When buying a home you have lots of things to consider. The majority of people overlook one major component of the home… the roof. A home’s roof is one of the major parts of the home, and is often among the most expensive to replace. Here’s what to look for in a roof when shopping for a new house.
Visual Inspection
Stand back and inspect the roof from the outside. Are there any worn out spots or missing shingles? Do any of the shingles have curled edges, do you see any signs of mold or mildew? Does the roof line appear straight and level, or are there spots where it sinks or bows? Are there spots where the roof looks lighter or darker? Other items to look for include, cracked caulk, worn rubber around the base of roof vents, and moss growth. Any of these issues can indicate an older roof that may be in need of repair or even replacement. Ask the current homeowner for information on the age of the roof and when it was last inspected.
Mold on the roof
Mold is a fungus that comes in many different colors – dark, white, green or black. While a few molds are noticeable as they are severe and rotten, some are hidden and can’t be detected easily.
Mold can form between walls, under floors and roofs or in less visible spots. Mold grows faster in water-drenched materials such as roofs due to having water pipes and gutter systems all around the house. The main cause for mold developing is poor ventilation and water leakage. People will find mold, get it cleaned then overlook the source that caused it to occur. The mold will return if the source of the leak isn’t fixed.
Mold on the rooftop is bad for your home. It doesn’t only affect the look but also causes odors that can make it difficult to tolerate. In addition to this, there can be major risks to you and your families health.
If you fear your roof may have a mold problem please call Josh Smalling Roofing and Restoration to get roof inspection today.
Check the Gutters
Make sure to ask the homeowners about their roof’s gutters and drainage. Gutters are installed along a roof’s edge to capture and direct runoff. If large trees are near the home, inspect the gutters for possible tree limb damage, and leaf buildup in the gutter or downspouts. A clogged or damaged gutter often fails to move water away from the structure efficiently and can lead to puddling, leakage and even structural damage. Also, when looking in the gutters, keep an eye out for shingle grains. A significant amount of shingle grains in the gutters usually indicates an older roof that’s losing the protective coating from its shingles.
Check the Downspouts
Downspouts are designed to drain water from the gutters and discharge it safely away from the foundation. They often discharge directly onto the ground, but through the use of extensions or other devices, they should be configured in such a way that roof runoff does not saturate soil at or beneath the foundation.
Downspouts should connect to the gutters securely and be free of debris. They should have some device, such as an extension or splash-block, that will carry runoff away from the foundation before discharging it to the soil.
Inspect for Leaks
Roof leaks can cause considerable damage to your home. Ceilings, walls, floors, and even the homes support structure can be damaged by a roof leak. Roof leaks are definitely a nuisance, but finding the actual leak can be even more of a headache. The area where you spot a water stain may be 5 to 10 feet from the actual source of the leak. Inspect chimneys, wall flashings, and roof seams for leaks, watch for and ask the homeowner if they have ever experienced any roof leaks. Leakage mostly happens in valleys, plumbing vents, chimneys, or also during a very strong storms. If there is evidence of leaks or the homeowner has told you that the roof has had leaking issues in the past, consider calling Josh Smalling Roofing and Restoration for a roof inspection.
Check for Ventilation
You want to ensure that the attic is getting plenty of ventilation. If it doesn’t have an appropriate ventilation, you could face major issues down the road. Adequate roof ventilation reduces cooling bills, extends shingle life, and prevents roof rot and ice dams in winter. A poor ventilation system can also cause mold to develop which can be more common in warmer climates.
If you are purchasing a new home or if you are concerned about the soundness of your existing roof, contact Josh Smalling Roofing and Restoration for a roof inspection and estimate.
