Five Reasons To Bring In A Roofing Contractor Before Buying A Home

When shopping for a home, roof damage isn't automatically a deal-breaker. Of course, you need to know the extent of the damage in order to make an informed decision on the house. The following signs mean you need to call in a roof replacement contractor to perform an inspection before agreeing to the purchase of the new home.

1. Sagging

Sagging is one of the biggest red flags that the damage extends well past the roof. Sagging that occurs along the ridgeline, the top peak of a hip, or along the peaked edges of a gable roof may indicate major structural damage to roof trusses which will be a time-consuming and expensive fix. Sagging along the open expanses of the roof between peaks can also indicate damage to the support structure, but it may also only indicate that new roof cladding is necessary — a much less expensive and invasive repair.

2. Missing Shingles

Missing shingles don't always indicate an expensive problem or even the need for replacement. If the damage is recent and the roof is otherwise in good condition, sometimes the shingles can simply be repaired. In other cases, the shingle damage may have occurred some time ago, meaning a leak has been ongoing for a while, or it could be indicative of a roof that is failing completely. Only a full inspection can determine the extent of the problem.

3. Extensive Moss Growth

Moss on a roof doesn't automatically mean that there is damage, but it can be hiding major issues. Moss itself doesn't directly damage a roof because it has no roots. Over time, though, the trapped moisture within the moss can age a roof prematurely.

4. Interior Water Damage

Water damage inside the house is always a red flag. Your home inspector can often tell whether the damage is ongoing or from an old, solved problem. If you notice a lot of stains on the ceilings, dripping down the walls, or mildew in the attic, you need to have a full roof inspection to make sure this is not indicative of a failing roof. Sometimes the solution is as simple as a roof replacement, but in other instances, the damage may be extensive and expensive to repair.

5. Wood Rot

There are a few wooden components on most roofs. The eaves and soffits are the most exposed, so they are most prone to damage. If the paint is worn or bubbling, or if the wood is so soft you can dent it with your fingernail, you need a roof inspection to determine if only the eaves need replacing or the entire roof. Wood damage can also affect trusses and supports, so an interior inspection is also needed.

Contact a roof replacement contractor for a full inspection before making a final offer on the home, or contact a local company, like Earhart Roofing Company Inc.

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