The last thing you want to do is ignore the signs that your roof needs to be repaired or replaced. If left unchecked, a leaky roof can cause significant damage in many parts of your home and leave you with an expensive repair bill. Let’s jump right into our guide to roofs!
So how do you know when it’s time for a replacement? Here are some telltale signs:
-Shingles coming off and curling up at the edges
-Pebbles of broken asphalt on the ground below
-Broken shingles in various spots around your roof’s perimeter
-Hail damages from previous years that are just now starting to show (or any other damage for that matter) then it may be time to get a professional opinion.
The team will come out and assess all areas of concern before providing an estimate.
The life expectancy of a roof is not a set thing. There are many factors to consider, and while each will have an effect on how long your roof lasts – like what material it’s made from or whether you live in a climate with heavy snowfall rates- the basic rule of thumb is 15 to 30 years for most roofs. (https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/does-my-roof-need-to-be-repaired-or-replaced-telltale-signs/)
The easiest way to start evaluating your roof’s condition is by grabbing a flashlight and heading up into your attic. There you can look for dark stains; water damage like mold or rot beneath siding that has not been removed from under gutters; as well as signs of structural integrity such as saggy ceilings or sloping walls. With just one sweep across the ceiling with the broomstick, it will be easy enough to find out whether those are major issues requiring immediate attention before they get out of hand.
But if you want a better view and an idea of what might be lurking up there by all means climb that ladder. But before going on any adventure just know it can get dangerous so make sure to take safety precautions like wearing gloves and shoes with good traction.
Take a good look at what condition your shingles are in (make sure they don’t have cracks or missing sections), and pay attention to things like sealant around chimneys, nails, and brackets holding down tarps on flat roofs, gutters leaking water from excess rainwater runoff – all these elements need to be taken care of before adverse weather conditions hit.
When it comes to negotiating with potential sellers, remember a roof’s age doesn’t always correlate with its quality; sometimes it might just need some TLC before being put up for sale at full price. (https://www.forbes.com/sites/learnvest/2014/06/20/6-home-buying-warning-signs-you-shouldnt-ignore-and-what-to-do-about-them/?sh=4760526dd602)
If you’re wondering how much it will cost, do some research and talk with local providers for an estimate of the costs involved before making your decision on what action is best for your home. Costs vary from provider-to-provider so ask around town about quotes that may work within your budget. Knowing this information can help with making decisions on whether or not there are more affordable options available. (https://www.redfin.com/blog/should-you-repair-your-roof-or-sell-as-is/)
That’s our guide to roofs! We hope that you find this information helpful and useful! If you’re ready to start your first-time home buying journey or are getting back into the market, Lantern Real Estate Group can help. Our team will make sure you feel supported and make sure that you have a trusted resource as you navigate the real estate market!
