In today’s post, Higher Elevation Home Inspections LLC will talk about how home buyers can avoid pitfalls when viewing houses and spot many potential problems.
Most of the time home buyers do not know what to look for or cannot see what is hiding behind walls and in this case on top of the house. Today we tackle ROOFS.
When it comes to roofs, there are several things to ask about and to look for when buying a home. Here are a few tips that may help you identify when it’s time for a new roof.
AGING ROOF
If a roof is about 25 years old, depending on the roofing materials, it may be time to start thinking about the need for a new roof. The reason this comes to mind is because the roofing systems that may have functioned well for nearly a quarter century may begin to show signs of wear and tear. The best thing to do is to hire a home inspector to have it checked it out.
VISIBLE SAGGING
A very clear warning sign that screams out ‘WARNING! WARNING!” relates to the lines of the roof. If there is sagging or drooping, the structural integrity of the roof may be compromised. This could happen for a number of reasons including:
Possible termite damage (see our last blog post about that), water damage or mold contamination. YIKES!
Time to determine the reason why the roof is sagging. That way the problem can be addressed before purchasing the house.
CRACKED OR WARPED SHINGLES
Asphalt shingles are most commonly used and are the most affordable roofing shingles.
Although shingles often last for many years, they can be severely damaged by intense heat, sunlight and wind.
You should look for any change in the appearance of the roof shingles.
Sometimes, all or a portion of the roof may have to be replaced. Other things to look out for are the 3 C’s : Cracking, Curling and Cupping of shingles.
MISSING ROOFING MATERIAL
No one wants to see a gaping hole in the roof. A hole of any size needs immediate attention. If the roof is missing just a few isolated shingles, they can be replaced individually. However, if roofing material is missing in several places, it is probably time for a new roof.
LEAKS
Roofs can leak. Frequent roof leaks can compromise the condition and value of a house.
Roofs can be damaged by wind, hail, and even by tree branches that touch the roof.
Keep in mind that replacing a roof may end up costing less than its repeated repair.
DON’T IGNORE
Ignoring these signs can cause the roof to have water leaks or
structural damage. Always make sure the roof is properly inspected to avoid long term property damage.
I hope these tips help you when purchasing a house. If you hire us we will
make sure to get up on that roof and let you know if it is time for a new roof
or not.
Let’s leave this here for now and if you have any questions or concerns
always feel free to contact us at the number listed below.
This is Rob signing off on today’s hot topic.
Higher Elevation Home Inspections LLC
516-509-9091
