A roof inspection is not only an essential part of maintenance in your current home, it’s also important when buying a new property. After the home buyers survey, a thorough roof inspection is one of the most important aspects of buying a new home, as it catches any problems with your roof before they escalate into costly, dangerous issues.
During the house hunting process, you need to look further than the parts of the home which have piqued your interest and take a practical approach to check its functionality. While you are viewing the property, make sure you ask plenty of questions about the roof so you can gauge its current condition.
A professional building survey conducted by a chartered surveyor will provide a thorough assessment of the property, giving you the cost and time scale of any remedial work. This article will serve to explain the importance of having the roof inspected before you buy a house, and what potential problems may arise.
Potential problems which may be detected in the roof
1. Damage to timber beams
When checking a pitched roof, any signs of decay, woodworm holes or leaks in the timber beams suggest that a timber treatment will need to be applied.
2. Structural stability
In some cases, the struts and collar beams in a pitched roof are removed to create more space. This can impact the roof’s structural stability, so it’s important to know whether the property will require replacement beams before you move in.
3. Chimney breast
For homes which feature a working or disused chimney, the condition of the chimney breast in the attic can indicate damage to the roof. For example, if the chimney breast is damp where it passes through roof coverings, this can suggest that the roof flashing has failed.
4. Tiles
If there are any slipped or broken tiles on your roof, or the surface appears to be deteriorating, these can be clear-cut signs that the roof is reaching the end of its lifespan.
Professional roof survey
A professional, thorough roof survey will check the current condition of the roof and identify any issues with the system. It typically covers:
- Ridge tiles
- Guttering and rainwater systems (blockages, damages, cracks)
- Valley and gulleys
- Flat roofs
- Roof windows and skylights
- Dormer/pitched roofs
- Roofing covering
- Chimney stacks/pot
- Roof structure (internal and external checks)
These checks will also detect repairs or installations which have been carried out poorly in the past, so any dangerous problems can be quickly corrected.
Here at Morgan Asphalte, we are experts in the installation, repair and replacement of a range of roofing types, including:
- Asphalt
- Lead
- Felt
- Liquid
- Slate
- Single Ply
- Tiled
We are dedicated to providing customers with a durable, fully functioning roof, ensuring reliable use for many years to come. Full insurance cover is provided for all of our work, and complete roof renewals are fully guaranteed for your total peace of mind. To learn more about any of our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.