Buying a house is one of the most important milestones in a person’s life. It is a reflection of your hard work and success. Indeed, a new house is a reward that you and your family can enjoy for a long time. However, in the process of acquiring a second-hand property, there are things that you need to carefully assess. Otherwise, you might end up with more loses than your supposed gains as a homeowner. One of the elements that you need to pay close attention to is the roofing. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the best roofing options that you may want to consider to help you come up with the most appropriate decisions.
Before we even jump right to the top roofing options, let’s discuss first the elements that you need to assess before buying a home. A roof inspection matters primarily because of the role that the roofing plays. A sturdy one can effectively shield a property against external threats. When calamities come, you are 100% protected and you don’t have to worry about your family’s safety.
To enlighten our Canton OH readers about the things you need to focus on aside from the roofing options, we’ve prepared a list below. We also included some home buying warning signs so you wouldn’t have to fall victims to scammers.
Checklist: What to Look for When Buying a House?
Leaks
One of the most obvious signs of what to look for in the roof when you’re buying a home is any form of leakage. Even if it seems like the leaks are manageable, they can spread and wreak havoc to the property. Leaks can crawl from the roof down to the ceiling, walls, on to the floors, and all over the structure of a house. They are not only unpleasant to eyes but are also truly destructive.
Read Also: 5 Crucial Signs You Need Emergency Roof Leak Repair
Leaks could get more difficult to solve especially if they have started a while back already. In the early stages of a leakage, they could still be immediately fixed. However, if the property that you’re buying has long been dealing with leakage, it’s better to look around for better options.
Here are the most common areas where leaks are present:
- Roof Valleys
- Plumbing Vents
- Chimneys
- Ceiling
- Walls
Make sure to visually inspect these leak points before you buy the property. Aside from these areas, there are other roof and property elements that may show signs of leaking like the gutter system. If you are unsure about the condition of a house that you’re eyeing for, you can consult an expert roofer for more accurate assessments.
Molds
There are house molds that are easier to spot. They usually appear in dark green streaks or black marks. However, not all molds are exposed as they could also proliferate in covered areas like the attic or underneath the roof shingles. Molds can also form in between the walls, under the flooring, and other hidden parts of the roof. They thrive best in damp and wet areas that could lead to more serious water damage issues if left untreated.
It’s not okay to neglect signs of mold growth. If the house that you’re planning to get has unwanted molds, then you might have to seek professional assistance to see which areas are exactly affected. They can also check if it’s still possible to undo the mold damages or not.
Roof Age
Part of knowing what to look for in the roof when you’re buying a home is its current age. The age tells a lot about its stability and condition. Aside from getting the right facts straight from the seller or previous owner, it is also helpful to inspect it thoroughly to look for signs of aging.
These are the common warning signs of an aging roof:
- Worn out spots
- Missing shingles
- Obvious deformities
- Sagging
If you notice that it doesn’t look good on the outside, the condition might not be ideal anymore for a long time use. However, buying a house with a 20-year-old roof is not always a bad decision. In fact, there are roofing systems that can last for up to 50 years provided that it receives proper and regular maintenance. Hence, it’s important to track the history and make sure that the roof was maintained accordingly. Don’t be afraid to ask the owner about the roofing’s lifespan to know if it’s still worth buying or not.
Gutter and Downspout
A functional drainage system is a good indication. It’s not always about what to look for in the roof when you’re buying a home. It’s also valuable to understand if the gutter and downspouts are still intact. If these elements are in good condition, you wouldn’t have to deal with water damages after the rainy seasons.
A problematic gutter system could give you more headaches in the long run even if you feel like the property is worth buying. If you are unsure about the overall condition of the roofing and its gutter system, it’s best to call an expert. With ample experience and knowledge about these elements, he/she can confirm if the minor issues can still be solved or if these are all subject for a replacement.
Different Roofing Options When Buying a New Home
There are different types of roof covering materials. They vary in composition, dimension, appearance, texture, qualities, and more. However, at the end of the day, you want to go for something that can last for a long time which will also give you the best value for your money. Besides, when you are buying a home, you want to make sure that the roof still has the right capabilities to protect the whole property.
To help you in your decision making, we created a roofing materials list and shortlisted the top 3 that can last for many years:
Natural Slate
Although this type of roofing material is expensive, nothing beats its longevity. In fact, it can last for up to a century.
If you are buying a home with a natural slate roofing, it could be a good investment. The roof’s life service can extend to many more years given the right maintenance procedures. It is also beautiful and classic on the outside which could match your design preference if you’re after a timeless appeal.
Synthetic Slate
These are usually rubber-based. They mimic the appearance of natural stones. These roofing materials are also durable and could last for up to 50 long years. Hence, it’s a good choice as well for people looking to buy houses with a synthetic slate roofing.
Metal Roofing
Metal is a lightweight roofing material but you shouldn’t underestimate its durability. Buying a house with a metal roofing is also ideal provided that it was installed correctly. This material can last for up to 50 years. Hence, don’t forget to ask for the exact roofing age to gauge the remaining years of life expectancy.
The Bottom Line
Buying a house is an exciting phase. However, as you look around for the best roofing options, you also have to be very careful. There are properties that don’t look attractive on the outside but are still in a very good condition. In order to identify which one is the right house for you, you have to know what elements to double check when you’re buying a second-hand home. You can always go back to this list if you are unsure about the decisions that you need to make. Or better yet, call our team of roofing experts to give you the most accurate assessments.
We encourage our Canton OH readers to reach out to Silver Leaf Contracting to know more about what roofing options are available for them. Call this number today to experience professional assistance: 330-935-9027.