Buying a new home is exciting. It can also be an overwhelming process. From finding the perfect space to negotiating a price that’s within your budget, there are a lot of moving parts involved in the process of finding and purchasing your new abode.
One thing you can’t afford to overlook when buying a property (especially in Kansas City) is a residential roof inspection. Roofing shingles in Kansas City take a beating with the temperamental weather patterns of the area, and you’ll want to know the age and current condition of the roof on the new place before signing on the dotted line.
What Roofers Look For
Shamrock Roofing and Construction provides free roof inspections for area homeowners for just this purpose. We want to help you make sure that the house of your dreams doesn’t end up becoming a nightmare.
Here are just a few of the most common problems we find when we do a residential roof inspection.
Aging Materials
One of the easiest yet most important things to note regarding your roof is its age. Roofing shingles in Kansas City come with an average life expectancy. You need to know not only what the average life expectancy is but also how much of that life is left in the roof. Your local roofer is the person best equipped to provide you with this information. Sometimes, the roof’s age is what dictates your next move.
Damaged Flashing
Roof flashing is made of metal and is secured to the transitional portions of your roof. During installation, these metal pieces are attached to a membrane that creates a water-resistant seal. However, this seal often erodes with time. Years of storm damage in Kansas (like heavy snow and tornado-esque winds) may cause the flashing to shift or crack, making those sections of the roof a target for leaks.
Unsafe Ventilation
A roof with proper ventilation helps your home avoid unwanted moisture. It also releases excess heat and allows fresh air to circulate inside. This cycle is what helps prevent mold and mildew growth on the roof, and it’s an extremely important component of your roof’s overall health. Your residential roof inspection will help identify any problems with the roof’s ventilation system before the sale, which gives you options. You can negotiate on the price, ask the seller to make the repairs, or walk away from the sale.
Inadequate Drainage System
The drainage system is one of the most critical components of the home’s exterior. Gutters and downspouts are designed to direct water away from the home’s foundation, a critical need when considering the opportunities for spring rains and summer storm damage in Kansas. Gutter installation is not usually a DIY project, although many homeowners attempt this one on their own.
It’s not uncommon to find during an inspection that the gutters are clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris that haven’t been cleaned out throughout the year. When gutters get too full, they start to pull away from the fascia. Poor gutter maintenance may be a sign that the current homeowner hasn’t done a good job with home maintenance in general, so beware! A gutter check should be on the list for any proper residential roof inspection, so make sure your roofer covers this piece.
Let Shamrock Roofing Be Your Guide through the Home Buying Process
When you’re ready to buy your next home, keep Shamrock Roofing and Construction in mind for all your roofing needs. Whether you’re buying a fixer-upper and need a residential roof estimate in Kansas City or your home is simply due for roof maintenance, Shamrock Roofing is here to help. Contact ustoday to learn more about our residential roofing services or to schedule your own roof inspection!