Whenever you buy a home, a home inspection will be necessary. Not only may it likely be required by your lender, but it’s also a good idea to protect you from buying a property that’s not in great shape.
A home inspection will include a roof inspection. This is one of the most important parts of the entire process. Let’s look at some of the main reasons why a roof inspection is such an important part of any home inspection.
Top 5 Things a Roof Inspector Will Look At
1. Shingles
The most visible portion of the roof, your home inspector will look at the shingles for damage. They will also look to see if any shingles are missing or cracked.
2. Flashing
The material that ensures you have a sealed roof around vents, chimneys, and at the edges is called flashing. Your roof inspector will take the time to look for missing and damaged flashing.
3. Rafters and Joists
Your inspector will look at the structural support of the roof of the home. This will include the rafters and joists. They will be looking for damage, rot, and damage that can weaken the roof and make it more susceptible to leaks.
4. Gutters and Downspouts
One of the most important parts of a roof is the drainage system. Your home inspector will look at the gutters and downspouts to ensure this system can move water off the roof efficiently. If water backs up due to clogged gutters or downspouts, it can cause major damage.
5. Insulation
Another part of the roof that should be inspected is the insulation. This portion will help keep the home warm and cool, depending on the time of the year. An inspector will look for missing or damaged insulation.
Along with these five main areas of the roof, your inspector will look for any other signs of damage. If an issue is found, it will be reported to you to help with negotiating the right deal for the home.
How to Choose the Right Roof Inspector
When you’re trying to choose the right inspector for your needs, you might want a home inspector that can do a good roof inspection. However, it can also be beneficial to hire someone that specializes in roof inspections.
One of the best ways to make sure you can hire the right inspector is to get recommendations. Family, friends, and your real estate agent can recommend a good inspector to fit your needs.
You also want to make sure you check the credentials of any inspector you’re considering hiring. Make sure they are both licensed and insured to do inspections in your area.
If you want to take things a bit further, you can ask for references from an inspector. Of course, you can also check online reviews to verify the reputation of any inspector.
When you plan to purchase a home, you want to make sure you get a roof inspection. This is a wise investment, even if you need to hire a specialist to inspect your roof. Since repairs can be costly, you want to know what you’re getting before you complete the purchase.