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Denver Roofers Explain the Hidden Signs of Damage to Watch for When Buying a New House


April 3, 2019

Spring and summer are the most popular times to buy a new home. The weather is warm, the school year is wrapping up, and you’re ready for a change. But there’s more to buying a new home than finding the perfect property. You need to make sure you’re moving into a safe structure. 

Ask any Denver roof repair expert and they’ll tell you that the most overlooked part of any new house is the roof. Some buyers don’t even pay attention to it before closing on the property! This results in costly repairs that can put strain on your budget. Save yourself the trouble and watch for these signs of hidden damage when shopping for a new property.

Look for Missing Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material in and around the Denver Metro area. Though they’re durable, they show damage readily, making it easy to spot from the ground. Walk around the exterior of the house and look for any missing shingles along the roofline and check for pieces of shingles on the ground or loose roofing nails. If you see any, it could be a sign of roof damage.

Inspect the Ceilings
When a leak goes on unchecked for a long time, it leaves visible signs of damage inside the house. As you tour the property, look for stains or discoloration on the ceiling. These could be old, but it’s enough of a warning sign to raise concern. Also check for warping in the sheetrock. Moisture can cause the sheetrock to bubble and bow out. Keep in mind that this damage is more common with ruptured pipes. But it’s enough to make you think twice about buying the property.

Sagging Gutters
Sagging gutters may seem like a minor problem, but they can cause severe water damage. When gutters are in good repair, they direct runoff and water to a designated drainage area. When they’re bent or pulling away from the roof, the runoff flows down the side of the house. This can lead to siding problems, foundation damage, and water damage in your attic. And much of this will be hard to detect without help from a professional roofer. Save yourself the trouble and avoid buying a house with damaged drainage systems. 

Warped Rooflines
Water damage increases moisture levels inside the attic space. Over time, the increased moisture levels can cause the roof supports to warp and bend. When you’re looking at the property, make sure the roofline is straight and true. If you see any curves that aren’t part of the architectural design, steer clear of the house. 

Whether you’ve bought a house and want help fixing damage or need a second opinion on a property, our dedicated roofers are happy to help. We know that buying a house is stressful enough and will help you assess the house for water damage and roof issues before you buy. Just schedule a consultation with our team today and let us take the worry out of buying a new home.