Choosing a new home can be an extremely exciting time. Whilst it’s important that you’re happy with all the customary things you usually look for in a new house, such a room numbers, size, garden facilities- it’s important that you don’t overlook the roof.

Picking your dream home, only to be dismayed when you find out the roof is in poor condition, can completely ruin your experience and can also end up costing large sums of money in repairs and renovations. To prevent this happening to you, follow our guide on what to look for in a roof when buying your new home.

Age

One of the first things you should consider when you’re viewing a new house is the age of its roof. If you’re looking at a relatively new property, then it’s unlikely that you’ll need to make any repairs to the roof but if you’re viewing a property that’s on the older end of the spectrum it’s vital that you ask questions about its condition.

Has the roof undergone any maintenance since it was built? If not, you’ll probably need to make some yourself, so ensure that you inspect the roof very carefully during your viewing.

Gutters and drainage

Gutters are one of the most important parts of a roof, and as such, you should aim to make sure any home you look at has a fully-functioning gutter. Are there any cracks? Does the gutter appear to be clogged? Is the gutter at a steep enough incline to allow water to run down it efficiently? A faulty gutter and drainage system can cause leaks on your roof which can cost thousands, so be vigilant!

Ventilation system

Critical to a roof’s performance and longevity is its ventilation system. If a roof isn’t properly ventilated it may become too warm during summer; lofts can become extremely hot, and this can result in heat damage to the roof’s interior.

Wear and tear

General wear and tear such as cracked or chipped tiles occur on all roofs and generally won’t cost huge amounts to replace in minor cases. However, you should still aim to complete renovations as soon as possible to prevent leaks causing your new home water damage in the future.

Signs of water damage and mould

Keep a keen eye out when checking the interior roof of any property you visit. If you notice any mould or signs of water damage such as dark patches, it’s highly likely that the roof already has a leak somewhere. This can mean an expensive repair bill or, in severe cases, a weakened roof structure due to prolonged exposure to leaks.

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