One of the most important steps in buying a new home is the inspection to make sure the home structure is in good condition. Issues with the home found after closing can result in higher costs than anticipated, depending on the extent of damage and repairs needed.
The most important – and expensive – part of any home is arguably the roof. It’s the best defense against the elements, especially in South Florida, where hurricanes and tropical storms are prevalent. It’s important to ensure that the roof is sturdy, reliable, and in good condition.
An experienced local roofing company can tell you whether or not your prospective new home needs a roof replacement.
If you’re still in the market for a new home, here are some things to look out for when it comes to the health of the roof – before making any offers.
Consider The Age Of The Roof
A roof does not have to be new to be effective and safe. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the average lifespan of a well-made roof is about 20 – 30 years. Depending on where the roof is in this lifespan could be enough to reconsider making an offer on the home if a replacement is not in the budget. Some signs that a roof is nearing the end of its life are:
- Multiple shingles/tile are missing;
- The planes are curling or bulging;
- You can notice deficiencies from the curbside view.
It’s never a bad idea to ask the seller or checl with local building department to find out when the roof was installed. If it is older than 10-15 years, you can attempt to negotiate the price of the house.
Check For Leaks
Many leaks in a home can be traced to problems with a leaking roof. Water damage is common in South Florida after major storms, which is why you need to ensure that the roof is in good condition. An inspector or roofing company can detect the source of a leak, common problem spots include valleys, skylights, and creases on the roof.
Depending on the severity of the leak, a roof may need to be repaired or outright replaced. Having this knowledge can help you decide on whether or not to buy that particular home.
Inquire About Roof Ventilation
Looking at the roof from the outside can reveal some things, but it can’t tell you everything. You’ll have to ask specific questions about the design and ventilation to get an idea of the health and strength of the structure.
A well-ventilated roof allows air and sunlight to come in (but not water!). This helps prevent heat from being trapped, raising the temperature inside the house, and making the HVAC system work harder to keep it cool.
Poor ventilation can increase the cost of utility bills, plus allow for the possibility of mold growth; neither of which is a problem you want to deal with in a new home.
Beware Of Mold Growth
Speaking of mold, this is one common indicator that a rooftop may need replacing soon. It happens when water gets in through leaks and other damaged areas. Trapped water in heated areas makes a ripe environment for mold to grow, which can be damaging to both the home and the health of the people inside it. Many people treat mold without actually treating the cause, which makes for more expensive repairs down the road.
A home that has a foul odor can have mold, but the symptoms aren’t always obvious. A roof inspector can detect smaller gaps in the roof using infrared cameras.
Have Canals And Seepage System Inspected
The “seepage system” refers to gutters, downspouts, and drainage pipes: all critical parts of a rooftop that enable water and debris to roll off, away from the home. Inspecting this part can be particularly tricky for amateurs, which is yet another reason to have a roof inspection. A professional will look for asphalt shingle grains in the gutters (among other things), which protect the shingles from the destructive effects of sunlight and other elements.
Final Roofing Advice To Consider
Choosing a licensed roofing company to conduct a roof inspection is important. Be sure to ask about prior experience and ensure proper licensing. A new home is a big investment, and you want to do all you can to protect it.
You should be given a final report once the inspection is complete. That report, depending on the results, can potentially give you some leverage when it comes to negotiating the price of the house if any repairs need to be done. You will want to ensure that issues such as leaks and mold are taken care of before closing and before moving in.
Roof Repairs & Replacements In South Florida
The roof is the most important protection for a home, so you need to make sure that yours is in good hands. That’s why many South Floridians trust ABC Roofing. We have proudly replaced, repaired, and inspected rooftops for over 30 years, keeping families safe from the region’s nastiest storms.
Schedule your roof inspection to see if your prospective new roof needs a replacement.
Call 954-344-4622 to speak with one of our professionals today.
