There’s no denying looking for a new home is one of the most exciting times in your life. While most people are looking for a home that’s visually appealing, it’s important to consider the structural build of the home as well. Besides providing a place for you and your family to create countless memories with friends and loved ones, the roof is a fundamental player in protecting your family from the wrath of New England weather, maintaining the foundation of your home, preventing costly damages, and boosting your home’s resale value.
Determine the Age of the Roof
When buying a new home, you should do some investigative work around the age of the roof. A simple visual inspection can provide important insight on whether or not you’re dealing with a healthy roof. Your initial examination should scan the surface of the roof for any signs indicating the presence of mold. Warped edges or noticeable bulges in the exterior are immediate red flags.
Also, be on the lookout for areas that appear worn out, damaged, or have missing shingles. These types of surface flaws are common symptoms older roofing. While an older roof isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker when it comes to purchasing a new home, it should certainly be factored into the decision-making process. If the roof is clearly gray-haired and elderly, you will need to consider the unavoidable out-of-pocket expenses that you’ll eventually spend on replacing the roof.
As a general rule of thumb, you should always connect with the current homeowner to inquire about the roof’s age and lifespan. Typical materials used to manufacture roofs include metal, concrete, asphalt shingles, and slate. Roofs composed of inherently durable materials, such as concrete, are designed to outperform other elements, like wood shingles. The type of material will ultimately determine the frequency with which an inspection or maintenance is required.
Healthy Ventilation
The home may be new construction or pass your initial assessment of the surface area, but that doesn’t automatically indicate a healthy roof. A proper ventilation system is vital for moderating temperature, preventing moisture buildup and mold growth, avoiding costly electric bills due to improper insulation, preserving the overall well-being of your roof, and prolonging the lifespan of the roof’s materials. Ensuring the home has a quality ventilation system is a vital to the welfare of the overall household, as well as its occupants.
The Drainage System
Another important place to inspect is the pipelines and channels travel along the roof. An effective drainage system will filter water and debris away from the roof, protecting your home from unwanted damages. Secure the help of a professional to investigate whether your potential home has been fitted with an adequate drainage system. The seepage system contains several parts, including gutters, downspouts, and the drainage pipes. A roofing contractor will thoroughly assess the network of piping and provide a detailed report on its condition.
Lookout
Be on the lookout for any leaks that may be flowing from the rooftop. Leaks are not only responsible for damaging walls and floors inside the home, but they can harm the entire foundation of the home. A leaky roof will end up causing a whirlwind of difficulty for you and the home’s inhabitants – not to mention, your check book will be upset at the lofty price tag of repairing such extensive damage. Leaking typically originates in plumbing vents, valleys, and chimneys and requires the services of a professional to repair. Inspecting the rooftop for any leaks before purchasing a home will save you the headache of forking over an arm and a leg for pricey renovations.
Check for Mold
Mold can be green, black, red, or white in color and come in a number of different shapes and sizes. Some mold is easily detectable due to smell and appearance, while other breeds can go unnoticed, giving them the opportunity to fester and spread over time. Mold thrives in high-moisture areas and can develop under flooring, beneath the roof, in between walls, and in other areas that aren’t in plain sight. Mold reproduces by creating spores, which can travel through the home and negatively impact the health of the occupants.
Regions that experience hot, humid temperatures are more prone to mold growth. In addition, homes that lack an appropriate ventilation system or are experiencing a water leak will be highly vulnerable to the appearance of mold. The introduction of water into the roof is a common reason for the development of mold. Many new homeowners make the rookie mistake of hiring a remediation company to fix the mold and neglect to look for the original source of the leak that caused the mold. While the presence of the mold may be wiped out, it is guaranteed to recur if the root cause of the leak is not addressed and fixed.
The existence of mold on your roof is extremely detrimental to your home. If a mold issue goes unnoticed for a long duration of time, it will eventually begin giving off a foul odor – which is certainly not the type of guest you’d want crashing a romantic dinner time meal with your loved one. Often, mold develops in tiny crevices in the roof that are not easily visible to the naked eye. Experts will typically use specialized equipment, such as an infrared camera, to locate these areas.
Conclude with the Downspouts
The last stop on your quest to determine if your potential new home is fit for your family is to quickly inspect the roof’s downspouts. Downpipes should be circulating rainwater into the proper wells and water channels, rather than dispensing it into the ground. If storm water is not properly dealt with, it can lead to destructive flooding.
Purchasing a new home should be as fun and as the glamorous as the process seems on HGTV. While a home may have curb appeal, it’s important to consider the health of the structure including the entire foundation and all of the parts that make it a safe place to live. A sturdy roof is a key player in purchasing a home that provides you with years of safety, laughter, love, and happiness. The best way to guarantee the roof is in good condition is to hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect the area for you.
Call BP Builders
Are you looking for a roofing contractor in RI or roofing contractor CT , give us a call at BP Builders , a Certainteed Certified Roofing Contractor, to schedule your free inspection today.
For more information on our roof inspection and roofing services, stay in touch with BP Builders your CT roofing contractor and RI roofing contractor.
The next time you’re searching for roofer near me, roofing companies near me, roofing contractors near me or roofing contractors ct, look no further then BP Builders. We would be happy to fix the problem. Call us now or fill out the form on this page.
