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. Make one visit to ensure that your roofing system was properly installed. Then, ask if any quick roof repairs can prevent leaks and extend the life of your roof. This simple step can make an older roof last a lot longer, just by maintaining it and keeping the old material up to snuff.
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. You might even enjoy mowing the lawn on a Sunday afternoon.
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. Especially if you live in a two-story house.
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? Is the roofing company that offers the warranty still in business?
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. Although this kind of leak is rare, it’s certainly not impossible. Hopefully, 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.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance
- Form a partnership with a local roofing contractor. Schedule regular inspections—just as you will with your HVAC company.
Congrats again on the new home. If you live in Bell County, TX, you’re in luck! Bell County Roofing is available for quotes and inspections on all types of roofs in the area.