Architecture Festival

Roof problems result in costly repair or replacement and signal the need for a thorough inspection for interior water damage.

Learn how to spot common roof problems while house hunting and save yourself from purchasing a major structural problem.

1. Walk around the house exterior inspecting the roof for signs of damage, sagging, and aging. Are there signs of prior repairs? Look for moss and areas with heavy leaves.

Pay close attention to shaded areas, steep valleys, and roof surfaces obscured by vegetation.

2. Inspect roof for missing, damaged, and aging shingles. Old asphalt roofing shingles may show curling, cracking, tears, or loss of texture.

Inferior slate and clay tiles may crack or chip. Aged wood shingles with heavy moss, wood rot, or lifting may need replacement.

3. Examine roof flashing, gutters, roof vents, and undersides of roof overhangs. Look for open joints and signs of rot. Test suspected rot with an awl to determine depth of penetration.

4. Ask about the age of the roof and repair history. If there are already three layers of asphalt roofing shingles, any future roof replacement will require a complete tear down with extra labor and disposal costs. Check under a row of shingles for older layers if there is a section of roof easily accessible by ladder.