When you consider buying a new home, you want to make sure that the roof on the house is sturdy. The roof is one of the most expensive features of a home 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 very first thing you should do while buying a new home is to check its roof. Just stand at a distance and investigate a number of things.
One of the most important things to look for in a roof is to check if it’s mold-free. Make sure the roof is perfectly flat and there are no curly edges or bulges.
Look out for worn out spots and see if any shingles are missing. If you see such deformities in the roof then it indicates that the roof is quite old. While when you think of it, there is nothing wrong with a roof being old, however you need to make sure it hasn’t been affected in any way.
You need to ask the homeowner about the lifespan of the roof. Roofs are commonly made from materials like composite, metal, tin, rubber or cedar shingles. A roof made from composite shingles helps the roof last for a longer time without any difficulties while other common materials may require inspection and possible maintenance on an annual basis.
Good Ventilation System
In spite of the fact that the house you’re thinking about may have a shiny new rooftop on it, if it doesn’t have an appropriate ventilation mechanism then you may face enormous issues.
A ventilation system that lets sunlight and air come in easily are a must. These two things should never be neglected when purchasing a house.
Poor ventilation system can cause a number of problems. It doesn’t only add up to the cost by causing more problems, but also helps in the formation of mold.
Canals and Seepage System
Make sure to investigate drainage pipes that run along the roof. Getting up on the roof and inspecting the seepage system is a great way to judge a roof’s condition. However, it is recommended that you let experts do that. Or, be very careful if you decide to do it yourself.
A seepage system involves downspouts, gutters and drainage pipes. While checking the gutters, look for asphalt shingle grains thoroughly because the small grains that coats shingles are responsible for shielding the shingles from destructive sun beams.
Look for Breaks and Leaks
Rooftop leaks play a vital role in damaging the floors and structure of a house. They are no less than a torment and bring a lot problems and distress for the inhabitants.
Leaking harms your furniture, and can totally destroy the paint and the walls as well. Once the leaking begins, it is very difficult to track the source of the leak, which is quite frustrating. The leak is not always where it seems.
Leakage mostly happens in valleys, plumbing vents, chimneys, or also when it rains heavily. You will need professionals to find a leak and remove it for you.
So make sure to inspect the rooftop for leak points before you buy it. You may even need to investigate the valleys and smoke chimneys. Even rooftop creases have leaks. Be sure to check out all these places as well.
Mold on the Roof
Mold is a fungus that comes in different colors – dark, white, green or black – and shapes. While a few molds are noticeable as they are severe and rotten, some are hidden and can’t be easily seen.
Mold can form between walls, under floors and roofs or in less visible spots. Mold does best in water-drenched materials such as roofs having water pipes and gutter systems all around the house. Molds can contaminate the walls and the paint of the house. The main reasons for mold developing is poor ventilation system and water leakage and it happens more in hotter climate.
One of the fundamental reasons behind a moldy rooftop is a direct result of water intrusion from the roof. People see the mold, get it fixed and overlook the source that made it happen. Mold returns back on the same spot if the source of leak isn’t fixed. The water puddles and spreads in the house taking in the rugs and the drywall starts to absorb it. The water can also gather inside the walls, which bring forth various issues later on and causes more destruction.
Mold on the rooftop is bad for your home. It doesn’t only affect the look but also causes bad odor that can make it difficult to live. In addition to this, there are health risks as well.
Smaller gaps, particularly in rooftops, require investigation for leakage and mold. Many home experts use an infrared camera to do the job. Look for professionals if you fear mold so that you can get rid of it before you move to your new house.
Check the Rooftop Downspouts
Do a speedy check to ensure all rooftop downpipes are releasing into storm water wells and not right onto the ground. You should search for any possibilities of past flooding or excessive water flowing around the rooftop downspouts because this can mean that the soak wells are not the appropriate sizes or require a cleaning process, which can be very expensive.
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.