Signs That The Home You're About To Buy Needs A New Roof
When you move into a new home, you want to be able to focus on decorating, organizing your things, and getting used to the new town. You don't generally want to spend time or money on expensive updates, such as replacing the roof. Unfortunately, some people do buy homes without realizing they need new roofs, and then they end up having to spend a lot on roof replacement during their first years of homeownership. If you don't want to end up in this situation, you'll want to carefully look over the roof before you buy a home. Here are a few of the signs that the roof will soon need to be replaced.
Granules in the Downspouts
This is one of the easiest signs to spot, and you don't even need to look at the roof to see it. Check under a few of the downspouts. Do you see what looks like tiny pieces of shiny gravel? Those are shingle granules. They become loose and start rinsing off of shingles once the shingles become aged and brittle. Without all their granules, the shingles won't last more than a couple more years, if that. This is a subtle but sure sign that a roof replacement is in the near future for the home.
Curling or Lifted Shingles
When you look up at the roof, you want to see that all of the shingles are laying flat. If any of them are curling or lifted at the bottom, that is a sign of damage. If the damage is isolated to one area, it might be something a roofer can repair. But if all or most of the roof looks like this, then the roof needs to be replaced sooner rather than later.
Moisture in the Attic
You can also go up into the attic. You may need to ask the real estate agent to let you up there as this is not always part of the standard tour when you look at a home, but it's well worth the time. If there are any signs of moisture in the attic, that means the roof is likely leaking and may soon need to be replaced. Mold, discolored insulation, and a musty odor are all signs of moisture in the attic.
If you're thinking of buying a home, it's worth looking at the roof closely beforehand. If the home needs a new roof, you're often best off asking the current owner to replace the roof before you buy it.
To have a roof inspected, contact a roofing contractor in your area.