We are often called in to offer in depth inspections and thorough roof surveys in London to assess the condition for homebuyers. Are you starting to get excited at the prospect of moving home or making that first big step onto the property ladder? Well, before you do allow yourself the luxury of thinking you might be finding your dream home, our team here at Consolidated Roofing in London want to make sure you remember to check all aspects of the home before you put an offer in or decide to buy it. More than 95% of potential buyers don’t ask to check the condition of the roof, which considering it is one of the most critical aspects of structural integrity, is shocking.
Roof surveys in London for home buyers
You should always make an effort when viewing a potential property to check the roof looks sturdy and question if any repairs have been carried out recently. But once you’ve had a London surveyor value the property, you may still need a roof inspection from an expert like us.. Having been roofers for several years, we have put together this blog post containing all the relevant information you will need to know when buying a property and the things you need to look out for when checking the roof. If you have more questions than we haven’t answered, please feel free to reach out to one of our roofers today; we are always more than happy to help.
How old is the roof?
When buying a property or viewing one, one of the first questions you need to ask is: How old is the roof? Hopefully, the estate agent or seller will have this information to give you, but that is not always the case. Should you want to inspect the roof to determine for yourself whether it is an aged roof or a newer one, there are a few things you can do to determine an average. Firstly, take a step back so you can see the roof, one of the most significant signs the roof might be older or compromised is moss growth and mould. This means the roof has been well established for several years, especially with mould growth; another thing to look for when stepping back is whether the roof has any signs of bulging or apparent damage.
Check for missing shingles worn-out spots that look like they might need replacing soon; if you do spot deformities such as these, you might find the roof needs replacing sooner than you think. More often than not, roofs are made of tiles you need to check to make sure these are not cracked or damaged in any way; if they are, you might find your new property subjected to leaking, further damage or long-lasting problems.
Have You Checked The Guttering System?
Investigating the gutters and drainpipes is also a must for any time you are searching for a new property; without checking these, you won’t know whether there is any damage you need to be aware of. Getting up onto the roof is one of the best ways to determine whether or not the roof’s condition has been compromised; you can check the guttering for any blocks, cracks or damage and ensure that it has all been fitted to the property in the right way.
Finding a property with good drainage and guttering systems installed will save you a significant amount of time and money in the future; it will help protect your new home from the elements, especially rain, snow and hailstones. Whilst on the roof, one of the other areas we would suggest inspecting is the shingles; make sure they are installed currently and intact. Shingles are a crucial element to any roof, and we would always recommend making sure they are perfect. Otherwise, the roof will be compromised in a range of weathers.
Does The Roof Have Any Breaks Or Leaks?
When it comes to broken roof tiles or any leaks the roof might have, this can cause substantial structural damage along with damaging furnishing in your home. If left long enough before repairing, you should always check for broken roof tiles, leaks or any noticeable damage to the roof on the home you are viewing. One of the biggest problems with a leaking roof is that the leak might not appear where the damage is; water can travel quite a distance before presenting itself.
A leak might not occur very often on a roof with cracked tiles, but it can be catastrophic for the roof when you do leak. It can cost you a fortune to have the roof repaired; checking for any form of damage before you put an offer down on any house is one of the most important things you can do.
Roof Surveys & Inspections London
If you consider buying a new property or selling your current one, these handy things to look out for on any roof are worth knowing. Regardless of whether you are trying to sell or buy, knowing these top tips will help you put your knowledge to the test and determine whether or not the roof you are looking at is safe, structurally sound, and still has life left in it. Buying a house is a substantial financial investment; our team here at Consolidated Roofing wouldn’t want you to buy a property with a damaged roof.
Make sure you either lookout for these things or get a professional roofer to complete a full inspection. If you would like any more information, be sure to reach out to one of our team members today, we are always happy to help in any way we can help with advice and guidance.
