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Roof Maintenance/ What to look for in a roof when buying a home
March 2023
What to look for in a roof when buying a home
For most people buying a home is one of the most exhilarating as well as the most stressful moments in life.
The roof of the house is one of the most expensive features of any home. When you consider buying your new home you should make sure that the roof on the house is sturdy, reliable and has been well maintained.
A thorough inspection of the roof by an experienced roofing professional should be performed before you commit to buying your new home.
Let’s consider some of the most important factors to look for in a roof whether you’re looking to buy a home or sell your current house.
The Age of the Roof Is Important
You should look out for worn out spots on the roof and inspect if any shingles are missing on the roof. If you see such deficiencies in the roof, it indicates that the roof is pretty old and needs work. 
You should check to see if the roof is mold-free. The planes of the roof should be flat without any curly edges or bulges. Most roofs, especially in Texas, have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. You should ask the seller about the age of the roof. It is not a bad idea to request proof of when the roof was installed. If the roof is older than 10-15 years, you want to negotiate the price of the house considering that you will need to replace the roof soon.
Does the Roof Have Good Ventilation?
When considering a house, regardless of the looks of the roof from the outside, it’s important to know how well designed and maintained the roof ventilation mechanism is. A good ventilation system is a design that lets sunlight and air come in easily. In addition, a good ventilation system must als 
o get the hot air and heat out of the house easily. These requirements are important for the life of a roof. A poor ventilation system can cause a number of problems including raising the cost of your utility bills and leading to the formation of mold. For these reasons, pay close attention to the overall ventilation.
Inspecting Canals and Seepage System
Inspecting seepage systems involves getting up on the roof and inspecting a roof’s condition. A seepage system involves downspouts, gutters and drainage pipes. This part is a bit tricky and recommended you don’t do it yourself unless you are experienced in doing so. We recommend that you hire an expert. 
While checking the gutters, look thoroughly for asphalt shingle grains because these small grains that coat the shingles are responsible for shielding the shingles from destructive sun beams.
Inspecting for Breaks and Leaks on the Roof
Roof leaks are something you definitely do not want to deal with right after buying a house. A leaking roof is not just harmful for your floors but also your furniture and the structure of the house. It’s just such a mess! You are better off avoiding it than dealing with it. Once the leaking begins, it is most often very difficult to track the source of the leak. The leak is not always where it seems and this is quite frustrating. You will most probably need professionals to find a leak and remove it once it begins. It’s very important to get your roof inspected by an experienced
professional for any possibility of leakage before you make the decision on buying that home. You need to investigate the valleys and chimneys on the roof. Rooftop creases may have leaks. Be certain to check out all these places in case you are doing it yourself.
Inspecting for Mold on the Roof
The main reasons for mold developing are a poor ventilation system and water leakage. Mold can grow more in a hot climate even though you might think otherwise. One of the main reasons behind a moldy rooftop is a direct result of water intrusion from the roof. Many people see the mold , get it fixed and overlook the source that made it happen. In which case, the mold returns back at the same spot because the source of leak was not fixed. 
Mold on the rooftop is bad for your home. It not only affects the look but causes a bad odor that can be difficult to abide. In addition, there are health risks as well. Smaller gaps in rooftops require investigation for leakage and mold. Many home experts use an infrared camera when doing this job.
The Essential Roof Maintenance Checklist
1. Check Your Shingles Regularly
So, how do you maintain a roof? Well, the first step is simply to check up on it as often as possible, especially after a heavy storm or high winds. The good news is that you don’t have to clamber up a ladder to get a good look at your roof. Instead, all you need is a good pair of binoculars to see any potential problems. Here’s what you should look for when inspecting your roof yourself:
• Missing shingles
• Curling shingles
• Cracked shingles
• Peeling flashing
• Missing granules
Any of the above signs of damage should be looked at as soon as possible, preferably by a professional roofing contractor who can safely make the necessary repairs.
2. Get a Professional Roof Inspection
Wondering why you should pay for a roofing inspection when you have our roof maintenance checklist right in front of you? An inspector will be able to spot potential problems you might’ve missed, as well as provide you with invaluable tips for maintaining your roof. They’ll also give you a rough idea of how many more years it will last. Most roofers recommend inspections every two years, but an inspection once a year will increase your chances of finding potential issues before they become costly repairs.
How Much Does a Roof Inspection Cost?
Roof inspections can vary in price from $250 to $650 on the high end. But the cost of hiring a roof inspector is much lower than the cost to replace your roof. Use the The American Society of Home Inspectors or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors to find a reputable inspector near you. Their members are prohibited from offering to make their own recommended repairs, ensuring you receive a fair price and an honest opinion.
3. Look for Leaks in Your Attic & Ceilings
Another good tip that your roof needs maintenance is finding water stains inside your house. You should be checking your ceilings and attic just as regularly as your roof itself for water damage to head off any serious issues. The most common warning signs of a leak are:
- Musty odors in certain rooms.
- Water stains on your ceiling.
- Spots on your exterior walls.
- Bulging patches on your interior walls.
If you notice any of these signs, your next step is to locate the leak and call in a professional to patch up the hole in your roof. Though if you’re comfortable working on your home yourself, there are a couple of DIY repairs in the post below you may consider.
4. Wash Your Roof
A key piece of advice when it comes to maintaining a shingle roof is to wash it. At some point, your roof will start to look dirty, with long, dark streaks flowing from peak to eave. This is algae growing on your house. Algae won’t cause any immediate damage, but if you leave it long enough it can slowly rot your shingles.
To get rid of these little plant-like critters, spray your roof with a 50 percent mix of water and bleach. The bleach will kill the algae fairly quickly, but you’ll also want to install copper strips just beneath your roof’s peak. When it rains, the copper molecules will stream down your roof, killing any algae fixing for a comeback.
5. Clean Your Gutters
No roof maintenance checklist would be complete without this tip. Though it’s a dirty job, cleaning out your gutters is an essential part of maintaining your roof. Clogged gutters make it easy for water to seep under the structure of your roof, creating more than just a few water stains. Most experts recommend cleaning them out twice a year, once in late spring and again in early fall, as part of a regular fall home maintenance checklist.
6. Trim Any Overhanging Branches
Tree branches can be a problem for a few reasons, the most obvious being the risk of them falling on your roof during severe weather. Be vigilant when it comes to your landscaping and cut off any large branches that are directly over your roof. This will help reduce storm damage, while also preventing leaves from piling on top of your shingles, absorbing moisture and eventually rotting your roof.
7. Patch Up Your Chimney
While running through your roof maintenance checklist, make sure you check out your chimney for cracks or missing mortar. Structural damage of any size can cause bricks to start falling out, which can damage your roof, let alone cause your chimney to collapse. You can either hire a contractor to patch up any mortar cracks, or break out a trowel and do it yourself.
A sloping or leaning chimney can be caused by issues with your home’s foundation as well. If you notice your chimney has moved, call a contractor to have it fixed right away and check the rest of your home for signs of foundation problems.
FAQ
How often should your roof be maintained?
Sadly, an often ignored part of the house is the roof. Unless it starts to leak or break apart, you probably won’t notice what’s going on up there. However, regular inspection for potential problems is recommended twice a year according to the National Roofing Contractors Association.
Do shingle roofs need maintenance?
Your roof system is a major investment, providing years of protection from the elements and helping to ensure a comfortable living environment for you and your family. But, just like many components of your home, it needs regular maintenance to perform at its best.
How do I know when my roof needs replacing?
- Cracked shingles.
- Damaged or curled shingles.
- Loose or missing shingles.
- Damage or discoloration around vents.
- Missing granules.
- Moss or algae growth.
- Damage around chimneys or skylights.
What is the lifespan of a roof?
The average lifespan of a roof usually ranges between 25 to 50 years. However, a roof’s life expectancy ultimately depends on the quality, durability and type of material chosen.
Citations
(2018, November 13). 7 Roof Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Needs to Know. Budget Dumpster. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/roof-maintenance-inspections/
(n.d.). What to look for in a roof when buying a home. Honestroof.com. Retrieved March 9, 2023, from https://www.honestroof.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-roof-when-buying-a-home/