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Watch Out For These Things When Inspecting A Roof Before Buying A House

A home inspection is a vital stage in the home purchase process. In fact, even before commissioning a professional home inspection, you should give your prospective house a general inspection. Your inspection should include different parts of the house such as the floor, walls, and roof, among others. Here are some things to look out for while inspecting the roof:

Visual Inspection of the Shingles

Look at the roof shingles can tell you a lot about the roof. Look out for missing, curling or cracked shingles; one or two damaged shingles may not mean much. However, too many damaged shingles may mean the roof is seriously damaged and may have suffered water damage. In fact, extensive shingle damage may call for roof replacement; an extremely expensive affair.

Confirm That the Gutters Are Intact

It's easy to forget about gutters while inspecting the roof, but they are a critical part of the roof protection system. Malfunctioning gutters causes drainage issues, which can lead to water damage on the roof. Therefore, confirm that there are no obvious holes on the gutters, the hangers are intact, and there are no disconnections at the seams.

Look Out Signs of Roof Leak

You don't have to see an actual leak to know that the roof is letting in water; there are telltale signs of water leaks that can alert you to the problem. Here are some common signs of water leaks:

  • Dark discolorations on the ceiling
  • Peeling wall paints
  • Streaks on the ceiling or wall
  • Moldy odor in some rooms

Watch Out For Damaged Flashing

Joints and projections are some of the most vulnerable sections of the roof; most leaks originate in these places. This is why they are protected with roof flashing. This also means damaged flashing can easily lead to roof leaks. Therefore, confirm that the flashing (at least those you can see) are not missing or bent.

Confirm That the Deck Isn't Sagging

For a house with a roof deck, it's also a good idea to check whether it is as straight as it should be or it is sagging. A sagging roof deck has probably experienced its fair share of moisture damage. The extent of the damage determines whether a repair suffices or a replacement may be needed.

These are some of the things you should be able to see just by looking at the roof. If your inspection doesn't reveal anything too serious, then you can go ahead to the next stage of your home purchase process. Contact a real estate agent for more advice on what to look out for.


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