Buying a new home? Check the roof!

Here at Arnold’s Roofing we often stress the importance of a good roof in order to keep your family safe, but how do you know if your roof is in perfect working order when buying a new home?

Buying a new home can be very overwhelming and the condition of your roof can be easily overlooked.

Roof repair may be necessary when purchasing your new home, but there are steps you can take to determine if your roof needs work even before an inspector is brought in.

Here are a few easily spottable warning signs when touring houses with your real estate agent to assess whether you need a roof repair prior or after purchasing!

Shingles.

Check the shingle edges to see if they are cracked.
Make sure the edges of the shingles are not curled.
If shingles are missing this can indicate one of two things, that there is an animal that keeps getting onto the roof or the sealant under the shingles is damaged.
If any of these are easily visible you do not have a safe roof and it needs to be further inspected.

Roof vents.

An outdated roof vent could lead to moisture problems during the winter and decreased energy efficiency during the summer.
The colder the climate, the more your home will benefit from roof vents. This is because it will allow for attic ventilation.
Having a roofer come and inspect your roof vent may be necessary when purchasing an older home.

Flashing.

Flashing helps prevent water leaking under the roof and into your home.
Different forms of flashing help direct water to drains and prevent it from sitting on the roof.
Check the roof to see if there is anything in place to prevent leaks. If something is in place, verify that there are no signs of deterioration or damage inside the home such as water spots on the ceiling.

Granules.

If you notice speckling or granules of the home’s shingles running off with the rainwater or in the gutter spouts, you may be in need of a roof repair or replacement.
This is an indicator that the shingles are reaching the end of their lifespan.
Granules protect the roof against UV rays so the shingles become compromised when they are no longer being protected.

Age of the home.

The age of your potential home can play a big factor in the quality of your roof.
Your realtor should be able to easily tell you the age of the home. A roof typically has a lifespan of 15-30 years. Make sure to verify how old the home is and see if the roof major work or has been replaced in the past.

If your new home is in need of roof repair, ask your realtor what your options are prior to the purchasing process. Many homeowners understand the importance of a safe roof and don’t want to sell their home in unsafe conditions.

If you are a first time buyer, it would benefit you to check the condition of your roof when searching for homes.

Once purchasing a home, check the roof at least once a year to see if there is any damage.

Feeling safe in a home starts with the roof, if a roof is not able to withstand rough weather conditions it may be a good idea to have an expert from Arnold’s Roofing inspect the roof for free!  If you purchase a home that is in need of roof repair or roof replacement, Arnold’s Roofing is the place to look.

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