How Can You Tell if a Home Needs a New Roof?

If you're thinking about buying a home for sale in Lakewood or Long Beach, it's in your best interest to make sure it's in good shape - after all, if you take the leap and buy it, its problems become your problems. But how can you tell if a home may need a new roof while you're on a home tour? This guide explains.

How Can You Tell if a Home Needs a New Roof?

Naturally, after you make an offer on a home, you'll hire a home inspector to check all its major systems (including the roof). But what if you're still in the home-search process and want to know if a home has roof problems? Keep a lookout for these red flags:

  1. Cracked, curled or missing shingles
  2. Shingle granules near the downspouts
  3. Divots in the ground around the roofline that look like water erosion
  4. Water stains on the ceiling or walls
  5. Saggy spots on the ceiling
  6. A sagging appearance from outside
  7. Dampness or mustiness in the attic

Here's a closer look at each.

Sign #1 a house Needs Roof Work: Cracked, Curled or Missing Shingles

When you're looking at a home's roof, take note of any cracked, curled or missing shingles. At the very least, it means the home is susceptible to water damage the next time it rains - and at the worst, it could mean that the roof is nearing the end of its life and will need to be replaced soon.

Sign #2 a House Needs Roof Work: Shingle Granules Near the Downspouts

If you see black granules near the home's downspouts, it means the shingles are shedding. Those granules help repel water and protect all the roofing materials beneath the shingles, so when they're missing, the shingles can't do their job. That may mean that there's already water damage to the roof (and if there isn't, there will be soon).

Related: How to de-stress your cat when you move

Sign #3 a House Needs Roof Work: Small Depressions in the Ground Around the Roofline

If you notice small depressions  in the ground around the home's perimeter, it could be a sign that water is eroding the soil. And if the soil is being eroded, it's likely because water is missing the gutters and dropping straight to the ground. That can spell trouble for a home's foundation, so it's definitely a red flag.

Sign #4 a House Needs Roof Work: Water Stains on the Ceiling or Walls

If you see any water stains on the ceiling or walls, it's a strong sign that the home has a roof leak. Even if the leaks are small, they can cause big problems (like mold) if they're not fixed quickly - and small leaks can become big leaks really quickly.

Related: How you can help your dog adjust to your new home

Sign #5 a House Needs Roof Work: Sagging Spots on the Ceiling

If you see any sagging spots on the ceiling, it means that there's water damage - and the longer it's left unaddressed, the worse it will get. In extreme cases, a sagging ceiling can collapse, so this is definitely a roof problem you'll want to nip in the bud.

Sign #6 That a Home Needs Roof Work: A Sagging Appearance from Outside

If the roofline looks saggy when you view the home from outside, it's a pretty clear sign that the roof is in bad shape and needs to be replaced. Though sellers are required to disclose problems they know about, there's still a chance that they may not mention it - but if you're looking at a home with a sagging roof and didn't anticipate buying a fixer-upper, it may be time to get back in the car and head to the next home on your list.

Related: How can you tell if a neighborhood is right for you?

Sign #7 That Indicates a Home Needs Roof Work: Dampness or Mustiness in the Attic

If you detect a damp feel or musty smell in the attic (or any other part of the house, for that matter), it could be a sign that there's a roof leak. Water damage can cause all sorts of problems - from mold to wood rot - so if you notice any suspicious smells, be sure to ask the seller about them.

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Lakewood?

If you’re not already living in Lakewood, or if you are but you’re looking for a new home, we’re here to help. Call us right now at 562-882-1581 or start browsing our Lakewood real estate listings to find your dream home today!

You can also browse:

Long Beach real estate listings

Anaheim real estate listings

Bellflower real estate listings

Signal Hill real estate listings

 

 

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