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What to Look for in the Roof When Buying a House

For most individuals and couples, buying a house is the most significant investment they will make. It’s often a complex and lengthy process during which a number of things can go wrong. The roof is one of the most important things you need to look at before you sign on the dotted line. A professionally installed, well-maintained roof can last for 30 years or even more. However, inferior materials or substandard workmanship can hasten the need for repairs.

If the roof of your new home is in poor condition, the rest of the house is either already damaged or very much under threat. Before buying a house, you need to make sure the roof is sturdy. If you’re prepared to do significant repairs, you should make sure that the price reflects the fact that the roof is damaged or poorly maintained. To get a clear assessment of the condition of the roof, you should get an inspection from a Greenville roofing company. In the meantime, here are some of the things you should do.

Scan the Roof from the Ground

It’s easy to get caught up when buying a house with the parts that are naturally within your line of sight. However, you need to step back and take a look up at the roof, preferably from all sides. You don’t need to be a roofing expert to notice if the shingles are missing, bald, curling or decaying. If the roof is made from something other than asphalt shingles, you should ask the homeowner to tell you the age of the roof. You should also ask for copies of the most recent inspections. If the roof is old or you’re unsure about how sound it is, you should get a professional to assess it.

Look for Signs of Leaks When Buying a House

Leaks may seem minor and harmless but if they aren’t addressed quickly, they can easily become larger. This means you need to check for signs that the roof is leaking. While you should check all areas of the house for water stains or moisture, extra attention should be paid to valleys, chimneys, and vents. These are some of the areas that are more prone to leaks.

Check for Mold 

Mold is a fungus. It can grow on the roof in a variety of shapes and colors so you should look for discoloration that’s black, green or white. Mold can also affect the walls of the house and the paint so you shouldn’t limit your inspection to the roof. Often, it’s due to poor ventilation or water intrusion from the roof. It’s important that you find the source of the mold and fix it instead of just treating the mold. Not only is this fungus unsightly but it emits an odor and presents health risks.

Pay Close Attention to the Drainage System

Gutters and downspouts play an important role in the health of the roof and the entire home. You should, therefore, make sure that there’s no damage. You also need to make sure that the downspouts are directing away from the house. If they lead directly into the ground, this could result in flooding and damage to the foundation. Typically, the gutters and pipes just need to be cleared of debris. You can ask the homeowner if there are any issues but you should also have a roofer in Greenville, SC look at the drainage system. A professional will know exactly what to look for.

Make Sure There’s Proper Ventilation

Proper ventilation helps to extend the lifespan of the roof. Regardless of how old the roof is, you should check to see if the house’s ventilation system is adequate. Otherwise, you could have to deal with a damaged roof and other problems like high energy costs and excessive moisture. South Carolina can get very hot and the sun will increase the temperature in the attic. This heat can cause the shingles to age prematurely if there’s not sufficient airflow. You may notice warping, crumbling or sagging.

Need A Roofer in Greenville, SC? Choose Greenville Roofing!

You need to have peace of mind before you purchase a home whether it’s your first or one of several. If you’re looking for a Greenville roofing company to inspect the roof before you make your purchase, contact the team at Greenville Roofing. We’ll thoroughly examine the roof and give you our professional opinion on whether it’s sound. Contact us today to put your mind at ease before you make that big investment.

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