A well-maintained roof does more than seal your home. It can also seal the deal when it’s time to put it on the market. Here’s why roof inspections matter and what you can expect.
Rumbles from the real estate world say 2019 is a good year for Americans to start selling their homes, and other reports say the buyers are there to do it – over half of millennials plan to purchase a home by 2020.
Any homeowner looking to capitalize on that market will make roof inspection a top priority. This summer saw the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) organize National Roofing Week. Running from June 3-6, its purpose was to educate the public on the importance of keeping a well-maintained roof. The event promotes the hiring of an experienced professional, and why inspection is such a sound investment for the short and long term.
Best times to get inspected
The NRCA recommended a biannual inspection: one in the spring and the other in the fall. These are the best times because winter weather can cause much roof damage, so it’s a good idea to check before the season to prepare, and after to look for damage.
A roof inspection considers both the exterior and interior of a home
Inside, an inspector will check the attic’s insulation and ventilation. Attic ventilation is an important part of your roof, regulating moisture buildups in winter and heat buildups in summer. If vents are in good working order, they’ll minimize any potential mildew and mold problems, which is another thing the inspector will check for.
Mildew and mold can form in a couple of ways. Internally, rising moisture vapor in the home (from activities like showering, cooking, and dryers) can accumulate in the attic. Where vents are clogged or ineffective, that moisture can create dampness and humidity. Those conditions can lead to mold and mildew, which might cause serious health issues.
Externally, a broken or loose roof slate could let in rain or melting ice, causing the same effect. The exterior of the roof will be checked for any leaks, breaks or rusting in the surface or the flashing. Compromised seams cause gaps and cracks, which quickly worsen through thermal expansion/contraction caused by fluctuating outside temperatures.
Gutters keep the roof healthy
A big part of the inspection will be the gutters, which are not only essential for roof health, but also for the siding and foundations of your home. Clogging can be caused by many things, from leaves, loose roofing pieces, or bird/bee nests.
It’s not just rainwater pooling on the roof that’s a problem – the whole exterior of the house can suffer structurally and visually. Clogged gutters won’t redirect water away from the structure and will instead deposit it on windows, walls, and at an unsafe distance on the ground. All that water hitting the ground can go straight through a foundation and into the basement.
An ugly outside and unhealthy inside usually translate to unappealing resale value.
Why roof inspections could save you time and money
When the inspector is finished, they’ll produce a written report with their recommendations to the homeowner. It’s money well-spent. Taking care of roofing issues is in the best interests of the property, the seller and the prospective buyer.
Consider heating bills along with the above concerns – a broken roof can send drafts through a home, which will drive up energy costs. Neither the current nor future residents want that extra expense. No new buyer will want a roof that looks bad from street level, either – an attractive exterior can make all the difference in a home being sold, or it being skipped on real estate websites. Lack of “curb appeal” is a top reason for buyers thinking “No, thanks!”
Lastly, we think there’s also a local concern. Last year, it was no longer considered necessary for New Jersey contractors to obtain a construction permit for roofing jobs. On the surface, it’s certainly a timesaver for N.J. contractors and, depending on the contractor, a money saver for the customer. It’s concerning because “no permit necessary” also means “no quality inspection afterward.”
That’s nothing to worry about if the firm cares for their work, but it’s a big problem if poor craftsmen use last year’s ruling as an excuse for shoddy, uninspected work. It may be cheaper in the short term, but it could cost homeowners a buyer down the line.
Blue Nail Roofing carries out a full roof inspection for our customers before making it as strong and attractive as possible. From new ventilation to seamless guttering, we’re passionate about every new project we take on.
Get in touch with Blue Nail. We’ll be happy to share our insight on making your roof something any buyer would be proud of.
Working with Blue Nail Roofing means coming home to craftsmanship. From the first call to final inspection, we’re with you every step of the way to ensure you benefit from our experience and background in old-school slate construction and many other services. For more information or a free consultation, drop by our contact page or call 973-937-8876.
