What To Look For in a Roof When Buying a Home

by | Residential Roofing, Roof Replacement, Roofing

Your roof is considered to be the most important and critical part of your home – after all – it protects everything within. Often, when looking to buy a new home, the roof may not be at the top of the checklist unless there are obvious signs that there is damage or distress to it. However, having a roof in optimal condition should be a priority of every homeowner.

A properly installed and well-maintained roof may last up to 30 years. It would be a good idea to have a roofing company or a Licensed General Contractor take a close look at the roof to assess it’s condition so as to avoid any future loss or issues.

Here are some important points to consider before purchasing a new house:

Take a Good Look

Your naked eye may be able to detect common types of damage like worn spots, mold, curled edges or missing shingles. These are common roofing issues in the Raleigh area any of which could be a clear indication that the roof’s nearing its normal lifespan. At this point, it may be best to request professional help to have the roof properly assessed.

Check the Ventilation

Proper ventilation of a home is essential to maintaining the health of the roof. Even though the house may be a new one and the roof seems to be in relatively good condition, if there is no proper ventilation in the house, it is most likely that the roof may have a much shorter lifespan than you may expect.  Our preferred method of venting is soffit vents with a continuous vent at the ridge.  It is more important to have proper intake air than excessive outtake air (fans etc..).

Before you purchase a home, you need to check the ventilation system and how it easily it allows air and sunlight into the house. If the ventilation system is good, it will result in reduced energy costs.  Proper ventilation further helps to reduce the amount of moisture in the house.  Excessive heat and moisture will reduce the lifespan of the roof.

Check Sewerage and Drainage System

A drainage system consists of three different components:

  • Drainage Pipes
  • Gutters
  • Downspouts

If any part in the drainage system is not working properly it may allow moisture to rise up on the walls and ultimately to the roof as well, which could cost you thousands of dollars. To have your drainage system inspected, you may need to consult a roof inspector or Licensed General Contractor.  It is imperative to keep your gutters and downspouts clear of debris.  Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to wood rot and foundation issues.  We recommend cleaning your gutters at least 2 times a year.  If you need someone to clean your gutters we suggest www.RDUcontractors.com where you can know the price upfront and can schedule the task to be done at a time convenient to you.

Watch for any Leaks

If there is any kind of leak or damage to the roof, there is a chance that the water or rain may easily penetrate into the home. Not only will water be entering the home but with the same level of saturation, the water will be absorbed into the adjacent roofing, causing it to further deteriorate.

Apart from the roof, there are other critical areas that could develop a leak. Here are a few common areas to keep an eye on:

  • Plumbing Vents
  • Head Wall Flashings
  • Chimneys
  • Valleys
  • Connecting Additions

Look For Mold on the Roof

Mold is basically a type of fungus that may appear on the roof in different colors. These colors are typically:

  • White
  • Green
  • Black

Some mold may be severe or be very obvious due to rotting while some may not be as visible and are hidden in the cracks. Mold results when there is some kind of leakage or water pouring in the roof or any other part of the house. An improper ventilation system in the home can also create an environment for mold to grow.

It is essential to repair any leaks first and then remove any mold on the roof because if the mold is removed before the leak is repaired, the mold will reappear very quickly.

Statewide Construction LLC offers free roof evaluations to homeowners and business owners in Raleigh and surrounding areas. Owner, Clay Curtis, is a Licensed General Contractor and Raleigh native. We offer top quality roofing products, professional installation and lifetime warranty with friendly and prompt customer service. Schedule a visit today!