One of the significant parts of your home (and usually the most expensive one to replace) is a roof. It is one of the essential segments to look out for, so you should make sure to give it a good inspection.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important factors to look for in a roof whether you’re looking to buy a home or sell your current home.
Get to Know How Old the Rooftop Is
The first thing to do is check out the way the roof looks from the outside. Stand at a distance and ask yourself the following questions:
- Are there any shingles missing?
- Does the roof appear flat, or are there spots where it sinks or buckles?
- Do any of the shingles have curled edges?
- Does it look like there’d be mildew or mould on close inspection?
- Are there spots where the roof looks lighter or darker?
These and many other issues could indicate an older roof that needs to be repaired or replaced. Talk to the current homeowner about the roof’s last inspection and the roof’s age to get a better insight.
Inspect for Leaks
Rooftop leaks play a vital role in damaging the floors and structure of a house. But, that’s not all: finding out where the leak is coming from is a real pain in itself, as the hole can be 5-10 feet from where you initially spotted water. So, ask the homeowner if they have experienced any roofing leaks and make sure you check wall flashings and roof seams.
Check the Rooftop Downspouts
All downspouts on the roof should not lead directly into the ground, otherwise, you will experience flooding. Instead, these should be placed at a steep angle so the water runoff will be directed away from the house.
It is important to be careful when buying a house. You should ideally hire a professional to inspect the home and give you a report. In addition to this, repairs should be completed before you move to your new house to avoid problems.
