What New Homeowners Should Know About Their Roof
If you recently purchased a home, or are even in the house hunting process, there are certain things you should know about the roof. As the main line of defense for the home, a roof should never be overlooked — even if it doesn’t give you that “wow” factor like that big attached garage, that beautiful sun room or that nice siding color that really pops.
Roofs Have Shelf Lives
They don’t last forever, especially if you have shingle roofs, which last 15 to 20 years if you’re lucky. It’s important to ask the previous homeowners how old the existing roof is so you can budget appropriately. If it’s very old and needs replacement, you can probably get some money off the home price if you haven’t bought it yet. If it’s brand new, you have a couple of decades to breathe easy — provided you give your roof some TLC over the years.
If you have put in an offer on a home, make sure you have an inspection done, which will reveal any issues with the roof, such as soft spots, damaged areas, leaks and more.
You Must be Proactive
Addressing issues with the roof as soon as you note deficiencies is imperative. Procrastinating will only cause the problem to get worse and lead to leaks, which can be very costly to repair. Always be on the lookout for problem areas and check them out immediately. If you see drips of water in your home or water stains on your ceiling, for example, don’t assume that the leak originates right above that spot. The leak could be in a completely different area of the roof, as water tends to flow in rivulets, constantly being diverted as it flows from the point of entry to the point of discovery. That’s why, if you see leaks or water stains, it’s important to call a roofer who is experienced in leak detection.
Check the Warranty
If the previous owners recently had the roof replaced, keep in mind the roof could be under a warranty transferable to future owners. If this is the case, make sure you get the necessary paperwork and warranty info from the seller.
Know the Trouble Spots
Know where the trouble spots are located on the roof. These areas include those that could be prone to moisture leaks, such as around skylights, flashing, and gutters. Educate yourself on how to properly take care of them or seek the advice of a qualified roofer. Keep an eye on these areas, especially during storms. You may notice that a particular shingle always falls off in high winds, or that there’s an area of rusting on the flashing around your chimney. Make sure your roofer inspects those areas during annual maintenance and inspection checks.
Know Your Roof Options
As a new homeowner, you may not realize you don’t have to stick to the existing roof material. If it’s nearing the end of its life, consider a different material to suit your needs, style and budget. Because the Dallas area can get hail storms in the summer, it may be wise to consider impact-resistant shingles. If energy efficiency is important to you, consider white or cool roofs.
Contact Ferris Roofing Contractors in Dallas/Fort Worth
As your trusted Roofing Contractors fort worth TX metroplex, Ferris Roofing can give you more tips on what to keep an eye on as a new homeowner. Contact us to book an appointment for an inspection or maintenance call at 817-595-0500.