When buying a house, it’s important to check the roof and every other part of the house to make sure everything is in good shape. Most people know to check for leaks and damage, but there are a few other things you should look out for.
When searching for a reliable roofing company while buying a house in Kirkland, consider reaching out to experienced roofers near Kirkland to ensure you get a good roof.
How good or bad is the roof?
You can check the roof for quality so start with gutters. If they’re full of leaves or rubbish, the roof isn’t maintained. Second, find missing or broken tiles and lastly, check for water damage.
How old is the roof?
Check roof age. If the home you want has an older roof, negotiate the price with the cost of replacing it in mind. Roofs last 20–25 years. A skilled roof inspection can also detect issues that could limit its lifespan.
The slope of the roof
The pitch is the roof’s angle, and it changes a few important things. First, it changes how much light gets to the roof. The pitch of the roof also affects how long it will last.
In general, a roof with a steeper pitch will last longer than one with a shallower pitch and the pitch of your roof will also affect how your home looks.
Roof Color
The roof color indicates the condition. Darker roofs may absorb more heat and deteriorate faster. Roof color affects energy efficiency also. Darker colors absorb more heat, making your air conditioner work harder in summer. Dark roofs absorb solar heat and keep homes warm in winter.
Roof History
Check the roof history. This includes any past repairs or replacements. Understanding the roof’s history helps you assess its condition and lifespan. Ask the former owners about roof upkeep. This can indicate how effectively the roof was maintained.
Before making an offer, get past inspection documents and have a professional roof inspection.
Sealing/Waterproofing
Sealing and waterproofing prevent mold and mildew growth. Sun and rain harm exhaust and chimney sealants, creating leaks. Replace damaged or flaking sealant. Fix leaks before moving in.
Avoid water damage because it’s costly to fix.
Also, clean the gutters and downspouts. Water can damage roofs from blocked gutters.
Materials for the roof
Choose a roofing material that suits your needs because they stay different. Metal roofs are one of the most common options and can last 20 to 30 years, but they don’t last as long as other materials, so if you live in a tough area, you might want to choose something else.
Metal roofs can last for a long time, but they can be noisy when it rains. Tile roofs are strong and can last for years, and they are a bit more expensive than other options.
In the end, your budget and needs will determine which material is best for your roof.
Also Read: 8 Reasons Why You Should Add a Solar Panel Roof to Your Home
The number of layers of shingles
Check carefully to see how many layers of shingles there are. If the roof has more than one layer, it means it has been fixed at least once and may need to be replaced soon.
Having more than one layer of shingles can be a good or a bad sign.
A good sign of having more than one layer of shingles can give your roof an extra layer of protection against the weather and help it last longer.
A bad sign of having more than one layer of shingles can also make it harder to find problems with your roof since leaks and other damage might be hidden under the top layer. Also, the roof can be a heavyweight.
Throughout the article, we have seen how to choose a good roof when buying a house. Ask your real estate agent about roof material and inspection reports. Repair any damage before buying.