When buying a new home, there is a massive checklist of things to look at, in-depth conversations with the realtor, financial decisions, and a complete review of the inspection report. All of these tasks are doubled if you have to sell your home as well. The whole process can be stressful, daunting, and overwhelming.
Let’s just focus on the roof in this article. What must be considered when looking at the roof? Some items can be reviewed from ground level or looked at from a distance. Other items must have a closer view. Here are 5 things you can look at as you study the home.
Mold Free
Mold is an indication there is excessive water damage present. Mold is a fungus that grows in different colors. Some mold could be dark or light, green or black. Be sure to look around the areas where water could collect, including any chimneys, pipes, or the gutter system. Not only is mold bad for your roof, but if not addressed, it can seep down into your home and cause damage to your walls and ceilings. Mold can also cause severe health risks if left untreated. Mold and mold spores can spread quickly so this is something to watch out for.
Do a Thorough Gutter Inspection
Gutters have the main purpose of diverting the water from the roofing surface, away from the foundation, and home. If the gutters are rusty, falling off, pulling away from the roofing material, or barely holding on, the next big thunderstorm could do them in. Look in the home for any evidence of past flooding which could have been a result of a faulty gutter system.
Broken Material
Shingles that are breaking, falling apart, cracked, or completely missing are an indication that a new roof is on the horizon. If you notice any of these issues with the shingles, it is wise to double-check the interior again. Do you see evidence of previous water damage?
Perhaps if it is within your budget, a new roof is something you want to explore if you notice broken or missing shingles. A new roof, depending on the material you choose, could be the last roof you have to install for the remainder of your home ownership. That is something to consider!
Proper Ventilation
Even though a roof could look wonderful in many ways, if the ventilation system is under par, there will be issues down the road. Roof ventilation not only affects the condition of the roof but the home’s heating and cooling system as well. It provides continuous airflow through the attic. It helps to remove moisture and overheated air, which reduces moisture formation in the home. Too much mold and mildew can become a health hazard, which is a whole other battle to contend with.
A Warped Roofline
Look at your potential home from a distance. Does the roofline look wavy? A few reasons why a roofline can look warped are due to the plywood or the felt underneath the shingles, the expansion and contraction from the weather changes, misaligned shingles, or poor craftsmanship. Learn the reasons for the wavy roofline and then a wise decision can be made on how to remedy the damage.
The stress that goes into home purchasing can be overwhelming. There are a great number of decisions to be made, in a short amount of time. If you need assistance with a thorough roof inspection, place your trust in MHI Roofing in Pittsburgh. We can give you the facts of what is going on with the roof and whether it has life left in it or if a roof replacement is needed. We are here to help make sure you and your family are safe and protected. Give us a call to see if we can help ease your mind as you seek to purchase a new home in the Pittsburgh area.