What to Look for in the Roof When Buying a Home
When buying a home, you will experience a lot of conflicting emotions. Excitement, anxiety, and frustration all come to mind. This is understandable. Buying a home can be a whirlwind of a process. And given the current market, from the moment a house goes on the market to the moment it is under contract could mean only a couple of hours. Many of the offers being received are waiving home inspections, which can open you up to a world of trouble down the road if you don't know what to look for when doing a home walk through. Which is why we have put together this list of things to look for in the roof when buying a home.
Age of the Roof
As you look around at homes for sale, what do you really notice? The lawn? The curb appeal? The grass and trees in the front yard? While these things matter when looking at a home, there is one feature that homeowners should be aware of before making an offer; this is the condition of the roof. The asphalt shingles on your roof are like skin. They are designed to protect a home from certain weather conditions and make the home look more appealing.
If the house you are buying was built in the 2000s, chances are good that the original roof from when that home was built is still in place. Asphalt shingles have a life expectancy of 20-30 years, so with that being said, those shingles are due or soon to be due for a replacement. Be sure to check with the listing agent to get more information on the age of the roof.
Visible Signs of Damage or Leaking
You've found a home you want to buy, and it's the one you'll be living in for years to come. With a realtor by your side, you head over to the roof to inspect the property and take in views of the neighborhood. After all, no one can argue with the fact that one's roof protects one's home from outside elements. If a potential buyer wants to see what good shape a roof is in before moving forward with the real estate buying process, then they will want to begin their inspection by visually inspecting the roof.
From the exterior, inspect for any missing or clearly damaged shingles. How do the sealed areas around any skylights, chimneys, or vents look? Do they appear to be in good shape? From the interior of the home, in the attic or highest point within the house, check for any visible signs of leaking. Are there any stained spots along the ceiling, walls, or insulation?
There are various types of growth that you may find on your roof or even in your attic space that will warn you if a roof replacement is needed. On the interior of your home, you may find, which are caused by a buildup of moisture. Mold tends to develop in areas that absorb water such as drywall or wood. On the exterior of your home, you may discover moss, mildew, or algae build-up on your shingles. A roof that does not have proper drainage or ventilation is going to be more susceptible to these problems.
Brittle or Decaying Shingles
Shingles are an essential part of any roof. They provide the first line of defense in protecting your home from water damage. But over time, shingles get worn and need replacement. As they near the end of their lifespan, shingles will become brittle and start to decay. For example, you may notice that your shingles appear cracked or are curling at the edges. Or maybe some of the shingles have fallen off altogether. This is a strong indication that your shingles need replacement.
Your roof protects your home from water damage and from the elements in general. Getting a new roof might not be an expense that you had planned for upon purchasing your new home but ignoring your roof problem could cost you even more down the road. If you have questions or are unsure if your roof needs replacement, please contact our team for a roof inspection at (603) 552-7152 or email info@nhgrandroofs.com.
