When looking to purchase a new home, it’s always important to get a good look at the roof. In some cases, it even makes sense to hire a professional roofing company, such as Red Hawk Roofing, to inspect the roof to ease your mind on any potential concerns. If you choose to check out the roof yourself, below are some things to look for to ensure it’s in good condition and free of any signs of possible or extreme damage:
A Younger Roof
Younger roofs are typically in better condition than most aged roofs. Roofs under 10 years old usually require much less maintenance throughout the year. A younger roof will possibly only need small repairs and patches instead of a full roof replacement when you move in. Older roofs tend to have many problems that have not been addressed by the previous owners and that will require a new homeowner’s attention. It’s always best to look for a younger roof that possibly won’t require a lot of work or a replacement immediately upon purchase. Although, by all means, if it’s a home you can’t live without, but has an aged roof then go for it. Just know there will likely be repairs and a possible replacement in the near future!
No Signs of Mold and Stains
You don’t want to purchase a new home with signs of mold or stains. Mold and stains are critical to look for when examining the roof of a possible new home. Black mold is the most common to look for, but you may see other colors such as white and green. Mold and stains also come in different shapes, not only different colors. Most of the time you will notice the mold and stains directly on the roof materials or shingles. Sometimes mold can’t be seen and it may be under the roof materials and intruding into the home. Mold poses health risks to not only the overall condition of your home but also your own personal health and wellbeing. If you don’t address the mold and stains correctly and get the roof fixed you will see the stains and mold coming back year after year.
All in all, when looking for a new home it’s important to just stay away from homes that have any possible signs of mold or stains on the roofs. You most likely don’t want to replace your entire roof so soon after moving into a new home. Signs of mold could also cause damage to walls and ceilings inside the home meaning you’d have to address issues inside the home too. These expenses could add up easily and meaning you might have to find a place to stay while dealing with possible new drywall. This all adds up and is best to avoid any roof with signs of mold.
Condition of the Gutters and Downspouts
In most cases, gutters and downspouts will show visible signs of dirt, grime, and debris. Therefore, there’s nothing a quick cleaning can’t do to fix the flow of the water through the drainage system. If that’s all the gutters and downspouts need to work correctly, then you’re in good shape. If there is any significant damage that can be seen on the gutters or downspouts then that can lead to significant water damage to your roof and even your home. Any damage can cause water to back up and leak back onto the roof and can eventually lead to oversaturation that can get under the shingles and into the home. The condition of the downspouts and gutters are easier to inspect and you want to ensure that they are in good working order on the new home.
Examine the Ventilation System
A great ventilation system is important to the health of you and your new home. A ventilation system that allows both sunlight and air to come in easily is a sign of a good system. Having a good system will help avoid the risk of possible mold growth throughout the home. A poor ventilation system can cause any number of problems, mostly mold growth. It doesn’t stop there and it’s best to ensure there’s a proper ventilation system before buying. If the home has had poor ventilation for years you will probably be looking at a roof replacement if there’s severe damage from this aspect.
No Sagging on the Interior of the Home
Sagging occurs on ceilings inside of homes when there was water damage that has occurred in the past. The damage could possibly be from an upstairs tub leaking that was not addressed but could also be from a damaged roof. The interior of a home can give you insights into the health of the roof as well. It would be good to look under the shingles in the area above the sagging to see if there’s any water damage or mold. It is best to stay away from homes that have sagging or water damage on the ceilings, as you know issues were not addressed thoroughly. Sagging could lead to possibly needing to redo drywall on top of a new roof which can lead to lengthy and expensive repairs.
Overall Condition of the Roof
Roofs aren’t usually perfect unless they have been well taken care of or just put on. There are many factors to look for and consider when looking at a new home. You want a new home with no signs of mold, a younger roof, a great drainage system, a wonderful ventilation system, and no sagging occurring in the home. Unfortunately, it’s hard to find a home with such a perfect roof. You will have to pick and choose what matters most to you and what you can easily fix. Taking in this overall condition of the roof will help you in knowing whether or not to buy. You will also want to ensure that there’s minimal damage with shingles that are missing or out of place. If you look at the overall condition and look past a few minor deficiencies here and there, then go for it. Roofs always need to be repaired and fixed throughout the years you will never get away with not needing them. It’s best to choose your battle and look overall at what you want and need in a roof as soon as possible.
If you’re on the hunt for a new home in Denver, CO, and want a roofing expert by your side to help you determine whether a roof is in good enough condition to make an offer, contact Red Hawk Roofing. Our team of experts is happy to provide the roofing expertise needed to ensure you avoid any future roofing headaches!
