It doesn’t matter if you’re buying your first house or an upgrade that has been a long time in the making, buying a home is a major decision that will have a lasting impact on your family’s financial future. You need to make sure that everything is in good condition including the roof. That’s why roof inspection is essential.
While you may be excited about the large open kitchen and pool, make sure to look at the roof. Although your roof might not be as glamorous as the view from the golf course, it is your first line of defense against the elements. It protects your homestead and your possessions from the rain, wind, and heat.
Before you make an offer on your dream home, you should always have a professional roof inspection in Myrtle Beach. However, you need to be careful about what questions you ask while you are looking at possible candidates. These are the things you need to look for when purchasing a new roof.
Roof Inspection Tips
1. HOW OLD IS THE ROOF
It is important to know the exact age of the roof. Make sure to get an official date from your paperwork. It’s not enough to ask the seller. Their casual response of “oh, it was replaced around 5 years ago” will not help you if it’s been in place for 15 years. You’ll need to pay unexpectedly for a new roof.
Myrtle Beach’s standard composition roofs only last about 10-15 years due to the relentless summer sun and spring hailstorms. You can leverage the roof’s near-end life expectancy to negotiate a better deal or move on to a home with a better roof.
2. WHAT IS THE ROOF’S QUALITY?
It is possible to tell the difference between 3-tab shingles that are cheap and thicker, and more durable “architectural” or dimensional shingles.
Both are made from an asphalt or fiberglass base with protective granules. However, architectural shingles can last longer and are more durable. Even though circumstances may vary, the bottom line remains that 3-tab shingles need to be replaced more frequently than premium shingles.
You’re lucky if the house you are considering has a metal roof that is older than stone-coated steel and standing seam. These roofs are durable and can last up to 50 years if installed correctly. All warranties, both from the manufacturer and the installer for quality goods, should be transferable to you. The roof’s high quality will increase the house’s value and can also raise the price. However, you get decades of peace of mind.
3. HOW WEARABLE IS THE ROOF
They can take a beating, no matter how old or good the roof is. Although we don’t recommend climbing on roofs, you can see signs of wear from the ground. These warning signs are:
- Individual shingles that are cracked, curled, peeling, shrinking, or becoming worn should be reported immediately to protect your home.
- Gutter granules and bald spots on shingles can let in ultraviolet light, which can cause asphalt to deteriorate.
- Cracked caulk, rust spots, or gutters that are not properly sealed
- Rubber seals (“boots”) that are worn and cracked around vent pipes
4. WHAT DOES THE ATTIC LOOK LIKE?
Although we do not recommend you dance on the roof, you should inspect your attic. This is where you will find signs of leakage, mold, mildew, or other problems with your roof. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Water damage can be indicated by stains on the roof’s underside, especially vertical supports made of wood.
- Ineffective moisture barrier between living areas and attic.
- Inadequate ventilation: Air should flow freely through the attic. All vents must be working properly.
- On a sunny day, look out for small holes of light. These could indicate a crack in the roofing material or weakness at the seams.
- You don’t have to wait for your dream house’s roof to be replaced or repaired.
You can ask the owner for a roof replacement prior to the sale or to offer $10,000 to cover the cost of future roof repairs, depending on your circumstances. It doesn’t matter how much you pay for your house, or how expensive any future repairs will be.
Before you make an offer on a house or condo, it is important to have a roof inspection. You will get more information and be able to budget for future repairs or reduce the asking price. These 4 questions will allow you to make an initial assessment of the roof condition and help you to plan for any future roof repairs.
Call MB Roofing Pros now and let our team of expert roofers help check the roof of the house you’re planning to buy.
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MB Roofing Pros
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-492-0778
http://roofing-myrtlebeach.com
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