There’s nothing quite as exciting as finding your dream home. But when you think you’ve found “the one,” you want to make sure there aren’t any unexpected problems that could throw a wrench in the process. That’s why the home inspection process is essential. You hire a qualified home inspector to check out the nooks and crannies of your home. On the same level, it pays to hire an independent roofing company to inspect the roof.
Can a Regular Home Inspector Check My Roof?
There are plenty of top-notch home inspection companies that will give you a sound assessment of a prospective home. Sometimes that includes roof inspection. But these skilled professionals don’t always have the training to provide you with an accurate picture of the roof. Roof inspections require special training and equipment. Roof work can also be dangerous without training. Many excellent home inspectors just aren’t willing to go up on the roof, especially if it’s high or steep.
What Do I Need to Know About Home Inspections Before I Buy?
According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, the standard inspection report covers the following:
- heating system
- central-air conditioning system
- interior plumbing system
- electrical system
- roof, attic, and visible insulation
- walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors
- foundation, basement, and structural components.
However, the National Association of Realtors says home inspectors usually have stringent rules about which roofs they’re willing to inspect. If your roof is too steep or too tall, they often won’t take the risk. Home inspectors don’t have all of the training needed for a comprehensive roof inspection in most cases.
What Are the Unique Issues a Roof Inspection Covers?
Your roof is one of the most important and complex features of your home. It’s also one of the most expensive to fix or replace. A detailed inspection should cover everything from significant structural issues to small details:
- Structural issues like uneven planes or sagging can mean costly repairs are needed.
- Chimney cracks and damage can result from freeze and thaw patterns.
- Damaged or badly installed venting can lead to ice dams in winter and increase your heating and cooling bills all year long.
- Missing or curled shingles could mean your house’s decking and interior are exposed to the elements and vulnerable to leaks.
- Flashing is the thin strips of metal that roofers use to keep water away from skylights, vents, and chimneys. Missing flashing or gaps in flashing can cause water leaks.
- Moss and lichen can damage shingles and shorten the lifespan of your roof.
- If the attic, ceiling, and interior walls have water stains, there’s a good chance the roof is leaking.
Why Should I Call a Roofing Expert Before I Buy a Home?
The roof is definitely one of those big-ticket items on any home. If it needs replacement or major repairs, it won’t be cheap. That’s why it’s essential to know what you’re getting into when you buy a home–from top to bottom. Hiring a professional roofer to inspect a potential new home brings an additional cost. But it can save you big bucks down the road.
- A qualified roofing company knows precisely what to look for and can find common roof problems a standard inspection might miss.
- A professional roof inspection can help you avoid expensive surprises after closing.
- A professional roof inspection can give you leverage in negotiations with the seller. Getting additional information on top of your home inspection report may lead sellers to drop the price if repairs are needed.
More and more, sellers are also requesting professional roof inspections to prevent surprises when they list their homes. Knowing the situation ahead of time gives you the ability to boost resale value by making needed repairs.
DryHome has been a trusted independent source for professional roof inspections for decades. We’re agent-recommended and have earned the trust of buyers and sellers around Northern Virginia. A professional roof inspection is a minimal investment, but it may save thousands in the long run.
