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Whether you are moving into another house or it's your very first home, there are some key things to look for regardless. Many people seek out a suitable interior, a nice yard, and proximity to their desired amenities. But looking up to the state of the roof is often a forgotten aspect when house hunting. If you are getting a home inspection (which is recommended,) make sure that they review the roof's health.
When looking at the roof of your potential new home, there are some factors to consider:
- Age of the Roof
- Missing or Cracked Shingles
- Ventilation (Risk of Dry Rot)
- Blocked Gutters
- Water Stains or Mould
These common issues are the main ones to look out for when searching for your dream home. You want your home to be fully covered, quite literally.
Age of the Roof
They say an average lifespan of a roof is 20 years. The overall appearance and health change over time, so that 20-year mark is appropriate to use as a marker. The homeowner should be able to provide you with this information to help you judge accordingly. On a newer build, of course, this doesn't hold the same pertinence, but it is of value to review the other details found below of the home's roof.
Missing or Cracked Shingles
When reviewing the state of a home's roof, the most obvious sign is to look up as best you can to see if there are any cracked or missing shingles. This situation often happens as the seasons change, and it should not be the responsibility of you, the potential new homeowner. A roofing company such as Sameday can efficiently fix this common roofing issue, but this is not something you want to deal with when moving into a new home. The ventilation in your roof allows for proper air circulation throughout your home.
Ventilation (Risk of Dry Rot)
Dry Rot is caused by excess heat (trapped moisture) in your roof, thus warping your shingles over time. It can also become a bother when it comes to your insulation, as the excess moisture can cause the home's insulation to clump or flatten, thus preventing heat transfer. You won't want that issue in a Canadian winter!
Blocked Gutters
Without clear flowing gutters, the backup of residual gunk will disappear. If the home's gutters are blocked, it can cause internal damage in the house, threatening its structural integrity over time. When water overflows from the gutters, you can face foundational damage, mould, mildew and flooding in the basement. Your entire home is at risk! That's why we always recommend inspecting your whole roof's health.
Water Stains or Mould
If you are able to access the attic, it's a great place to start inside and check the health of the roof. The attic would offer direct clues. Look for water damage, mould, and any other ventilation problems. Water stains can also be viewable on other ceilings throughout the home, so make sure you look up as you walk through. You can also spot water stains on exterior walls, so be wary of these telltale signs of a leak in the roof.
If not corrected, more water damage will ensue for the home, and mould can grow. It's best to take a deeper look at these issues with a home inspector or have a roofing contractor come and assess the situation if it is indeed your dream home.
Looking for the Right Home with a Healthy Roof?
Call us today for more details surrounding these common roofing issues. As Hamilton's premier roofing company, we can help you assess the health of your new home. And, if you are moving into an older home that is ready for a new roof, we will gladly offer a FREE on-site consultation. Call us today at (905) 544-4667!
