You found a New Hampshire home you absolutely love!
You are about to be a new homeowner, congratulations! There are a lot of details that need to be looked at when becoming a new homeowner. The shape of the roof is just as critical as the house, it protects the inside of your house. We are here to help the learning curve go easier with our roof tips. Use these tips prior to and after purchasing a home.
Have a Roof Inspection
Having a licensed roofing contractor inspect the roof during the presale inspection is your best option. They might spot something the home inspector did not see and can tell you if there are any upgrades or repairs that are needed. This would also be a fantastic time to ask all your roofing questions!
Know Where to Look for Trouble
Areas that typically cause trouble are chimneys, skylights, and gutters.
For chimneys and skylights, you need to look at the flashing and make sure it isn’t loose. If the flashing is loose, water will drip in and create more issues. Brian Cooper, owner of Cooper Inspections services, “Over time, the tar used to seal the chimney flashing can deteriorate, causing leaks into the attic.” When gutters are clogged or damaged they can further damage the roof.
Regular Roof Maintenance
Regular roof maintenance is a must and should be done at least twice a year and after storms. It is also a good idea to have a professional inspect your roof on a regular basis for prevention. Making sure your roof is clear of debris, algae, and moss can go a long way.
When inspecting your roof look for loose shingles, dark spots that could be mold, and any abnormalities. You also want to maintain your gutters by keeping them clear and make sure there aren’t any holes in them. Making sure the gutters are clear will prevent flooding, pooling, and more damage to the house.
If something is found don’t wait. It will only become worse and your homeowner’s insurance may not cover it. “you’re covered only if the damage or destruction results from a sudden accident or act of nature.”
Understand, Your Roof Won’t Last Forever
While the house will last decades, your roof isn’t as lucky. Depending on what the roof is made out of, some last 15 years and some last 50.
When buying a house ask the owner questions about the roof like:
- Age
- Recent repairs
- Warranties and transferable ones
Research Roofing Professional
When researching a roofing professional remember to look at things like:
- Licensing
- Insurance
- Guarantee
- Online reputation
- Reviews
Inspect the Attic
The outside of the roof has been inspected and now it’s time to inspect the attic. Some things to look for in the attic are:
- Leaks
- Wear damage
- Mildew
- Mold
- Small holes animals can get in
There are two ways you can keep your roof, have an inspector take a look a couple of times a year and you make sure it’s clear of debris, or you can inspect it and keep it clean a few times a year and have an inspector come out once a year. Whichever choice you decide, remember to not wait to call a professional if you see something that needs attention. It will only get worse.
Please contact us with any concerns or questions about your roof.