3 Critical Roofing Questions Every Home Buyer Should Ask
If you’re in the market for a new house, whether a resale or new construction, it is important to consider all aspects that can affect your future living conditions. You should be aware of any maintenance issues that could end up costing you a lot of money down the road so you can make the best decision for yourself and your family. Here are four essential questions to ask about the roof before buying a new home.
1. How old is the current roof? While there are a few roofing issues that can be detected from the ground up, like missing shingles or broken gutters, hiring an experienced roofer to examine the roof is ideal. They will look for red flags, such as mold, mildew and dry rot, which are often indications of other, serious underlying problems. A roofer will also look for signs of wear and tear associated with age. Of course, an old roof is not necessarily a dilemma, but poor maintenance over the years can prove to be really inconvenient in the future.
2. Is the roof properly ventilated? Good, adequate ventilation is a crucial aspect of a well-maintained home. Even a newly-built roof will not be beneficial if appropriate ventilation is not in place. If you decide to move into a new home without proper ventilation in the roof or attic, you will encounter all sorts of expensive maintenance issues on the double. These include ice dams, mold and mildew, sagging decking and shortened roof lifespan. If this is the case, you will be left with no choice but to call for a roof replacement.
3. Have there been any flooding issues? Flooding is not limited to basements. If the downspouts are not funneling rainwater into a proper drainage system, flooding or standing water can occur on the top of the roof. Let your contractor search for evidence that indicates flooding issues in the past. If there is, it can mean that the water is backing up or the soak wells are not the correct size for the downpipes.
Berry Roofing & Solar is a premier source of top-rated residential, commercial and solar roofing solutions in Riverside, CA. Our certified team is committed to providing the comfort and efficiency you need through industry-leading products and outstanding customer service. Call us today at (951) 900-1309, or fill out our contact form to request a free, no-obligation estimate.
