ROOFING FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS

February 11, 2023

Congratulations on your new home! We know you probably learned a lot about what to look for when buying a home from your real estate agent and home inspector. However, now that you have purchased a property, please allow us to offer this friendly advice – “Roofing for New Homeowners.”

Have Your Roofing Material Inspected by a Roofing Contractor

Your inspector may have looked for obvious signs of roof damage when going through the house. For example, they may have looked for missing shingles, indications of roof leaks, or damaged flashing. However, a professional roofer will give you a better indication of your roof’s health.

Many roofing companies offer free inspections. Have one visit to make sure that your roofing system was installed properly. Then, ask if any quick roof repairs can prevent leaks and extend the life of your roof.

Keep Your Gutters Clean

Some parts of homeownership are fun. For example, you may enjoy adding personal touches to your home, planting flowers, and choosing wall colors.

However, some parts of owning a home are not so fun. For example, you must remove leaves, small branches, and other debris from your gutters to keep your roof and foundation healthy. You may consider hiring a licensed and insured roofer to complete this dangerous job.

Learn About Your Warranty – A Necessary Part of Roofing for New Homeowners

Take time to understand your roof’s warranty. Did you receive a transferable warranty from the roofing materials manufacturer? If so, what do you need to do to ensure the warranty is in your name?

Learn the Signs That It Is Time for a Roof Replacement

You probably have seen movies where homeowners rush around with buckets and pans to capture water from multiple roof leaks. However, we hope you complete roof work on your new home before you experience significant water damage.

Some signs that it might be time to replace your roof include:

The edges of the shingles are curled.
There are bald spots or cracks on the shingles.
Moss or algae are growing on your roof.

Call a local roofing company for a free estimate if you notice any of these signs as you look out of your second-story window. Of course, roof repair might be the most cost effective option. However, before you opt for repair work, consider the following two indicators:

Your roof is at least 20 years old. (The average life span of a roof is between 15 and 30 years old.)
Your neighbors with homes built at the same time as yours are getting a new roof.