounds like a win-win.