Buying a new home is a busy and stressful time, and it’s easy for the little things to slip through the cracks. Nothing is worse than moving into what you thought was your dream home, only to find out the plumbing is busted, or the roof is about to collapse on you.
Not only can unexpected repairs be stressful, but they are also often expensive. To avoid expensive roofing repairs, it’s important to ask a few key questions before making a big investment. Here, we’ll go over a few of the important things to look for on a roof before deciding to buy a new home.
The Age and Material
One of the biggest risk factors when it comes to a roof is its age. Asphalt, one of the most common roofing materials, can last about 20 years before needing to be replaced. Other materials can last even longer. For example, wood shake roofs can last up to 30 years, while copper and slate roofs can go up 50 years without needing a replacement.
It’s always important to take weather into account as well. In Florida, rain, storms, and hurricanes may cause premature damage meaning that replacements will be needed more often. Always ask for the age of the roof before buying a home, or contact a local roofing professional for detailed advice on roofing in your area.
External Damage
This point is probably pretty intuitive, but you must be looking for the right ques that point to external damage. If there are any curled or damaged shingles, they should be replaced before you move in. Any missing shingles will also need to be replaced as soon as possible. Missing and damaged shingles are very important to get fixed as they can allow moisture and other forms of damage into the interior of the roof.
Internal Damage
Especially if you’ve spotted any external damage, you must keep an eye out for internal damage as well. Bubbles, stains, mildew, and mold on the walls and ceilings can all be a sign there is an internal issue. Chimney and roof leaks can be costly to repair, but they only get more expensive if you try to ignore them.
Getting the Roof Assessed
Even if you follow all the steps above, there’s still a chance you may have missed some damage that will become an issue later. It’s a good idea to include a professional roof inspection as a condition of any offer you put on a home. Whether you want the seller to take care of it or if you want to get it done yourself, a roofing professional will be able to expertly assess the state of a roof and give the best advice on repairs or replacements.
If you need an expert eye to take a look at your roof or the roof on your potential new home in Clearwater, FL, contact Done Rite Roofing for a consultation. Buying a new home is a major life event, and you shouldn’t spend that busy time worrying about your new roof.