Do You Need a New Roof for Your Home?
One of the questions we frequently receive is how to know if a home needs a new roof. A roof replacement is one of the most expensive home maintenance jobs. When purchasing a new home, it’s important to determine the state of the existing roof. However, you may also choose to schedule a roof inspection at any point before you decide to invest in a new roof.
At Kenco Home Inspections, our full home inspection service includes an inspection of the attic and roof structures. This provides a general inspection of the structure of the roof. To truly inspect the roof in more detail, we offer a specialized roof inspection as part of our ancillary inspection services.
What is a Roof Inspection?
A roof inspection evaluates the exterior of the roof in more detail. The inspector climbs onto the roof to do a more thorough inspection of the condition of the roof. This includes checking for leaks, missing or loose shingles, proper flashings, hail or wind damage or other signs of deterioration or damage.
We recommend a roof inspection after major storms or before purchasing a home with a roof older than five years. A roof inspection could save you thousands of dollars if we find a roof that needs repairs or replacement. Plus, you may find issues with your home insurance company’s willingness to provide coverage for a damaged roof. Your mortgage company requires homeowner’s insurance as part of the mortgage agreement.
Signs A Home Needs a New Roof
Age of Roof
The typical roof lasts between 25 and 30 years. The type of roof determines the average lifespan with some types of roofs lasting up to 50 years while others need replacement at around 20 years.
Shingle Condition
Missing, curled, buckling or torn shingles point to a worn or damaged roof. If only a few shingles have damage, repairs may work to fix the issue. However, consistent damage throughout the roof signifies the roof needs replacement.
Leaks
By the time a leak from the roof enters your home, you have a major issue. From time to time, a roof leak may occur in one isolated area. However, more frequently, if the roof has a leak in one area, other areas will soon have leaks as well. Also, sagging in the ceiling indicates a roof leak that hasn’t broken through the ceiling yet. Don’t ignore ceiling sagging or leaks!
Animal Damage
Many animals look for dry and warm places to nest, and the roof makes a perfect spot. Birds, squirrels and even raccoons can enter the roof through vents or holes. Depending on the level of animal damage, repairs may work. But, if you are purchasing an older home with significant animal damage, a roof replacement is probably the best option.
Poor Installation
When purchasing a home, you may not know the original contractor. A roof inspection helps you understand the quality of the roof installation. A poorly installed roof will have problems and need replacement at some point. It’s better to know upfront what you are dealing with.
Schedule a Roof Inspection
At Kenco, we offer roof inspections to help you understand the current condition of your roof or the home you plan to purchase. Contact Kenco today to schedule a roof inspection!