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The New Homeowner’s Guide to Roofing
If you're a new homeowner, congratulations! We hope you're excited about your purchase and that moving is treating you kindly (or at least as kindly as it possibly can). Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or you've done this a few times, it's important to know what to expect and what to look for since you now have a roof that is solely your responsibility. Once you know the works, you'll have it covered without a problem, especially if you have a trusted roofer to help you when needed.
Request Roof Inspections
Before you make the big purchase, you will want to have the roof inspected to make sure there aren't any major issues. Since you've already bought your house, you will still want to inspect it to make sure there aren't any damages that need to be taken care of immediately. After these initial inspections are complete, we recommend that you inspect your roof whenever the season changes. With each season comes a variety of problems that could affect your roof and you will want to make sure you catch any issues quickly so you can either get it fixed as soon as possible or at least be aware so you can start planning for those repairs. Keep in mind that routine inspections could potentially save you thousands in repair or replacement costs in the future.
Complete an Attic Inspection
Having your attic inspected is equally as important as having your roof checked. Attic inspections are a key part of identifying potential issues with your roof since it's easier to see signs of leaks, water damage, mold, mildew, or holes. Conveniently, attic inspections are much easier to conduct for homeowners, so if you're suspicious of a leak or other roof-related issues, you can check your attic to see if you can see any obvious damage. For a more thorough analysis, you can have a roofer complete the inspection as well to see if we can find any other problems that may be less obvious.
Clean Your Gutters
We cannot emphasize enough the importance of cleaning your gutters regularly. It may not seem like a big deal at the moment, but clogged gutters are the cause of many roof issues from structural damage all the way to mold. To learn more about the importance of unclogging your gutters, click here.
Roof Material Options
There are a variety of options for roofing materials, and you don't necessarily have to use what your home had on it originally. Different roofing materials have different benefits and downfalls, so doing your research on what's best for your location and home is a great idea. Since roofs last such a long time, you want to know all of your options instead of sticking to what you feel you have to do. You can learn more about the most popular roofing material options here.
Avoid Installing a New Roof Over Old Shingles
When it comes to purchasing a new roof, it's best to start from scratch. As your old shingles are being removed, there are issues that may become apparent. If found during the removal + replacement process, these issues can usually be remedied. If you apply new shingles over old ones, you risk the chance of covering up an issue that might require even more work than it would have been had it been replaced at the same time as the shingles. In roofing, shortcuts are never the right answer. With something as important as the roof of your home, you want it done the right way by the right person.
