When you are in the market for a new house, the buying and selling process can quickly become overwhelming. As you begin to visit open houses with your realtor, it’s important to not only consider how many bedrooms and bathrooms you will need, but it is just as important, if not more, to be sure the house you may be buying has a roof that is in good condition. Read on to learn about a few key areas that will need to be reviewed whether you are buying or selling a home.
How Old is the Roof?
Age may be just a number, but when it comes to a roof, it’s an important one to consider. If you are buying a home, this is information that your realtor should have ready for you. Even if you are not a roofing expert, you can check to see if there is anything that catches your eye by standing at a distance from the property. If the roof has shingles that appear to be curling or missing, be sure to bring that up with your realtor so they can investigate further into what the seller would be willing to do to make a sale. It is also important to know what material the roof is made of. This can play a big role in how the roof has aged over the years and how much life it has left.
Check for Leaks Inside the House
As you walk through the house, be sure to look up at the ceiling to see if you can spot any water damage. It is important to get leaks addressed because they will not only cause damage to the ceiling, floors and other interior aspects of the house, but they can also weaken the overall structure of the roof. If you do find symptoms of water damage, be sure the sellers can provide documentation of the leak being addressed. The water damage stains at that point are cosmetic and can be fixed whenever suits your time frame. If the leak is new and has not been fixed, it is important as a seller to hire an expert to locate the leak and correct it.
Have the Ventilation System Checked
Even if the roof looks to be in good shape from the outside, that means very little if the ventilation system is not up to snuff. If the house has a poor ventilation system, it can lead to a number of expensive problems such as damage caused by ice dams. Having a strong ventilation system will also help reduce energy costs. If you have found a house that you seriously want to pursue, a home inspection expert will check the roof to ensure that the exhaust and intake vents on the roof are functioning properly.
If you have any questions or concerns about your roof, contact our team today and we will be happy to assist you! Exterior Remodel & Design offers full roof services to our Omaha, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs residents and commercial businesses. From roof repairs to design and installation, we can do it all!