Buying a New Home? – Roof Inspection Guide & Checklist (2020)

July 6, 2020

Man in red hat and shirt on top of ladder inspecting roof.

If you’re in the process of buying a new home, you’re probably dealing with a flurry of emotions. You’re excited about the future, but stressed about all that’s on your to-do list before you get settled. But amid all the shopping for new furniture and planning the landscaping, don’t forget to check the roof of the new house to make sure there’s no damage. Roof repair and replacement could cost you thousands of dollars, and it’s important to know what you might be dealing with before you seal the deal on your new home.

Questions to Ask

You’re probably not a roofing expert, and you’re not exactly sure what you should be checking for when it comes to the roof of your future house. Not to fear—we’ve compiled a roof inspection checklist to help you navigate unfamiliar territory. Here’s a list of questions to ask the realtor or owner about the roof:

When was the roof installed?
What type of roof is it?
Is the roof in good condition?
Has the roof had any recent repairs?
Does the roof show any signs of leaking?
Does the roof come with a warranty?

Roof Inspection Checklist

Asking the right questions is the first step to making sure the roof is in good shape, but then it’s time to inspect the roof for yourself. Here’s what to look out for when you get up there:

Check shingles: Are there any missing shingles? Do the shingles show signs of cracking, staining, or curling? If so, shingles may be in need of rejuvenation, which Roof Maxx can help with.

Gutters and downspouts: Make sure the gutters and downspouts are all in good shape and free of debris, so water can flow freely away from the house.

Flashing: Flashing is designed to protect critical areas of your roof from water damage. Check the flashing for any signs of cracking or improper sealing.

Sagging: A sagging roof will need to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Not only does it look bad, but it can also be a serious risk to your family.

Water stains: Even if you don’t see water dripping when you do your roof inspection, water stains are evidence enough of long-term water damage.

Ventilation: Proper ventilation is important for maintaining your attic and roof. Check to make sure the vents are in good shape and correctly sealed.

Attic: The attic can be a common site of roof leaks, so pay close attention to this area, looking out for dark, wet spots in the wood.

Paint: Keep in mind that fresh paint may seem like a nice touch, but it could also be a way of covering up water stains in the home.

What to Do if You Find Any Roofing Problems

You’ve asked all the right questions and done a thorough inspection. So what if you find some roofing problems that need to be addressed? The best option is to ask the current owner to make the repairs, or look into having your roof rejuvenated with Roof Maxx. If they’re not willing to do so, you can ask for a credit to get the roof fixed after you buy the house. A roof replacement should be your last resort, as most roofs that are replaced can be saved without such a costly project. You could also accept the situation as it is, or even walk away from the house if the costs are beyond your budget.

Contact Roof Maxx

The team at Roof Maxx is here for all of your roofing needs. While we don’t recommend buying a house with a faulty roof, we’re happy to help rejuvenate worn-out shingles. Contact us today to learn more about our affordable, sustainable roof rejuvenation treatment, which will save you thousands of dollars and extend the life of your roof by five years.