Are you considering or in the process of buying a new home? There are many things to consider that homeowners don’t often even think about until it’s too late and they’re locked into their contract. Be sure to address the following questions concerning the roof and insulation of the home you are considering before you commit to buy.
5 Roofing & Insulation Questions to Ask Before Buying a House
How old is the roof?
On average, a roof can last anywhere from 15 to 50 years, depending on its upkeep, its material composition, and the quality of its initial installation. If a roof is getting older, understand that you may need to install a new one soon, and examine your budget to determine whether that fits into your plans. On the other hand, if a new roof was just professionally installed, it could save you a lot of money by minimizing repairs and maintenance that an aging roof often requires.
Who installed the roof?
Did a professional contractor install the roof? You should be able to gauge the quality of the work by checking into the roofer’s background, experience, and certifications. Learn all you need to look for by checking out our post, Checklist for Your Roofing Contractor.
What type of roof is it?
Many different types of roofing materials are on the market today, and not all of them last as long as others or withstand the same elements. The range of materials includes traditional shingles, architectural shingles, rubber shingles or rolls, and stone-coated steel roofing. The various types of roofing materials perform differently and have very different lifespans. Traditional shingles, for example, typically last only 15-20 years, while steel roofs can last a lifetime.
How many layers of shingles are on the roof?
Some contractors, when repairing or replacing a roof, layer new shingles on top of old ones instead of first removing the old shingles and placing the new ones on the flat surface of the bare roof. This is considered poor practice. The old shingles should be removed before the new ones are installed. If not, the new shingles will be unable to conform to a flat surface, which allows them seal properly. Instead, they will conform to the shape of the shingles beneath them and become warped. This could set the homeowner up for water penetration and its host of accompanying problems.
Are the walls and attic well insulated?
Well insulated walls and attic spaces increase a home’s value, especially in areas such as Iowa that experience cold winters and hot summers. Check into the quality, age, amount, and type of insulation used in the home. Learn more about insulation and standards it should meet by reading The Importance of Good Insulation in the Home.
You should always look carefully at the roof and insulation in any home you are considering buying. You don’t want to be stuck taking care of a previous owner’s roofing issues and dealing with leaks, water damage, mold, or ventilation problems. The lack of proper insulation comes with its fair share of troubles too. It can lead to drafty rooms, frozen pipes, moisture and condensation problems throughout the home, and ice dams on the roof.
Buying a new home is not something to rush. It is an enormous investment, and asking these specific, important questions could save you thousands of dollars. To learn more about questions to ask when looking for a new home, or for an inspection of your insulation or roofing by a Huxley contractor, contact Hedrick Construction. We provide roofing and insulation services in Ames, Huxley, and Ankeny with quality and professionalism from start to finish.
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