Becoming a homeowner is both exciting and nerve-wracking as you enter uncharted territory. You might have dealt with a broken washing machine or clogged drain before, but owning a home brings new responsibilities. As a new homeowner, it’s critical to inspect and maintain the structure of your house. One of the critical aspects that often gets overlooked is the roof. Before you close a deal on a house and as you maintain your new home, here’s what you should know. 

What to Know Before You Purchase a House 

Ask the Current Owner About the Roof

You’ll already have a list of questions for the current owner before buying a house — make sure questions about the roof are on that list. It’s helpful to know the material and brand of the roof’s shingles, any prior problems or repairs, and most importantly, the age of the roof. Roofs typically last 20 to 50 years depending on the material used, weather conditions around the house, and previous upkeep of the roof. It’s important to note a potential roof replacement when factoring the cost of a new house. 

Get Your Roof Inspected

You probably already know that performing an inspection is essential before purchasing a new home to learn more about its condition and to identify any concerns. Home inspections are supposed to include the roof, but inspectors typically only look at the interior conditions of the roof through the attic without climbing onto the roof itself. Hiring a contractor to inspect your roof will ensure your roof gets a full exterior inspection, and you’ll get clear next steps if anything isn’t up to par. 

Maintaining Your Roof Once You Own a House

Schedule Annual Inspections 

Be proactive — hire a roofing contractor to perform annual inspections. It’s easy to miss damage to your roof if you only look at it from ground level, and you might not notice damage that a trained professional would see. A roofing contractor will go up into the attic and onto your roof to perform a full inspection, making note of any repairs needed. Discovering smaller issues before they become emergencies is key to keeping your family safe and comfortable. 

Continuously Conduct Self-Inspections, Especially After a Storm

No one expects you to climb onto your roof, but you should regularly walk around your house and take note of any possible damage, then call a roofing contractor if needed. Some warning signs to look for on your roof and inside your house include: 

• Missing or curling shingles 
• Roof sagging 
• Algae and moss on your roof 
• Ceiling and wall discoloration or stains inside your home

Keep Your Gutters Clean 

A key part of preventing roof damage is making sure your gutters and downspouts are clear and well kept so rain and debris can properly drain from your roof. This includes cleaning out any leaves, pine needles, or animal nests and making sure your gutters don’t have any holes or cracks. 

Be Aware of Potential Trouble Spots

Some features that people look for in a home may require extra maintenance to prevent leaking. Features such as skylights and chimneys need a sealant around them called flashing to keep water from moving into the roof. These areas are more prone to leaks, and the flashing may need to be replaced if you are experiencing water damage. 

Don’t Put Off Roof Repairs 

You need to make roof repairs in a timely manner, even if the repair seems small. Performing regular maintenance can extend the life of your roof, and fixing smaller issues along the way can save you from an expensive emergency such as a roof collapse down the road. 

Contact Smart Roofing For Inspections, Maintenance & Repairs

If you’re looking to buy your first home, you probably haven’t found your go-to roofing contractor yet. Smart Roofing is a trustworthy company that provides high-quality exterior solutions. Contact us for roof inspections, repairs, replacements, and more.