Buying a new home comes with a large checklist, and oftentimes, inspecting the roof gets overlooked. People are generally looking at paint color, landscaping, and interiors instead of checking out the roof.
However, when you see a house with an old, worn roof, people take notice right away. That’s because a roof can add or detract from a home’s value due to its curb appeal. The tricky part is knowing whether a roof is in good condition or not because some of them hide their wear well. Before you commit to buying a home, Erie Home wants to help you identify the key aspects of every roof that you’ll want to inspect first.
In This Article
1. Age of the Roof
First and foremost, you want to be sure to verify how old the roof is. It may look like it’s in great condition, but there’s no telling if the seller has just had a roof repair done on their 20+ year-old roof.
A roof (depending on the type of material) can usually last 20-30 years. So, if it’s in its final decade, you want to know about it before it becomes a costly endeavor. When working with real estate agents, simply ask them about the age of the roof, or request any information about recent services.
The other option is to talk about getting a roof inspection done before you buy. With the help of an expert, you’ll be able to determine if a new roof is in this home’s near future.
2. Visible Damage and Wear
As we mentioned before, a worn-down roof is hard to miss. It can age a home instantly, causing it to look outdated or neglected. While this could be a negotiating point to lower the price, it could also mean you have to be the one to figure out the roof replacement process.
Always check for signs of damage like missing shingles, curling shingles, cracks, sagging, or dents in metal roofs. Inspecting the exterior is important, but checking inside (e.g., attics) can help you identify signs of leaks or water damage.
3. Type of Roofing Material
There are endless possibilities as far as roofing material goes, but knowing and understanding the different types can help you determine if the lifespan will be short or susceptible to damage in the coming years.
Erie Home offers some of the highest quality roofing materials in the industry, and we stand behind the integrity of both asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Both offer durability and style that boost homes’ curb appeal and last for decades.
If you have questions or concerns about different roofing materials or are looking for an expert opinion, you can always get in touch with your local Erie Home to get your questions answered.
4. Ventilation and Insulation
Ventilation and insulation come into play when inspecting the interior aspects of a roof. Checking out the attic to ensure that there is proper ventilation and quality insulation can help your roof work for you. These key players are responsible for energy efficiency in a home, and without them, you could wind up wasting a lot of money on electricity bills.
Additionally, these two factors are responsible for preventing moisture buildup, which can lead to a roof’s deterioration. Things you can look for would be humidity in the attic or excess heat. Both can be a signal that there is poor ventilation.
If you don’t feel comfortable inspecting the attic yourself, you can call a professional roofing company like Erie Home to help you determine whether or not the ventilation and insulation are adequate.
5. Gutter System and Drainage
Finally, you will want to check out the gutter system. Having a properly installed, functioning gutter and drainage system is crucial, especially in areas prone to stormy weather. Gutters and downspouts offer water a place to go, protecting your home and your roof from water damage and leaks.
You’ll want to have a look at the slope and the alignment, ensuring that everything is connected and there are no points that look as though they would trap water. If everything looks good, then you’re all set!
Stay Prepared with Erie Home
When buying a new house, there’s no real manual on how to do everything right. That’s why the experts at Erie Home work hard to provide you with as much information as possible. Make every purchase an educated purchase!
If you find yourself in the market for a new home and need advice on the roof, or you’ve just bought a new home that could use a roof replacement, simply schedule a free consultation with Erie Home, and get all the information you need to move forward.