Few parts of a home could be considered more important than the roof. Since a good roof protects all the rest of the house, making sure there are no leaks present or implement is necessary at all times, not just when buying or selling. While it is obvious that a leaking roof needs repair or roofing replacement, there are also signs that a roof is approaching that point, even before it is actually leaking.
A professional home inspector or roofer is qualified to determine the condition of the roof and suggest a course of action if needed. Signs of wear such as deteriorating shingles or other material should not be ignored until there is actual water damage in the home. A professional inspection will involve looking for cracking or peeling shingles, sagging or uneven areas, or missing or torn shingles, that expose the wood framework to water. The metal that surrounds skylights or chimneys, and the valleys between roof sections, is called flashing, and if it is missing or rusted, it can cause the roof to leak.
The two most common roof types are flat and pitched. The flat roof is constructed to be water tight, while the pitched roof is meant to have the water from rain or snow run off the sides. In addition to looking for deteriorating roofing materials, blisters or weak spots, the inspector will look for any standing water on a flat roof. If a flat roof is leaking, finding where the leak originated is harder than with a pitched roof.
As well as getting up on the roof for inspection, the professional inspector will want to come inside the house and check the attic to look for signs of water damage such as black stains or rotting wood. Peeling wallpaper, cracks in the paint and watermarks on the ceiling or plasterboard are also signs that the roof is leaking.
Roof Repair or Replace the Roof
Depending on whether there is deterioration of the roofing material, and how extensive the damage is, the professional inspector will advise repair or roofing replacement. If only a certain section of the roof is wearing, it is possible to have just that area repaired either by replacing a few shingles, or putting a new coating on a flat roof. If, however, the roof must be replaced, there are usually two options. The old roof can be entirely removed, which is usually recommended. A new roof can be put on top of the old one, which is cheaper, but may not last as long as a complete new roof. If there are two layers of shingles already on the roof, adding more is not advised.
If a new roofing replacement is decided on, the best quality shingles or other materials the budget will allow is the wisest choice and will give the longest wear and best satisfaction. Be sure to ask for the manufacturer's warranty on the material as well as the licensed roofing professional's guarantee on the work. Keep all paperwork and receipts in the event they are needed.
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