There is a long list of items on the home that are usually referred as deal killers by realtors, and the one item closest to the top is the roofing and the condition of the roof. Missing shingles and hanging gutters broadcast a loud, scary signal to potential buyers. You want the house to look as presentable and non-problematic as possible. There's a great deal of fear when people go out to look at property. You want them to be able to focus on 'Where does my bed go?' and 'Can we live here?' rather than, 'Oh my God, there's a problem with the roof.'"
As the industry leader in professional home inspections, our certified inspectors know what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to local building standards. This month's tip is regarding the roofing of a home and what areas you should inspect when showing a home to buyer or have repaired when listing a home for a seller.
Make a Few Repairs:
As a listing agent, if possible request the sellers to make a few repairs to spiff up the appearance of the roof.
Find a certified, licensed, and bonded roofing company to replace any missing or broken shingles or roofing tiles.
- Request the roofer to remove any moss or recommend someone that can.
- Moss growing on the roof signals neglect, so it's important to get it cleaned off.
- Remember when hiring someone to work on your roof, it's crucial to check their recommendations. Amateurs can damage your roof with the careless use of a high-pressure power washer.
How to Inspect the Roof:
As a buying agent, it is important to learn how to spot common roof problems while walking through the home with your clients. You may inspect the roof by using the following steps:
- Walk the exterior of the house, looking for signs of damage, sagging, and aging.
- Look for signs of prior repairs made on the roof.
- Look for areas on the roof with moss and/or leaves, paying close attention to areas that are hidden by vegetation.
- Look for missing, damaged, and aging shingles.
- Get some history! Here and there we are still finding homes that are occupied. The homeowner or tenant themselves would know more about the roof than anyone else. If this is the case, then why not ask about the age of the roof and the repair history.
- Do not climb onto the roof. The risk is too high and that is why there are certified inspectors who will do this for you, often times free as well. Roof inspectors will complete a thorough inspection, stating the condition of the roof, providing repair estimates, and if the roof is certifiable, roofing companies will often offer certifications guaranteeing the roof for a certain number of years.
Maintaining Your Roof
Replacing a roof can be the single biggest maintenance expense a homeowner will ever encounter. It’s for that reason that I strongly recommend you inspect and properly maintain your roof to get the most out of it. Because the roof on any house is exposed to heavy rains, blazing sun, high winds, and sometimes even hail, regular inspection and maintenance is essential for a long-lasting roof.
- Be alert to early signs of a roof leak. Check the condition of your roof at least once a year, and plan in advance for necessary repairs. Early signs of trouble include dark areas on ceilings, peeling paint on the underside of roof overhangs, damp spots alongside fireplaces, and water stains on pipes venting the water heater or furnace.
- Remove leaves from the roof. If you don’t remove them, they’ll trap moisture and gradually decompose, allowing wind-blown seeds to take root.
- Trim overhanging branches. A little prevention in the form of tree-trimming goes a long way toward keeping leaves and moss off your roof, and it can also keep squirrels and other rodents from gnawing into your roof or siding. To keep critters away, remove branches within 10 feet of the roof.
- Clean the gutters. When leaves collect in the gutters, the rainwater-collection system becomes clogged and roof runoff spills over the side. That can damage your siding and cause basement flooding. Worse, the water can back up into the structure of your home, where it leads to rot, infestations of wood-destroying insects, and interior paint damage.
- Clear the roof of moss. Moss holds moisture against the wood, speeding rot. Moss can even crack cement or ceramic tiles.
Video: Lowe's Solution Center
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