Buying a home in Los Angeles isn’t easy. You want to feel confident about your new home’s structural integrity, especially when it comes to the all-important roof.
Los Angeles roofing contractors recommend looking closely at the roof when buying a home. Roofs have a big impact on house value and your plans for the home, to say nothing of your family’s comfort and safety inside.
In this article, we’ll look at five things a roof repair specialist in Los Angeles thinks about when buying a new home. Let’s get started!
Five Key Features Los Angeles Roofing Contractors Check
There’s no doubt that buying a home – be it for the first or tenth time – can be massively exhilarating. However, in the rush of the moment, it’s still integral to check that everything’s in place and that the roof meets LA roofing standards.
If you’ve fallen in love with a home, roof, and all, understanding the flaws can still give you more leverage when negotiating a final sale price.
#1 – Age of the Roof
One of the best ways to ensure that the house is structurally sound is to check the age of the tiles, shingles, or other roofing materials. While there’s no way to say for certain that a newly installed roof system will be perfect, there’s much less chance of things going wrong. After all, when a roof repair specialist in Los Angeles installs a new roofing system, you should expect at least 15 years from it.
Of course, this will depend on the type. For example, the lifespan of asphalt shingles is typically lower than that of metal roofing or clay tiles. If you have any questions, you can contact our team of Los Angeles roofing contractors for help.
#2 – Clean Gutters
Gutters are vital for protecting your roof and house. We may not get as much rain in Los Angeles as elsewhere, but old or clogged gutters can still lead to water damage, mold, and mildew.
Gutters should be clean with no bulging, overspills, or signs of clogging. You should also have information on when the gutters were installed and last serviced. If you have any doubts about the gutters, you also need to check out the roof for any damage.
If you have any questions about gutters or want a professional to perform an inspection, you can contact a roofing company in Los Angeles for guidance.
#3 – Signs of Wear and Tear
If there are any obvious signs that the roof on a home might be compromised or damaged, it could be worth steering clear of the property. You can also negotiate the price down so you can pay for an immediate roof replacement and any repairs to water damage or insulation.
Even a small leak can grow into a significant problem down the line, so being aware of flaws now can reduce the chance of encountering more severe issues later. Your local roofing company in Los Angeles should be able to help you determine what repairs will be needed down the line.
#4 – Check the Flashing
One aspect of roofs that many people fail to consider is flashing. However, as a roof repair specialist in Los Angeles, we understand just how critical flashing can be.
Flashing is the seal around the edges that aims to prevent leaks and water from seeping into the property. Damaged flashing can lead to serious interior water damage, even if the gutters are pristine.
What’s more, poorly done flashing can indicate an all-around shoddy job. If there’s bad flashing, dig a little deeper with a roofing company in Los Angeles before buying the house.
#5 – Ventilation and Insulation Systems
A roof isn’t just about keeping you dry. Roofs are also vital for keeping your house cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and well-ventilated year-round.
And it isn’t just about staying comfortable, either. Your home’s roof can have a massive effect on your monthly heating and cooling bills –we’re talking hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars a year. You don’t need LA roofers to tell you that an affordable house with an astronomical utility bill isn’t actually an affordable house.
Spot the Warning Signs
We’ve given you five roof factors to keep in mind while house shopping, but how do you know if something is really bad? If you can spot any of the following in the listing photos or during a walkthrough, you know you have a problem:
- Interior mold or mildew growth
- Overflowing or clogged gutters
- Missing shingles or tiles
- Damage to the roofing, such as dents or holes
- Energy bills that seem more expensive than the area average
- Signs of leaks indoors, such as water stains
- Sagging areas of the roof
- Signs of general wear and tear
If you have concerns, contact the selling agent and a roof repair specialist in Los Angeles. You may be able to organize an inspection that will let you know the full extent of the damage and the cost of fixing it.
Roof Repair Specialist – Your LA Roofers
A faulty roof can affect a property’s safety, comfort, and affordability. That’s why you need to pay attention to the roof when buying a home.
If you’d like an inspection of your roof or want to re-roof a new home, give our team of professional LA roofers a call at (626) 869-7663.
