• Traci Shepard
• January 31, 2020

Buying a New Home? Don’t Forget the Roof Inspection!

Often overlooked, a roof should be carefully considered before purchasing a new home. If it isn’t in good condition, you could quickly be faced with a variety of problems like water damage, mold, rot, and more after you move in. A professional roof inspection is recommended before you make your final purchasing decision, but you can also perform some of your own inspections earlier in your house hunting process.

Here are 5 quick tips from Reset Roofing:

• Perform an exterior visual inspection. You can perform an initial visual inspection from the ground. You want to see a perfectly flat roof with no bulges, curled edges, worn spots, or mold.

• Pay close attention to missing or broken shingles. Missing or broken shingles mean the roof is currently vulnerable to water damage, which can quickly escalate to damages throughout other areas of the home.

• Inspect the gutters and downspouts. You may not be able to see the condition of the gutters’ interiors from the ground but you can see if debris is overflowing in any areas and you can check to make sure the downspouts are firmly attached and directing water away from the home’s foundation.

• Look for water stains. A water stain (often found on the ceilings of upstairs rooms) is a sign that there currently is (or there has been) a leak somewhere in the roof.

• Check the ventilation system. A poor ventilation system can lead to the formation of mold, which can increase exponentially when a roof has leaks.

Questions to Ask

Current homeowners often have professional roofing inspections done and reports ready for prospective buyers. If this isn’t the case, you will need to rely on the information you can obtain yourself. Ask about the age of the roof. The average roof will last between 30-50 years, depending on materials and installation methods. Ask about the roof’s history, including past damages and leaks. You may have room for negotiation in the home’s purchase price if the roof is in need of repairs.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

If you are serious about purchasing a home you should schedule a professional inspection so you know the exact condition of the home’s roof. Your roofing contractor will then provide you with a detailed report. This report will let you know the total current condition of your roof, areas of concern, and trouble spots. You can use this report for your negations or to give you an estimated timeline for future repairs.