Check the Roof Before You Buy
When we are in the market for a new home, our focus is on many things on our checklist: location, size, features, and aesthetic appeal. However, the first thing you should do when buying a new home is to check its roof. Stand at a distance and investigate.
Investigate what, you ask? Initially, you should look for any missing shingles, mold, or bubbling. Visually assess the condition of the gutters. Beyond a visual inspection, you should ask the current homeowner about the expected lifespan of the roof and confirm the roof’s material.
Here is a list of additional things to consider when buying a home:
- Ventilation
The roof on a house may look perfect from the outside. That is a great start. However, when you consider a house, make sure you understand what is happening inside. A working and well maintained roof ventilation mechanism is necessary.
A good ventilation system is designed to let sunlight and air come easily into the home. Conversely, a good ventilation system must also be able to get warm air and the heat it creates out. These requirements need to be met to prolong the life of a roof.
A poor ventilation system can cause a number of problems including raising the cost of your utility bills and leading to the formation of mold. For these reasons, pay close attention to the overall ventilation.
- Cracks and Leaks
Roof leaks are something you definitely do not want to deal with right after buying a house.
A leaking roof is not just harmful for your floors. It can ruin your furniture and compromise the structure of the house. The last thing you want is to add to the expenses you already have when changing your household to a new location.
Once a leak begins, it can be difficult to track the source of the leak. Locations are hard to determine because a leak is not always where it seems to be. You will most probably need professionals to find a leak and remove it once it begins. Consider a roof inspection by an experienced professional for any possibility of leakage before you make the decision to purchase a home.
Be sure to investigate the valleys and chimneys on the roof. Rooftop creases are prone to leaks. You do not want to overlook potential problem areas. A thorough inspection should include all of these areas..
Downpipes releasing onto roof decks is a recipe for creating a leak. Make sure downspouts consolidate water directly into one another and into your curtain drain system and not right onto the ground, ruining your foundation, or on the roof.
- Mold
The main causes of mold developing are a poor ventilation system and water leakage. A moldy rooftop is often a direct result of water intrusion from the roof. Many people see the mold, get it fixed and overlook the source that made it happen. If the source is overlooked, the mold returns back at the same spot because the source of leak was not fixed.
Mold on a home’s rooftop not only affects the look of a home. It can cause an overpowering odor that can be unpleasant to live with, there are also documented health risks tied to certain types of molds.
Smaller gaps in rooftops require investigation for leakage and mold. Many home experts use an infrared camera when doing this job.
If you choose to move forward with a purchase and know that a new roof is in your immediate future, Bobvilla.com has 5 Things to Consider When Choosing a New Roof.
Let the experts at Dynasty Restoration inspect your future roof to avoid any unexpected surprises. You have enough to do when you purchase a new home! Contact us for a free estimate today!
