Buying a new home is an incredibly exciting time. Most likely, you have looked at a few different properties and are trying to decide what type of home you can picture a future in. You might even have a list of features that you are prioritizing, like a large kitchen or a second bathroom. However, if you are looking for a new home and don’t have a clear understanding of the property’s roof, you could be setting yourself up for future property damage and expenses down the line.
Don’t let your first memory in your new home be that of plugging a leak or shelling out cash for emergency repairs. To keep you and your new home safe, we’ve compiled 4 roofing issues to think about before signing that mortgage.
- Know the Roof’s Age
First thing’s first, see how old the roof is. You will need to ask a few questions to establish the condition of the roof before ever setting foot on it. Obviously, the first question should be: “How old is the roof?” This answer, along with determining the type of material used on the roof, will give you a more accurate idea of your new roof’s age.
Once this is established, ask if there has been reroofing done recently. This will determine the condition of the shingles and whether or not you can reroof in the near future. A factor just as important as the age of the roof is determining how long you plan on living in this home. Considering this topic will help you make better roofing decisions now and help future-proof your home later.
- Check for Clear Signs of Wear
When the above questions have been answered, it is time to look at the roof more closely. While a licensed roofer is the best choice for doing a thorough roof inspection, there are a couple of signs of wear that you can easily point out yourself.
If the roof is made up of asphalt shingles, check to see if any shingles are worn, stripped, or curled. Missing shingles should also be noted, as this can be an indication of larger roofing issues. In addition to shingle wear and tear, look for signs of mold and moss. These superficial signs are an indication of poor ventilation or moisture trapped in the roof, leading to rot and potential structural damage.
- Look into the Gutters and Drainage System
When rain or snowstorms hit, your roof needs a way to wick off the moisture, so no water gets trapped underneath your shingles. Gutters, downspouts, and drains are the only way your roof can remain weatherproof, so make sure the drainage system is clear of debris, properly located, and free from any large dents or fissures.
- Leaks
Rain or shine, leaks can drastically affect the structural integrity and energy efficiency of your home. Accurately spotting the origin of a leak can be challenging, as water can sometimes present itself up to 10 feet away from the actual leak site. If you are not sure where to begin, your leak sleuthing, skylights, vents, chimneys, wall flashings, and your roof’s connecting seams are a good place to start.
While the four issues listed above are a great way to get a baseline understanding of your potential new home’s roof, contacting a contracted and licensed roofer is the best way to get a full analysis on the health of your roof. Your roofer will even be able to check for hard-to-spot problems like blocked vents and past reroofing issues.
If you live in Colorado Springs or a surrounding area, contact the experienced roofers at Divine Roofing, Inc. Call us today at (719) 497-1005 or reach out online.