When you’re searching for a new home, spotting a good roof from a bad one can be the difference between a smart investment and a sour one. A roof is one of the most expensive features of a home, but also has one of the best financial returns. Depending on the age, quality and type of roof, the cost of minor repairs could be minimal. However, every roof has a lifespan, so remember to consider the projected cost of repairs and annual roof maintenance against the price of a full roof replacement. Knowing the condition of a roof before committing to a house is helpful information to have. Before making any final decisions, know what to look for in a roof when buying a house by following these tips below.
Signs of Exterior Roof Damage
Regardless of whether an existing roof is in good condition or it needs repairs, it’ll have a little wear and tear. If maintenance and repairs were done on a regular basis, a typical roof can last up to fifty years. But, if the house has an older roof and shows signs of significant damage, it might need to be replaced. When inspecting a roof, here are some common signs of damage to look out for:
- Moss, mold or material decay
- Bulges, gaps, separation, shrinking or blistering
- Worn spots, cracks or rust
- Curled or missing shingles
- Stagnant or pooling water
- Structural sagging or misalignment
If the roof has shingles and shows a few worn, cracked, or missing pieces, it can be a cheap and easy repair. When a roof shows signs of stagnant or pooling water, be sure to check for leaks or water damage, which could be the cause of any structural sagging you may encounter. If you come across any moss or plant life, it could indicate the roof has trapped moisture and this should be dealt with quickly before more damage is done. Should the roof need extensive repairs, consider the many advantages of an SPF foam roof. An SPF foam roof is a polyurethane foam that’s sprayed onto the existing roof, with little to no tear-off. Because of its spray-on application, SPF foam has neither joints nor seams, allowing it to conform to irregular shapes and objects, like vents, drains or pipes. In addition, SPF foam will not sag, warp or buckle, thanks to its seamless application that moves with the normal expansion and contraction of the house without cracking or breaking down over time.
Signs of Leaks or Water Damage
Roof leaks can sometimes be hard to spot. Some signs of previous water damage or leaks include peeling paint, wet fireplaces, water stains or dark spots on the ceiling. Also, be on the lookout for drooping tiles, damaged walls or stained wallpaper. If the home has an attic, be sure to go up there and check for mold material rot.
Traditional roofs can experience leaks more frequently thanks to cracks or holes in the system. Though they can be mended, traditional patch jobs often fail to seal properly, trapping moisture that causes more expensive repairs in the future. SPF foam roofs are becoming an increasingly popular choice for new homeowners thanks to the effective protection against leaks and weather damage that keeps the roof from absorbing water.
Proper Ventilation & Energy Efficiency
If the home you’re viewing has warped shingles, or there are drafts or hot and cold spots in the attic it could be a sign of improper ventilation. Proper ventilation is important in the home, not only to combat heat buildup, moisture or mold, but also for your energy bills. Instead of extending the life of the current roof with traditional repairs, consider a one-piece, non-shrinking monolithic cover that improves the insulation value while also reducing the amount of air infiltration. Polyurethane roofing also has a class A fire rating and is Energy Star(r)-rated providing the highest R-value compared to traditional roofing systems. The R-value is a material’s ability to resist thermal energy from the sun. By increasing a roof’s R-value, it’ll keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, therefore providing excellent insulation and energy efficiency.
What’s The Cost to Replace a Roof?
For a typical home, a spray foam roof will cost around $1,950. The silicone restoration coating, which costs about $1.30 per square foot, is included in the total cost of the foam roofing system. This is less than one-fourth of the overall price of the foam roofing system and this amount is a fraction of the overall cost of the entire project. The installation and maintenance cost is minimal compared to other types of roofs.
A roof replacement, like other major home renovation and construction projects, can be expensive, and often, necessary. If you need to replace your roof there are several options to choose from. One of the best mortgage options to consider is an FHA 203(k) loan that helps you buy or refinance an existing home in need of specific improvements and adds the renovation costs into the mortgage. To see how much money you can afford to spend, go through the mortgage preapproval process and feel safe knowing you have a financing plan in place that helps you meet your homeownership needs.
Foam Experts Roofing has provided high-efficiency, durable and affordable polyurethane roofing installation services to commercial and residential clients for over 30 years. We provide Free Estimates on Roofing, Roof Repair, and New Roofs in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Lake Havasu City Roofing, and all over the great state of Arizona! Whether you need a Foam Roof, Flat Roof, Industrial or Commercial Roofing, or a Roof for your home call us today for a Free Estimate!
