7 Things New Homeowners Should Do for Their New Roof

Buying a new home can be an overwhelming task. There are so many important aspects to consider before making a decision. But, we’re here to make things easier! We made a list of 7 things new homeowners should keep in mind when it comes to the roof.

Examine the state of the roof

The home inspector usually won’t go onto the roof in order to examine its state before the sale. So, it’s best that potential homeowners hire a roofing contractor and get help from a professional. That way, they’ll avoid being surprised by extensive repairs that would leave them with empty pockets. Professional contractors will notice if there’s anything that could lower the value of the house for potential homeowners.

Those who didn’t hire a roofing contractor before making their purchase should do that as soon as they can. Contractors will inspect everything and warn owners about possible problems they can face in the future.

In the case that the home does need roofing work, you should try to negotiate with the home seller to see if they will cover a portion of the repair or replacement cost.

Ask the seller how old the roof is

You’ll want to find out how long the roof has been on the home for, as it will certainly lower the value of the home if it’s an old roof. There might not be a problem now, but issues can come up after a storm or within a few years. You should also ask about the contractor who installed the roof; there might be warranty information you should know about.

Consider when the home was built

If the home was built recently, then there will be a builder’s warranty which is typically valid for about 10 years. This warranty is handy in case of structural problems, and could be useful in case roofing issues pop up later on.

Choose a good roofing contractor

It’s crucial to hire a roofing contractor with a good reputation and enough experience. Owners should check the websites and reviews in order to make an educated decision.

What’s more, they should keep in mind that there are special certifications that contracting companies can have, which will ensure the best service. So, it’s important that homeowners spend some time researching for the best option and make sure that they’re putting their trust in the right company.

Research your roofing options

When it comes to roofs, there are a lot of different options available. However, not all of them will work for everyone. Owners should think about the style of their home, the weather in the area where they live, and the price range before making the decision about the material for the roof.

For example, those who live in areas with stormy weather should opt for impact-resistant shingles that will endure the strongest winds. On the other hand, it’s best that owners who live in sunny places choose shingles that are energy efficient.

In addition, homeowners should keep in mind the style of their home and pick a roof that will match every other part of the house. If a roof looks good and is effective at the same time, the resale value will be higher.

Beware of any risky decisions

There are decisions that homeowners can make that will potentially cause big problems with the house. For example, chimneys and skylights are aesthetically pleasing options, but the flashing that surrounds them could loosen and allow water to come in.

In addition, gutters can damage or clog over time and cause serious damage to the roof. Therefore, it’s important that owners consider not only aesthetics but also possible risks when decorating the exterior of their house.

Keep the roof in good shape

It’s very important to regularly maintain the roof. You should clean their gutters and downspouts every couple of months and remove branches that could fall and damage the house.

About the author

We recommend homeowners that they hire a roofing contractor that will help them spot possible problems and solve them efficiently. If you want to schedule a maintenance inspection or learn more about Prime Roofing in Jacksonville, you can always get in touch with us by calling 904-530-1446.