For those looking to purchase a home, it’s essential to consider the condition of a roof just as much as any other area of a house. Why? A roof can be one of the most expensive parts of a home. Ensuring it’s in good condition can literally save you thousands of dollars down the road. That’s why Madison Roofing would like to provide you with the following Boise roofing tips for buying a home.
Know It’s Age
The age of a roof is a good indicator of whether it will need to be repaired or replaced anytime soon. Generally speaking, a roof will have a lifespan of approximately 20 years. This will help you estimate when any repairs or a replacement may be necessary. Additionally, signs of damage or deformities in a roof can often tell you how old it is. If you plan on purchasing an older home, you may want to add the cost of a new roof into your budget.
Furthermore, it’s important to inquire about a roof’s materials. Many roofs are made out of materials like composite, metal, tin, rubber, or cedar shingles. A roof made from composite shingles often has a longer lifespan than the ones previously mentioned.
While age is one of the best ways of knowing the condition of a roof, there are other more obvious signs it may need to be repaired or replaced.
Inspect For Mold & Stains
Take the time to look for any spots or stains that may indicate the presence of mold. While black mold is the most common, green or white mold may also be present. If any areas of a home were treated for water damage, it’s essential to have a roof professionally inspected. Why? Water damage is often caused by a leaky roof where water seeped down through the walls. Mold will not only rot a roof, but it can also release dangerous spores into the interior of a house.
A sure sign of a leaky roof is water stains on the ceiling or walls in the upstairs area of a home. Even if a current homeowner has tried to cover the stains up, there are ways of finding out if there’s been a leak. These include:
- The smell of fresh paint from upstairs ceilings. This can indicate the stains have been painted over.
- A professional roof inspection. At Madison Roofing, we will get into the attic of a home and see if there’s water coming through.
Evaluate the Shingles
It’s important to inspect a roof as a whole to see what condition it’s in. Are there any areas of missing shingles? Do the shingles look cracked or curled? If you can find out when a roof was installed, you’ll have a better idea of how much longer the shingles will hold up before having to be replaced. If you don’t feel like you’re getting an honest answer, it’s best to hire the professionals at Madison Roofing for an inspection.
If there are any missing or broken shingles, this means that a home is vulnerable to water damage. Every storm that comes through can potentially mean thousands in repairs.
If you spot any signs of a sagging ceiling inside a home, this could mean that water damage has already occurred. The best way to address this issue is by having a Boise roofer look beneath the shingles to determine if any damage has been sustained. At Madison Roofing, we can spot signs of water damage and mold so that you can prepare and budget accordingly for a new roof. You can also ask that a roof be repaired or replaced before you buy.
Inspect the Gutters
Gutters are an essential component of any home. Why? They help prevent water and roof damage. In most cases, gutters simply need to be cleaned out to allow rainwater to flow off your roof. However, damaged gutters can lead to significant water damage to your roof as well as the inside of a home.
If clogged gutters are cleaned often, they won’t cause any major problems. In fact, it’s fairly easy to pull out any debris. You can also have gutter guards installed to ensure free-flowing water.
Have a Roof Professionally Inspected
Whether you are planning on buying a home, putting yours on the market, or just want an evaluation, the Boise roofing experts at Madison Roofing can help you diagnose and address any problem areas of a roof.
Madison Roofing is a trusted Boise roofing service provider that has been serving Treasure Valley residents for over 45+ years. We use only the safest and most advanced techniques and roofing materials to repair or replace your roof. Contact us today by filling out our online form or give our Boise office a call at (208) 344-5379 for a free quote today.