What to look for in a roof when buying a home

Buying a house is probably the biggest investment one makes in his/her lifetime. We analyse each and every factor before starting the dream project. It starts from the location to the budget, from the floor to the roof. The roof is also equally important part of the house. So, when looking for a suitable home, you should be aware of the types of roofs and what to look for in a roof, as you don’t buy a house every now and then and you look into the future in that house.

Give a manual check up

You should first look around the house from outside and check the roof for any damages, especially the condition of the shingles. It should not be damages or caved in spots. When you are done with the quick check up from outside, then you should have a decent look from inside. Notice the ceiling for any leakages or water pooling. Dark spots on indoor ceilings and peeling paint can be signs of water leakages. Leaking can destroy your furniture and the paint and walls and it costs a lot to do a new rooftop installation.

Check for molds on the roof

All molds are not easily visible. It is mostly greenish in color. Molds are a result of water leakage or pooling. If you find molds in your roof, removing it won’t fix the problem as they keep returning back at the same spot unless the source of the mold is fixed, which mostly, is water leakage at that spot. So the leakage or pooling should be fixed instantly so that there are no more chances of molds. You can also consult a professional to check for all these factors.

Check for the water flow and the drainage pipes

Water logging is major issue in most of the houses and the roof should be designed such that the water can flow easily through a pipe into the gutters. The opening for the pipe should be properly inspected once in a while for any blockages that might prevent the water from running down into the gutters. The seepage system should be properly checked, professionals are recommended.

Overall ventilation system

It should have a proper ventilation system, allowing sunlight and air to come in. Poor ventilation can make it humid, which can also facilitate the formation of molds.

Check for any irregularities: You should make sure that roof is perfectly flat and there should not be any bulges. You should check if any shingles are missing and you should be well aware of the lifespan of the roof. You should know how old is the roof and what materials are used to build the roof.

Materials used

Copper roofs can last for a long time. Copper roofing provides durability, corrosion resistance and requires low maintenance but has high installation costs. Composites, metal, tin, shingles etc. are the main materials used for building a roof. Composite shingles last longer than other materials and require low maintenance.

So, the structural integrity of the roof must not be overlooked as the roof is arguably the most important part of the house as it gives you shelter and keeps you safe. Hence, knowing the condition of the roof is very important.