When you are looking at buying a new home, you want to make sure the roof is in good condition. A roof is one of the most expensive parts of your home to have fixed. So in order to avoid any disasters after the purchase it’s always good to do a thorough inspection. We’ve come up with a checklist of some things to look for in your new roof. The first thing you will want to do is look at the roof from the outside. Is there any damage noticeable with the naked eye? Are any shingles missing? Is the roof flat, or are there spots where it sinks or bulks? Do any of the shingles look like they have curled edges? Is there any visible mildew or mold? Are there light and dark spots on the roof? Any of these problems can be a sign that your roof needs to be repaired, or worse, replaced. You will want to ask the seller for the age of the roof, as well as when the roof was last inspected. Roofs are commonly made from materials like composite, metal, tin, rubber or cedar shingles. If A roof is made from composite shingles, it will help the roof last for a longer time without any difficulties while other common materials may require inspection and possible maintenance on an annual basis.

Ventilation System

Even though a roof might look shiny and pretty, it may not have the appropriate ventilation – which could cause you even larger issues. You need a ventilation system that lets sunlight and air through easily. You should never buy a house that does not ventilate these two things properly. Poor ventilation can cause a number of problems and can also lead to the formation of mold in the home.

Canals and Seepage System

You want to make sure that there are drainage pipes that run along the roof. You can do this yourselves, but we recommend letting an expert get up there and do the work. Downspouts, gutters and drainage pipes are all seepage systems. When you are checking the gutters look for any asphalt grains as this is a sign your roof is in need. Breaks and Leaks Leaks in your roof can not only damage the roof and your ceilings, it can also cause structural damage to your entire home. Once you have a leak it can be very difficult to determine where the leak came from. Be sure to inspect all rooftop leak points before you purchase your new home. If there are any leaks, you will need to have a professional find the leak and repair it for you.

Mold

Mold can come in a variety of different colors – dark, white, green and even black. While some molds can be easily seen, some are hidden and hard to see. The main reason mold develops is because of poor ventilation, especially in hotter climates. Roofs with gutter systems around the entire home are prime targets for mold. When water comes in the roof you get mold. Often times people will see mold, have it fixed, but never actually get to the source of the leak, so the mold continues to come back. If water gathers in your walls, it can cause structural damage. Besides causing damage, it can affect the aesthetics of your home, cause a bad odor and it can also pose a potential health risk. Many experts will use an infrared camera to look for mold, so that’s why it’s always best to go to a professional for help.

Downspouts

You should do a quick check to make sure that all of your downpipes are emptying into a storm well and not right on the ground. You don’t want all this watering draining to end up flooding or having excessive water around the rooftop downspouts. It is important to have a professional do your home inspection, as they know what they are looking for and where to find it. If you you miss anything in your inspection you could wind up paying a lot in order to fix any damages. A home’s roof is a one of the major parts of the home and often among the most expensive to replace.