What to Look for in a Roof When You’re Buying a Home

When you are in the market for a new home you are more than likely looking for your dream home. This should include a solid roof that will last a long time. Here are some of the most critical factors to evaluate in a roof if you’re considering buying a new home or selling your current home.

Ask How Old the Roof is

If the homeowners can’t tell you how old the roof is, have it inspected or take a step back and take a look. It should be mold-free, flat and have no edges that are curling. You should notice the appearance in general of the roof. If it looks bad, then it is bad. It’s a black and white evaluation.

Check out the Ventilation System

The roof might look nice but things can be going on that you might not be able to see unless you investigate.
Inadequate ventilation can cause issues quickly and they will be costly. If you don’t know what to look for, hire a professional. If you notice poor ventilation, then that’s a red flag.

Gutters and Drainage are often overlooked

Make sure to look at drainage pipes and gutters that run along the roof. Watch for rust, channels that are pulling away from the roof and those with holes. Proper drainage is vital to maintaining your roof.

Check to ensure all rooftop downspouts are directing water to the proper places so that they can drain. Excessive water flowing around the rooftop downspouts or not draining properly can also be a concern. Gutter systems are vital and costly to replace.

A home inspection is often advised when buying a home but doing an evaluation yourself in conjunction with a professional assessment is always a great idea. When in doubt call in someone trained in roof repairs that you can trust.