What To Look For When Purchasing A New Home
Purchasing a new home is a thrilling time for everyone; the thrill of envisioning new memories, new dreams, and filling your home with all of your cherished items has many eagerly anticipating the process of selecting one.
Home buying can also be a stressful event for families if you don’t know what to look for. Finding that you need thousands of dollars in repairs after acquiring a property can take the joy out of homeownership. While some repairs can wait until the dust settles, others are much more critical to manage if you find that issues exist.
Your roof: A vital part of your home
Your roof is an important and essential part of your home. It protects your family from the elements, prevents damage to belongings, and provides strength and support to the overall structure of your home. It must be kept in top condition in order to perform these essential functions.
What can you be aware of as you begin the process of looking for a new home? Knowing which warning signs to look for when you “inspect” your new home will potentially save you time and money if you can ask that these repairs be made before you take possession of a property. Be aware of and looking for the following issues:
Missing or broken tiles and shingles. Missing or broken tiles and shingles can easily be seen from the ground, and it’s not a critical situation if it’s corrected quickly. Open areas of a roof leave it vulnerable to water damage. If you notice that this issue is present, ask for the roof to be repaired and shingles replaced before you buy.
Water stains on the interior of the home. Seeing water damage to walls and ceilings in the interior of your home is a clear sign that there is leakage happening from the roof downward. Even a sign of fresh paint or evidence of bubbling paint is an indication that a quick fix may have taken place. Ask for access to the attic to see for yourself if significant repairs need to be made.
Fungal overgrowth or an abundance of debris. If you live in an area saturated with precipitation and warmer temperatures, a roof is at risk of developing fungal overgrowth. These fungi will use heat and humidity to increase, spread throughout, and weaken the roof. This overgrowth can quickly spread to the interior of your home, leaving you and your loved ones susceptible to a number of health hazards. Double check shady areas and intersections for the presence of mold, moss, and other fungi.
Cracked boots and flashings. While you might not see these from the ground, a roofing contractor will be able to accurately assess the age and efficiency of flashings and boots present on your roof. Most often made from rubber or metal, these coverings are used where a roof might intersect or need venting. A compromised flashing or boot means that there is an open avenue for moisture and debris to enter the interior of your new home; if you choose to have a roof inspection before you purchase, ask that these areas be inspected for possible damage or weakness.
Age. Regardless of how well a roof is maintained, over time, it will break down. Before purchasing your new home, make sure your current roof still has some life left in it. Ask current homeowners when the roof was last replaced, and if they can provide information related to that installation/replacement. If they themselves are unsure, perhaps it’s time to get a quality roof assessment performed by a licensed roofing contractor can accurately assess the age and life left of the roof.
Need a little help? Contact us today!
Len’s Roofing has all of your roof assessment, repair, and replacement needs covered. Fully licensed, insured professionals assess your current roofing situation and provide you with affordable and efficient options for repair and replacement. Contact us today as you contemplate the purchase of your next beautiful home at 941-896-7897 or visit https://www.lensroofing.com/