What to Look for in a Roof When Buying a Home

During the inspection on the home you are about to purchase, make sure to spend some time reviewing the roof on the house. The roof is a vital part of the home, and if you notice any irregularities or problems, it could also be an area for negotiating with the sellers. Take the time necessary to give the roof a thorough assessment before purchasing the house in order to avoid issues in the future. Here are the 4 main items to look for in a roof when buying a home.

4 Things to Check on a Roof When Buying a Home

1. Gutters – While technically not part of the roof, this is a good area to start for your roofing review. If you notice damaged gutters with build-up and poor drainage, this could indicate poor maintenance and upkeep to the roof area. Water could back up in this type of gutter situation and cause damage to the roofline. Look around this area for mold and rot caused from the gutter issues and make note of the appearance.
2. Broken or Worn Shingles – Whether you are looking at a home with wood, clay, or asphalt shingles, consider the wear on the surfaces when you are inspecting the roof. Wear and damage to the shingles can appear over time so make sure to get information on the age of the roof including any repairs or service that has been done. Broken shingles could develop from severe weather in the area, age, people walking on the surface, or the combination of all three.
3. Water Stains – Look on the ceilings inside the home for water stains, repairs, or freshly painted areas. This could indicate a recent leak and repair. If the repair is done well, it should be fine. Request all information related to the leak and review the location of the repair to confirm the proper reconstruction of the leak location both inside and on the roof itself.
4. Paperwork – Review any paperwork the seller can provide about the roof. Does it tell you the age of the roof and provide a warranty of some type? Understanding what has been installed previously is important when looking at the condition of the roof. Ask the seller questions about age and duration of the shingle when reviewing the roof on the home you want to buy.

Having a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof with you is an excellent way to get a thorough review by a trained roofing expert. From discoloration, wear, and damage, these experts will be able to point out imperfections you might not notice. Performing the roof review with an in-depth look from an experienced roofer is essential to get a detailed analysis of an important part of the home you plan to buy.

After a physical review of the roof, you can determine if you need to negotiate a lower home price offer, ask for repairs to be done on the roof, or even if the roof needs to be replaced. If the roof is newer and in good shape, and the gutter area is well looked after, then all is probably well and you can feel confident that you’re buying a home that will ward off roofing repairs for some time.

Your Austin Area Roofing Authority

We strive to bring you the best in roofing for the Austin, Texas area. We deliver decades of experience, training, and knowledge in this area’s roofing needs. We will not ask for a deposit on labor or materials as a dependable way to stand out from the competition.

Inspecting and reviewing roofs is part of our specialty. Focusing on roofing issues and giving good guidance to our customers is another. When we install or repair your roof, we want to provide you with the best options whether you have an existing home or are buying a new one. We are Master Elite Contractors and a member of our local area Better Business Bureau, so you know we take pride in our work and our community. Contact us by phone or email to schedule your FREE roofing inspection and quote today!