What To Look For In A Roof When You’re Buying A New Home

There are so many things to consider when searching for a new home, like finding the right neighborhood, layout and size, special features, and not to mention the price. While many of these considerations are obvious, some future homeowners might forget to think about the home’s structure – specifically the roof. If you are in the market for a new home, here’s what to look for when assessing your potential new home’s roof. 

First and foremost, and quite possibly the most noticeable, look for signs of a leaking roof. You might spot water stains on the ceilings which are circular and can be yellow in color. If you can, it’s a good idea to check if the water stain is dry or wet. If the drywall is firm and dry to the touch, then it’s possible that it is an old stain that dried and left a stain. Heavy storms can bring strong wind-driven rain that seeps between shingles which can cause these sporadic stains. If the water stain is wet to the touch or if the drywall moves as you touch it, the home’s roof might not be sealing out water properly and need immediate attention. 

But the ceiling shouldn’t be the only place you check. As you tour a home, it’s important to look in a few more interior places for signs of a strong or weak roof. Look for possible water stains on walls – peeling wallpaper or paint can signal water damage from an improper roof. Fireplaces are a wonderful home feature, but the chimney can be a weak spot for a roof. If you notice wet spots around the interior of the fireplace, this could be a sign of possible water damage. 

When checking out the exterior of your potential home, look for gutters. Gutters are a significant upgrade to any home but need regular cleaning and maintenance to perform at their best. When left unmanaged, gutters can create a host of water damage problems. If you notice leaves and other debris piling over the gutters, it’s possible that the gutters have not been regularly cleaned out which can lead to trapped water within the gutters. Since all the components of a roof work together, this moisture accumulation in the gutters can slowly start to effect other parts of the roof leading to major roof decline. 

Looking for these few things right away when touring a home can give you a sneak peek at what your potential home might look like behind the walls. And while a home inspector will look at all the tiny details of your potential new home, knowing in advance that there is possible water damage will give you a significant head start. If your dream home does need a new roof, or maybe just some maintenance, call Patriot Roofing today at 910-218-0600 or visit their website at www.PatriotRoofer.com to request a free estimate.

Stephanie Bolton is the owner of Patriot Roofing Company, a female-owned and locally operated roofing company serving the Cape Fear area. With over 20 years of experience serving homeowners, Patriot Roofing Company specializes in residential roofing, siding, gutters, and windows.