Searching for a new home? While you are looking at curb appeal and considering carpet allowances, you also should ask a few questions about another one of the home’s features: the roof. The roof is one of the most important (and expensive!) parts of your new purchases, so making sure it’s in good shape before you buy is best.

Factors to Take into Consideration

Keep these things in mind regarding roofs when you are searching for your new home:

Age of the Roof. Before you ask the homeowner how old the roof is, look yourself. Stand back from the home and look for things like fading, worn out spots, and missing or damaged shingles. These factors could indicate that the roof is advanced in age.

It is important to remember that different roofing materials have different lifespans. The average composite shingle roof has a 10-15-year lifespan in North Texas, but a metal roof lasts much longer. The best course of action is to ask the homeowner when the roof was installed and verify by checking their paperwork to show evidence of installation.

State of the Roof. Is the roof in good repair? Are shingles uniform and even? Are they buckling or curling? Spots of mold? If you see evidence of disrepair or neglect, you should point it out to your realtor or home inspector. It is also a good idea to call in a professional roofing company to look for a full report.

Roof Maintenance. Ask the homeowner what their roof maintenance schedule has been like while they have owned the home. Have they had professional maintenance done, maintained it themselves, or have they skipped maintenance all together?

Don’t Undervalue Ventilation. In addition to the roof, also check out the ventilation system. Good ventilation is critical in keeping your heating and cooling costs down.

Don’t Forget Drainage. While investigating your potential new-to-you roof, also take the time to determine the condition of the drainage system if any exists. Some components of the drainage system, such as gutters and downspouts, will be visible from the ground, but drain pipes and other pieces of the system may require a professional look. Look to make sure these facets are in good repair and working properly to move water off the roof and away from the home.

Looking for a new home? Hire a professional roofing company to check out your purchase before you buy.