Are you considering putting your house on the market? One crucial aspect of preparing your home for sale is ensuring the roof is tip-top. In this blog post, we’ll share helpful tips on evaluating your roof before listing your property. By addressing any potential issues upfront, you can avoid surprises during the inspection process and potentially sell your home faster. So let’s dive in and learn how to give your roof a thorough once-over!
To inspect your roof before selling: (1) check roof materials for damage/wear; (2) assess structure for sagging/unevenness; (3) inspect flashing/venting; (4) examine gutters/downspouts; (5) look for leaks/water damage. Address issues to avoid inspection surprises & ease the sale.
Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or new to the game, evaluating your roof can be intimidating. But with the right tools and knowledge, you can confidently assess your roof’s condition and prepare it for the market. So, let’s break down each step in more detail and prepare your roof to impress potential buyers!
Checking Roofing Materials For Damage Prior To Sale
To check your roof before selling, start by visually examining the roof for missing, damaged, or curling shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials. Next, check for sagging, unevenness, or other signs of damage that may indicate underlying issues with the roof’s structure. Finally, inspect the flashing around chimneys, vents, and other protrusions to ensure it is properly installed and sealed to prevent water intrusion.
This can often be done by walking out away from your home far enough that you can see the roof. You can use binoculars if you need to.
If you still can’t see it and you don’t have a ladder, ask around the family, friends, and neighbors if anyone has a drone to take you a Hi-Def video and or pictures of your roof. Paying a local kid $50-$100 is cheaper and safer than a ladder.
If you already have a ladder, put it up in the safest spot and safely inspect the condition.
The Gutter System And Area Inspection
While at the roof, let’s start and evaluate the gutter system to ensure it is in good condition, securely attached and free of debris or damage that could impede water flow. Look for any visible signs of leaks or water damage on the roof’s surface, attic, or interior ceilings and walls.
While you are on the gutters, make sure the flow out of the ground is away from home. Also, make sure the slope of the ground is sloping away from the home itself. Most foundational problems start because of these two things.
Keep the water away, and your house will stand for another day.
Roof Age: Important for Buyers & Sellers
Finally, assess the roof’s age and remaining lifespan based on its appearance and materials used. If your roof is closing in on its end of useful life, consider replacing it before listing your home to avoid potential issues during inspection.
Did you have the roof put on since you purchased the home? If not, think back at purchase to how old they said the roof was at purchase.
With shingle roofs, I look at how coarse is it? The smoother looking it gets, the older and closer it gets to the end of life. You can see this from the ground on a good clear day, typically.
Shingles Nearing The End Of Life
When shingles near the end of their life, they may start to curl, crack, or buckle. They may also lose granules, resulting in a patchy or uneven appearance. In some cases, the shingles may become brittle and break, leading to potential leaks and water damage. Therefore, it’s important to monitor the condition of your shingles regularly and address any issues promptly to prevent further damage to the roof and the underlying structure.
Terracotta Tiles And What To Look For
Terracotta tiles may show signs of wear and aging as they approach the end of their life. Some common issues to look for include cracking or chipping, which can allow water to penetrate the tiles and damage the underlying roof structure. The tiles may also become discolored or faded due to prolonged exposure to sunlight and weathering. Additionally, terracotta tiles may shift or become loose over time, leading to potential leaks and other issues.
Metal Roofing Sheets; How To Know There Is Something Wrong
Metal roofs are known for durability and long lifespan, but they may show signs of wear and aging over time. If you’re concerned about the condition of your metal roof, here are some things to look for as it nears the end of its life.
First, check for areas of rust or corrosion. Metal roofs can rust over time, particularly if not properly maintained. Spots of rust or corrosion can weaken the roof’s integrity and lead to potential leaks.
Next, inspect the fasteners holding the metal sheets in place. Loose or missing fasteners can cause the roof to shift or buckle, leading to potential leaks. Ensure all fasteners are appropriately secured and replace any missing or damaged ones.
Dents or buckling can also affect the roof’s integrity and lead to potential leaks. Metal roofs can become dented or buckled due to severe weather or foot traffic. If you notice any areas of buckling, it’s essential to have them looked at as soon as possible.
Over time, metal sheets can develop cracks or splits, particularly around seams or areas of stress. These issues can allow water to penetrate the roof and cause damage to the underlying structure. Inspect the metal sheets for any cracks or splits and have them repaired promptly.
Finally, check for any discoloration or fading on the metal sheets. Metal roofs may become discolored or faded over time, particularly if exposed to prolonged sunlight or weathering. While discoloration alone may not affect the roof’s integrity, it can affect your home’s curb appeal.
While conducting your own roof inspection can help identify potential issues, it’s still recommended to have a professional home inspector evaluate the roof to ensure a thorough assessment. In addition, by addressing any issues upfront, you can avoid surprises during the inspection process and potentially sell your home faster.
Inspecting Roof Sag and Wave: What to Look For
As a homeowner, you can inspect for waves or sags in your roof with a few simple steps. First, stand back from your house and examine the roofline for any visible dips or areas that appear to be uneven. Next, walk around the perimeter of your home and visually inspect the roof from all angles to ensure you don’t miss anything.
You are hoping that the roof has a level parallel plane.
If you notice any potential areas of concern, climb up to your roof using a ladder (with someone holding the base for safety). Once you’re up on the roof, look for any signs of sagging or unevenness in the structure. Check for dips or areas that appear to be bending or bulging out of shape.
If you still need clarification or would like a more thorough assessment, consider hiring a professional roofing contractor to inspect the roof’s structure. They can use specialized tools and techniques to evaluate the roof’s structural soundness and identify any areas of concern that may require repair or replacement.
The Number One Place For a Leak; Flashing & Vents
Inspecting your roof’s flashing and vents is essential to maintaining its integrity. As a homeowner, you can review these areas by visually examining the flashing around chimneys, vents, and other protrusions to ensure it is properly installed and sealed to prevent water intrusion. In addition, check for any visible signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or gaps, that may allow water to seep through.
Next, inspect the roof vents to ensure they are in good condition and functioning properly. Look for any signs of damage or deterioration, such as cracks or missing pieces, that could allow moisture to enter your home. Check that the vents are securely attached to the roof and that the flashing around them is properly installed and sealed.
The main reasons why flashing or venting goes to leaking:
- Wear and tear: Over time, flashing can become worn and damaged due to exposure to the elements. This wear and tear can eventually lead to leaks and water damage.
- Damage from severe weather: If your area has experienced severe weather, such as heavy winds or hail, it’s possible that the flashing has sustained damage that is now causing leaks.
- Changes to the roof: If you’ve made changes to your roof or had work done on it recently, such as adding a new skylight or chimney, it’s possible that the flashing was not properly installed or sealed during the work.
- Faulty flashing: In some cases, the flashing itself may be defective or of poor quality, which can cause it to deteriorate more quickly and lead to leaks.
Suppose you notice any issues with the flashing or vents. In that case, it’s important to address them promptly to prevent potential leaks or other problems down the road. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may be able to make repairs yourself, or you may need to hire a professional roofing contractor to make the necessary repairs.
DIY Roof Leak Detection: Tips for Homeowners
The attic can provide valuable insights into the condition of your roof, as it is often the first place where signs of damage and wear become apparent. When inspecting your attic for a bad roof, turn off all the lights and look for any visible signs of light coming through the roof. This can indicate potential leaks or gaps in the roofing materials.
Next, inspect the walls and ceiling for any signs of moisture, such as water stains, mold, or mildew. These can be roof leaks or poor ventilation indicators, leading to severe damage if left untreated. If you notice any signs of moisture, be sure to investigate the source of the problem and make any necessary repairs.
Check the insulation in your attic as well. If the insulation is wet or shows signs of water damage, this can be a sign of a roof leak or poor ventilation. Wet or damaged insulation can also lead to mold and mildew growth, posing health risks to you and your family.
In addition to inspecting the attic, look for any visible signs of damage or wear on the roof’s exterior, such as missing or damaged shingles, cracks or gaps in the roofing materials, or visible sagging or unevenness in the roofline. These can indicate a bad roof that may require repair or replacement.
Overall, inspecting your attic for signs of a bad roof is an integral part of maintaining the integrity of your home. By staying vigilant and addressing any issues promptly, you can help prevent costly damage and ensure the safety and comfort of your family.
Conclusion
In conclusion, inspecting your roof before selling your home is crucial in ensuring a smooth selling process. Focusing on key areas such as examining the roof’s covering materials, assessing the overall structure, inspecting flashing and venting, checking gutters and downspouts, and looking for visible signs of leaks or water damage can help identify potential issues allow you to make necessary repairs before listing your home.
By addressing these issues beforehand, you can prevent inspection surprises and streamline the selling process, ultimately helping you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.
A family man and successful entrepreneur with a passion for real estate. Founder of Will Buy's Houses, Will utilizes his experience in property investments to help clients navigate the complexities of selling homes when time and condition can impede...Read More.