Roofing Considerations for a New Home Purchase

Summer is one of the busiest times in the real estate market and many families are trying to purchase their new home and move before their kids go back to school.  With all of the considerations there are when buying a house, it may be tempting to assume the whole house is in great condition, as well as the roof.  But it's best to take some time and get inspections by professionals, especially on the roof as it's one of the expensive parts of a house to replace.  Here's a few things to look for when you're house shopping.
How old is the roof?
The best way to know if a roof is in good condition is if you can ask the homeowner or if this information is on the seller's disclosure form.  If you can't get this information, in a case where perhaps the current owner is not the original purchaser of the home, you may want to get a structural inspection from a professional.  Even if the roof looks new, a roofing company may have just shingled over previous damaged roofing materials instead of replacing the whole thing.
What type of material is the roof?
Composite shingles are one of the most common types of roofing materials.  Roofs made of composite shingles are usually very durable and do not require a lot of maintenance.  A composite shingle roof that was properly installed at the start will last a very long time.   If your roof has a roof made from another type of material, for example tin, tile or cedar shingles, these may require more work to maintain them.  If you're buying a home with a roof made of another material besides composite, get the condition of your roof inspected and find out what the annual cost of the roof maintenance will be.
Roof Leaks
One of the biggest problems that can happen if your roof is not in good shape is water leaking into your house.  A small water leak can cause big damage to the interior walls and ceilings.  Look at all interior roofs and walls and ask any about any signs of water damage.  A roof leak can come from gutters, valleys, plumbing vents, and many other sources.
Other Roof Considerations
A few other items to consider are mold, attic ventilation, and downspouts, just to name a few.  Mold can build up on the roof, and it's not always going to be black in color.  Also, if the home previously had mold buildup and the owner fixed it, they may not have addressed the source of the mold.  When looking at the home, review if there is proper attic ventilation, as improper ventilation can damage your roof from the inside.  And always consider whether gutters are draining properly and directing water where it should go.  You want all water to drain away from your home instead of seeping directly into the ground around it.
These are just a few tips to help you when you're looking for your new home.  If you are uncomfortable, call a roofing professional for advice or an inspection.  The cost of an inspection before you purchase a new home will be well worth the money spent in the long run.

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