If you have recently found your dream home but it happens to have roof damage, then you are probably wondering if the home will be worth the potential trouble. While minor roof damage probably won’t be a dealbreaker in every situation, there are some important variables to consider before you make an offer or walk away.
Dangers of Roof Damage
Some homeowners might not realize just how dangerous roof damage can be, and that is why many people ignore leaks and other problems for years. When a damaged roof isn’t addressed immediately, it could lead to serious structural issues throughout your house. Roof damage is also going to increase your risk of mold, mildew, pest infestations, and a wide variety of other problems that could make your life miserable.
Types of Roof Damage
Even though most modern roofs are incredibly durable, those structures must withstand quite a bit of wear and tear every year. Everything from hailstorms to high winds could crack roof tiles, bend flashing, and rip shingles off of your roof. Over time, that type of damage will most likely result in cracks and pinholes that let water into your attic. Standing water on top of the roof can also cause major mold outbreaks that destroy the shingles and supporting beams.
Should I Make an Offer?
Well before you make an offer on any home that has roof damage, you should contact an experienced and reputable roofing contractor to explore your options. While a certified inspector should be able to notify you of the damage, they might not have the training that is required to give a thorough assessment. A roofing contractor can tell you how much damage has occurred and what will need to be done to fix it.
Repair and Replacement Options
Depending on the extent of the damage, you will most likely have a few different options to choose from. If you decide to make an offer on the home and there is severe damage, then you will need to contact a company that offers roof replacement services. For minor roof damage, your contractor might only have to replace a handful of tiles or shingles.
Once you have moved into your new home, you must make sure that your roof remains well-maintained and undamaged in the coming years. Your regular maintenance is going to include biannual inspections, replacing damaged tiles, and keeping leaves and other debris off the roof.
