Becoming a homeowner for the first time is an exciting step, but one that comes with a steep learning curve. There is so much to learn about mortgages and property taxes and maintaining your new place from the inside to the outside. In order to give you one less thing to worry about, here are three key points you need to know about your roof.
The age
Before you buy a home, you should find out how old the roof is. Make sure to get an inspection that verifies the age of the roof and inquire about any warranties that may be transferable to you, the new homeowner. Roofs are typically good for 10-15 years before they need to be replaced, so knowing how old your roof is will be vital. If it is already nearing the end of its life when you purchase the house, make sure you factor in the cost of replacing it soon, otherwise just know that you will have this expense down the road and be prepared.
Needed repairs
Leaks or bad spots on your roof are one thing you do not want to put off fixing as they will very quickly cause more damage to your home. It could lead to damaged walls, floors, furniture, mold or any host of other problems which could cost you thousands of dollars to rectify. Call a reputable company such as Roof Advance at the first sign of an issue with your roof and have them give you an estimate of how much it will cost to repair the problem. They should also be able to discuss the possible consequences of waiting to fix the issue so that you are completely informed. Also make sure you are doing routine inspections of your roof to catch these issues before they become big dilemmas.
How to clean the gutters
This is something you can do by yourself for little to no cost. Make sure several times a year, especially after the leaves fall in the autumn or after a big storm, to clean out your gutters and downspouts. Simply get up on a sturdy, safely placed ladder, scoop out the leaves and debris with your hands and dispose of them in a trash bag. This is one of the easiest ways to ensure your roof lasts because a backup of debris in the gutters can cause water to sit on your roof and rot your shingles.
