In today’s competitive market, home buying is more stressful than ever before. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or you’re searching for an upgrade, it’s easy to get distracted by a home’s modern fixtures and an updated interior. But, even more important than a home’s overall aesthetics, is its structural integrity — especially the integrity of the roof.
If a home’s roof is old or damaged, it could mean costly repairs or replacement after closing day. Or, it could affect your ability to qualify for home insurance — and cause quite a wrinkle in the closing process. So, before you get the keys, here are four roofing tips to consider when buying a new home.
Depending on where you live in Florida, the average roof lasts 15-20 years. Even if the roof was installed using the best materials, wear and tear is inevitable. High levels of UV rays, humidity, and precipitation can lead to cracking, blistering, peeling paint, and premature aging.
One of the first questions you or your realtor should be asking when looking at a home is: How old is the roof? The seller might have an answer, but make sure that the roof’s age and installation date is thoroughly detailed in any of the contracts.
Knowing if the roof is nearing its lifespan can give you leverage to negotiate or move on to a house with no roofing issues. If you’ve already fallen in love with the home, try asking for a credit from the seller to account for the roofing repairs needed.
A damaged or leaking roof can cause serious problems to the overall structure of a home, so it’s important to get a thorough inspection. Look at ceilings for sagging and stains and take a look at your roof from the outside for any signs of damage.
Keep an eye out for the following for each roofing material:
Keep an eye out for warped, curling, or missing strips.
Check for signs of dry rot, either from the ground or a ladder.
Look for cracked, chipped, broken, or altogether missing shingles.
Inspect for corrosion, rust, wrinkles, or other wear.
The attic is where you might notice signs of leaks, mold, mildew, or other structural issues. You should check for:
Without proper insulation in the attic floor, you will find that rooms in the upper levels of a home will become colder quicker.
Take a good look at the underside of the roofing and vertical wooden supports to see if you find any signs of damage.
On a sunny day, see if you can find beams of light shining through the roof. Pinholes of light can be an indication of holes and weak seams.
Experienced roofers can inspect your roof and will provide you with peace of mind before closing on your dream home. Hire a professional like Noland’s to inspect your roof to save you unexpected repairs or replacements down the road.
We are a top-rated roofing company serving all of Florida. Our team of trusted professionals can provide you with a detailed and accurate analysis of your roof. Contact Noland’s today for an estimate on your next roofing project.