If you’ve spent any time in the housing market, you know that roofs are among the most talked-about topics. Before and after you buy a home, you need to know how to pay the right amount of attention to your roof. Here is a quick guide to help you keep your roof in good repair, know when to take action, and how to stay warm and dry.
General Life Span of Roofing
The life span of your roof will depend on several factors, including the material used and climate conditions. When buying a home, be sure to have your roof inspected to determine how much longer before you’ll need to replace it. Slate roofs, for example, can last more than 50 years. Asphalt shingle or composition roofs, which tend to be very common, last about 20 years.
How to Spot Damage
There are many causes of roof damage. When this happens, you’re open to more problems such as water damage, pests, and mold. Here are a few things to watch for:
- Water stains on the interior walls
- Missing shingles
- Asphalt granules in gutter runoff
- Curling shingles around vents
Ways to Recognize Leaks
The best way to find a leak in your roof is to access your attic and watch for signs of wet insulation or mold. Then carefully remove the insulation to follow discoloration to the source of the leak. If you’re experiencing dry weather as you inspect your roof, you can try a trick from Bob Vila’s website. Have a partner use a garden hose to spray sections of the roof while you search the attic for the leak. This can recreate wet weather and help you find what you’re looking for faster.
Repairing a Roof
Some roof damage can be repaired easily. You may only need to replace a shingle or two to prevent further leaks. You can do this yourself, but you may want to call in an expert, especially if your home is multiple stories.
Replacing a Roof
If you have more extensive damage, you may need to have your roof replaced. This is when you should call in the professionals. For asphalt or composite roofs, sometimes they will add a layer, which is a perfectly acceptable practice in most cases. If you already have multiple layers or want to replace your roofing material, they will need to tear off what’s already there. You want to talk to several companies to decide on the price and timeframe before they get started.
Do you want to know more about buying a home and evaluating the roof?
Maison Atlanta & Co is a full-service real estate company with over 100 years of combined experience buying and selling homes in any market. As a member of Compass, Maison Atlanta and Co has innovation and technology at our fingertips to help our clients meet and exceed their real estate goals and expectations. Call us today.