Buying a house is a daunting task. You need to consider a lot of things carefully to ensure you don’t incur any loss. Of the many aspects, roofing is one of the prime factors to consider when buying a house. It’s the roof that holds the entire foundation of any house.
Roofs tend to endure more damage as compared to foundations and walls. Every house roofing has to tolerate scorching heat, heavy snow, pounding rain, and stormy winds all year long. Further, the roof protects your home by shielding it, the people living inside, and all your belongings from harmful things outside.
That’s why it’s important to think about certain things before you decide on the type of material you want for your roof. This is why roof factors are crucial considerations when buying a house.
Roof considerations when buying your first home
A roof that looks in tip-top condition to the naked eye doesn’t necessarily be. Tiny issues like leaks and holes that aren’t visible to the eyes can seriously damage the entire building. Thus, you need to be aware of certain key roof factors wherever you are planning to buy a house.
Look for any masses of lichen and mould
One simple way to check a roof is to stand back and look at it from a distance. Is the roof flat and smooth? Are there any damaged areas like curled edges, mould, or mildew? These signs might mean the roof is getting weaker or is old.
Black algae stains are usually just for looks and not a big concern. It’s essential to ask the previous homeowner or the real estate agent about the roof’s age and if there are any warranties that you can benefit from.
Be cautious of any leaks
Leaks can be a big problem because they can cause a lot of damage to the entire property. They can ruin floors, furniture, and walls. Leaks often happen in certain areas like valleys, plumbing vents, and flashings. If you’re buying a house, ask the owner or real estate agent if there have been any roof leaks or complaints about leaks.
Here’s how you can detect roof leaks and other related issues:
You should also check the valleys and where the roof connects to additions because those are common places for leaks. If there are leaks, you might want to consider repairing the roof or getting a new one.
Check the roof gutters for rust.
Seeing from the ground level, the roof gutters may look absolutely fine. However, they may appear corroded and need a fix if inspected from the top.
Inspect for missing or broken roof tiles
Typically, this can be a simple and affordable solution. If you have any tiles that are loose, damaged, or missing, it’s important to replace them right away. Also, make sure to look for nails that have come out and need to be hammered back in. If you want to maintain your current roof, restoring it could be the best option. However, if there are a lot of missing or broken tiles, you might need to think about getting a new roof. To discuss your roof issues, feel free to contact our roofing contractors today!
Want to know how much a roof restoration project costs? Check out the detailed guide by our adelaide roofing experts.
Check if the roof complements the home design
In simple terms, it’s best if the colour of your roof matches the colour of your house and its overall style. A dark roof will look good if the home is painted red, green, or yellow. For houses with blue or grey walls, a black or dark grey roof is a good choice. A white house can have a black or dark grey roof for a classic look. If your house is painted brown, cream, or tan, a brown roof or a combination of brown and cream is recommended.
Leverage our colour visualisation tool to choose the right colour for your roof.
You also need to consider the shape of your roof tiles. You can choose between flat tiles or ones with a wavy pattern for your roof.
Consider roof warranty
Ensure you get a roof warranty, or check if the previous owner has one. A full warranty covers any problems with the materials and how the roof was installed. Having a warranty means you’ll be protected if anything goes wrong while the roof is being repaired.
Check if the pipes from the roof are connected to the drains that carry rainwater away.
Take a walk around the house and ensure that all the roof pipes are draining water into the special wells for rainwater. Pay attention to any signs of previous flooding or too much water around the bases of the pipes, as this might mean that the wells are not the right size or need to be cleaned out (which can cost a lot to maintain).
Adding these rainwater wells to an already-built property can also be very expensive. That is because you would have to dig up the pavement, concrete, and garden beds to install the drainage system.
Check if there’s proper ventilation.
Even if the house has a new roof, it can still have serious issues if it doesn’t have a good ventilation system. Without proper ventilation and insulation, the roof can become warped, which is bad. It also leads to higher energy costs and more moisture in the house. To determine if the house has a good ventilation system, ask the homeowner or agent about it.
Indoor signs
Check for cracked paint, plasterboard that has changed colour, and wallpaper coming off the walls. These can be signs that there are problems with the roof.
Check if the roof endures Australian weather
The climate affects which roof colour you should choose. This is because it can impact the temperature inside your home, especially in the attic. If you live in a hot climate, a light-coloured roof will reflect sunlight and keep your home cool. On the other hand, a dark-coloured roof in a cold climate will absorb heat and can even melt snow, which is beneficial.
The Takeaway
A strong and well-functioning roof assures that your house is protected from the external world and that your family is safe. Hence, whether you are buying a brand-new house or a resale property, you should scrutinise its roof. Check for all the above-discussed key roof factors to ensure the roof is durable and sturdy enough, making the property worth the investment.
At All-Side Roofing, we offer roofing-related services, including roof inspection, roof repair, painting, and complete roof restoration. So, if you want roofing professionals to intervene in your house-buying journey, get in touch with us. We will assist you at every stage of buying your new house when it comes to matters of roofing.
Book your appointment with us today!
