Buying a new house is both exciting and nerve-wracking. And though the average person moves more than 11.4 times in their lives, the process never gets any easier. No matter how many times you’ve moved, you always expect the transition to go smoothly. Unfortunately, not all homes will be in the condition you want them to be in. Even if the seller tells you that the roof is relatively new, there’s no way to guarantee that the roof will last for the full expected lifespan. So, what causes those newer roofs to fail? Your
Denver roofers explain.
Bad Ventilation
Properly installed roofs all have an appropriate ventilation system that allows air in the attic space to circulate throughout the underside of the roof. This helps keep the roof from getting too hot or too cold and prevents excess moisture from building up on the supports.
When the roof’s ventilation system isn’t right for the size or the materials, it can cause the materials and the supports to warp. This, in turn, results in unexpected leaks and other damage that threaten the safety and integrity of your home’s roofing system.
Improper Flashing Materials
Flashing is a strip of what is typically metal that covers the seam between your roofing materials and any protrusions on the roof. These could be skylights, vents, and even your chimney. When they’re installed correctly and the materials aren’t damaged, the seal is water-tight. But when the roofer uses the wrong type or size of flashing, your roof could be at risk for water damage.
Most roofers are trained and have the necessary experience to install the right flashing for individual roofs. But some won’t. When the seams aren’t protected from the elements, and you’ll start to see leaks at best and mold growth indoors at worst.
Low-Grade Materials
Believe it or not, not all roofing materials are the same. Some are made to higher standards than others. If the previous homeowner wanted to cut costs and didn’t invest in high-quality roofing materials, the roof will fail prematurely.
Those low-grade materials break down quickly and will need to be replaced sooner than their higher quality counterparts. Even routine maintenance isn’t enough to keep those bad materials working the way you need them to. If you suspect that the roofing materials used on your home are not up to snuff, call your roofer and get your roof inspected as soon as possible.
Bad Installation
Established roofing companies have been in the industry for years for a reason: they know what they’re doing. But new startups and newer contractors don’t always know how to install things correctly. When this happens, that new roof just won’t last. You’ll lose shingles, see nails strewn across your yard, and will likely notice a leak or two forming when you least expect it.
Always Schedule an Inspection
If you’re worried about the condition of a roof, whether you own the home or are thinking of buying it, schedule an inspection today. The more you know about the condition of the system, the better off you’ll be.