What Should New Homeowners Know About The Roof?

When you’re buying a new home, there are many things to consider. The properties you view must fit your needs and lifestyle, so we often look at when a house was built, how many rooms it has and the layout. Sometimes, new homeowners can overlook other important factors, such as when the furnace was last replaced or the condition of the roof.

Considering the roof is an integral part of your home’s structure, what should you know about its maintenance?

Request a Roof Inspection

Part of the homebuying process includes a close inspection of the property. In some cases, the inspector does not mount the roof. If you have a serious interest in buying a home, ask the sellers to hire a roofing professional to examine the shingles and flashing. If materials are pulling away, this could lead to problems in the future, including serious roof leaks.

Check the Gutters

If you are viewing a house in the winter, look at the state of the gutters. When snow melts and refreezes in the gutters, layers of ice can build. These formations are called “ice dams” and their weight can cause the gutters to start pulling away from the home. During warm weather visits, see if any winter damage is visible. If so, ask the current homeowners how they plan to eradicate the issues before selling.

Continue Maintenance

When you become a new homeowner, roof maintenance should continue in the months and years to come. Now that the property is your responsibility, protect your investment with regular inspections in all seasons:

• Before the start of winter, make sure the roof does not have missing or damaged shingled and that the attic is properly insulated. Melting snow could penetrate a damaged roof, wreaking further havoc on your home.
• After the snow melts and spring begins, inspect the roof for damage from heavy snow, ice dams and other winter hazards.
• In the fall, be diligent about cleanup. If leaves and other debris become clogged in your gutters, there are several consequences:
  • • The backup leads to excess weight that pulls the gutters away from the home
    • Your gutters become a hotspot for wildlife to build their nests
    • Uncleaned leaves become frozen in the gutters come wintertime

When your roof needs professional service or a complete replacement, trust a team who has been in the business for nearly 50 years. At Steve Czerwinski Inc., we use only the best roofing materials available, including Timberline® shingles. To learn more, contact us today!