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When you consider buying a new home, you want to make sure that the roof on the house is sturdy. The roof is one of the most important and expensive features of a home so you should make sure to give it a good inspection.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important factors to look for in a roof whether you’re looking to buy a home or sell your current home.
Get to Know How Old the Rooftop Is
The very first thing you should do while buying a new home is to check its roof. Just stand at a distance and investigate a number of things.
One of the most important things to look for in a roof is to check if it’s mold-free. Make sure the roof is perfectly flat and there are no curly edges or bulges.
Look for worn out spots and see if there’s any shingles that are loose or missing. If you see such deformities in the roof then it indicates that the roof is quite old. While there is nothing wrong with a roof being old, however you need to make sure it’s integrity hasn’t been affected in any way.
You need to ask the homeowner about the lifespan of the roof. Roofs are commonly made from materials like composite, metal, tin, rubber or cedar shingles. A roof made from composite shingles helps the roof last for a longer time without any difficulties while other common materials may require inspection and possible maintenance on an annual basis.
Good Ventilation System
In spite of the fact that the house you’re thinking about may have a shiny new rooftop on it, if it doesn’t have an appropriate ventilation system, then you may face some serious issues.
A ventilation system that lets sunlight and air come in easily are an absolute must. These two things should never be ignored when purchasing a house.
Poor ventilation system can cause a number of problems. It doesn’t only add up to the cost by causing more problems, but also helps in the formation of mold.
Canals and Seepage System
Make sure to inspect drainage pipes that run along the roof. Getting up on the roof and inspecting the seepage system is a great way to judge a roof’s condition. However, it is recommended that you let professionals complete that inspection. Or, be very careful if you decide to do it yourself.
A seepage system involves downspouts, gutters and drainage pipes. While checking the gutters, look for asphalt shingle granules thoroughly because the small grains that coats shingles are responsible for shielding the shingles from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Look for Breaks and Leaks
Rooftop leaks play a crucial role in damaging the floors and structure of a house. They bring a lot problems and distress for the occupants.
Leaking roof harms your furniture, and can totally ruin the paint and the drywall as well. Once a leak begins, it is very difficult to track the source of the leak, which can be quite frustrating. The leak is not always where it seems.
Leakage mostly happens in valleys, plumbing vents, chimneys, or also when it rains heavily. You will need professionals to find a leak and repair it for you.
So make sure to inspect the rooftop for leak points before you buy it. You may even need to investigate the valleys and smoke chimneys. Even rooftop creases have leaks. Be sure to check out all these places as well.
Mold on the Roof
Mold is a fungus that comes in different colors – dark, white, green or black – and shapes. While a few molds are noticeable as they are severe and prominent, some are hidden and can’t be seen easily.
Mold can form between walls, under floors and roofs or in less visible spots. Mold does best in water-drenched materials such as roofs having water pipes and gutter systems all around the house. Molds can contaminate the walls and the paint of the house. The main reasons for mold developing is poor ventilation system and water leakage.
One of the fundamental reasons behind a moldy rooftop is a direct result of water intrusion from the roof. People see the mold, get it fixed and overlook the source that made it happen. Mold returns back on the same spot if the source of the leak isn’t fixed. The water pools and spreads into the house and the drywall and framing structure starts to absorb it.
Mold on the rooftop is obviously bad for your home. It doesn’t only affect the appearance but can also cause a bad odor which can make it a nuisance to live. In addition to this, mold can cause several health risks as well.
Smaller gaps, particularly in rooftops, require inspection for leaks and mold. Many home inspectors use an infrared camera to complete the job. Look for professionals if you fear mold so that you can prevent it before you move to your new house.
Check the Rooftop Downspouts
Do a brief inspection to ensure all rooftop downpipes are channeling water into storm wells and not right onto the ground. You should look for any indication of past flooding or excessive water flowing around the rooftop downspouts as this can be a sign that the soakwells are not the appropriate size or require clean out, which can be very expensive depending on their condition.
Hire a professional for a complete inspection
It’s important to complete a thorough inspection when buying a home. The home’s roof is definitely not something to be ignored either. Ideally, it is recommended to hire a professional to inspect the home and give you a complete report. In addition to this, repairs should be completed before you move into your new home to avoid any detrimental issues. As always, Next Level Roofing is happy to provide free roof inspections!
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