What New Homeowners Should Know About Roofing

When you decide to buy a home, you take on a huge new challenge: you become responsible for its daily maintenance and upkeep – which really boils down to learning about each of its parts and what it’ll take to keep things in tiptop shape over the long haul.

Among the myriad of things homeowners need to keep a constant eye on is the roof. Not only is the roof one of the major parts of the home; it also plays a crucial role in protecting it against external elements. In this post, we take a look at the factors and the various aspects of roofing that can affect your roof’s durability and performance. We also share a few useful tidbits to help you understand what to expect and how to better take care of your roof and, by extension, your home.

Age and Condition of the Roof

When buying a home, it is important to ask about the roof’s age, as this information will help you better gauge its general condition. Different roof materials will have varied lifespans. Whether or not the roof needs to be replaced will very much depend on the type of material used to build the existing roof.

Another factor you will need to consider is the climate in your locale. Roofs in areas where extreme weather conditions are common may have shorter lifespans.

It is common for roofs older than 15 years to require some serious repairs, if not complete replacement. Keep this fact in mind when purchasing an old home – to keep things in good shape, be sure to have your home, especially your roof, inspected regularly.

Warranty

Apart from checking the roof’s age, you should also check if it is still under warranty. Also, ask if the warranty is transferable. While warranties for major home systems such as roofs and HVAC are mostly transferable, it’s best that you err on the side of caution, and ask to see the warranty documents for yourself.

Roof Issues and Problems

There is more to a roof than what you see from the outside. It is a complex system that has different parts, all of which need to perform together to ensure that the entire roof is able to protect your home effectively and efficiently. Problems stemming from the less noticeable aspects of the roof need to be addressed immediately, before they can cause more serious issues.

Here are the things you need to check for and have inspected:

• Shingles. Missing, curled, and cracked shingles must be repaired or replaced at once. Algae may also pose a problem, causing premature deterioration of shingles that would otherwise be in perfectly good condition.
• Gutters. A malfunctioning gutter can cause water-related issues which can damage not only your roof but your home’s foundation, too.
• Flashings. Flashings provide extra protection to key areas such as peaks and valleys. You need to make sure they are sealed and caulked properly.
• Soffits. Located beneath the gutters and eaves, soffits serve as a cover for exposed surfaces beneath overhanging sections of the roof. Damaged soffits can lead to leaks and pest and rodent infestation.

Remember that all inspections are best done by professional, reliable contractors. When you get the keys to your new home, make it a point to contact a roofer who can provide you with a comprehensive roof inspection. Mostly, this service is free of charge, especially when you are planning to hire the same contractor for any repairs that may need to be done.

Take the time to learn more about your roof, so you can avoid costly repairs in the future. Knowing the condition of the roof before you move into your new home will save you from unnecessary worry and expense.

About the Author
Mike Curcio is one of the roof experts behind CMS Roofing. He has been active in the local home improvement industry for more than a decade and is committed to helping clients find the right roofing and remodeling solutions for their homes. He enjoys writing articles on roofing tips and industry news for the company blog and hopes that his work can help home-owners both in and out of South Carolina.