Regardless of if you want to buy a home, or to sell your existing home, you need to make sure that the roof of the structure is in good, protective order.
If you are a buying a home, even if it’d from a new Kansas City home builder, this is especially important.
After all, the roof is one of the most expensive features of any home, so it needs to be inspected carefully. The top factors to consider regarding the roof are found here.
Visually Inspect the Roof
One of the easiest things you can do is to take a step back and look at the roof from a distance. Does the roof look like it is lying flat? Are there any missing shingles or signs of wear? Do you see any mildew, mold or curled edges? In most cases, issues such as these are an indication that the home has an older roof.
Make sure that you ask the previous owner how old the roof is and if there are any existing warranties on it. While asphalt is the most common roofing material, there are some roofs that are made out of tin, metal, rubber or cedar shingles. If the roof is made of anything but asphalt, you will need to invest in an annual inspection.
Check the Ventilation
Even if the house you are considering has a brand new roof on it, if a proper ventilation system is not in place, there may be huge issues down the road. Proper attic ventilation and installation is a huge must have when you are thinking about purchasing a house. When proper ventilation is not present, it may result in the roof warping. With proper ventilation, you can see a reduction in energy costs, as well as a reduction in the amount of moisture present.
Inspect the Drainage and Gutters
If you don’t want to get up on top of the roof and do this yourself, you still need to ask about the drainage system. Specifically, as the homeowner about the downspouts, drainage and gutters. If you do handle the inspection yourself, look for large amounts of asphalt shingle grains. This is a sign of a problem with the roof.
Search for Leaks
Roof leaks are a major pain. Not only are they quite the nuisance, but if left unattended, they can cause quite a bit of damage. Leaks can cause damage to the furniture, floors and ruin walls in the home. It is a good idea to look for leaks from the exterior and interior of the home prior to going forward with the purchase of the home.
If you are not confident in handling the inspection on your own, then it is best to hire a professional roofer for assistance. They can provide a thorough inspection of the roof to ensure it is in good, protective condition. If repairs or replacement are needed, they can also let you know this. With this inspection, you can have peace of mind when you decide whether or not to purchase the home.
