Roofing Guide for First Time Home Buyers 

Buying a house can be extremely overwhelming. There are so many details to consider, from your space needs to location, appearance, amenities, and more. However, despite all of this careful decision-making, many homebuyers tend to overlook a critical aspect of their future home: the roof.  

 As your local, go-to roofing contractor, PRQ Exteriors takes pride in helping out our customers at every step of their roofing journey. In this blog post, our professional roofing staff has compiled a guide for first-time homebuyers to know what to look out for when it comes to roof inspections, roofing materials, property conditions, and more!  

What Should New Homebuyers Look For in a Roof?

Your roof protects you, your family, and your belongings from the elements. A great roofing system can save you thousands of dollars in electricity by efficiently reflecting heat away, among many other benefits. It also impacts your home's visual appeal through its style and condition. Suffice it to say that roofing is a key element in your home's upkeep, and it pays to notice the state of a roof when looking at houses as a prospective buyer.   

With that in mind, here are some of the things that we recommend home buyers look out for when purchasing a property:  

Type of Roofing Material

One of the single most important considerations when considering roofing is to think about its material. There are tons of different materials for roofing systems on the market, making it difficult to determine which materials are desirable in a home.   

Shingles, Tile, Metal, etc.

• Asphalt shingles  

Asphalt shingles are by far the most common roofing material in America and for good reason. They're quite inexpensive, highly durable for the price point, and simple to install. They are also produced in a variety of colors, making them customizable to your home!  

• Tiles   

Concrete or clay tile roofing is an attractive option that is great at reflecting heat, making it preferable in sunnier regions. It is relatively durable and can last a long time if properly maintained. However, they are much more prone to chipping and shattering than other roofing materials, so they may not be suitable in areas that experience heavy storms.  

• Metal  

Metal is another excellent, durable option for roofing, and it comes in a variety of styles. Metal roofs are typically cheaper than other materials and can have great longevity if properly cared for.  

Additionally, different roofing materials can offer different aesthetic appeals. Shingles are a safe, neutral bet, while terracotta tiling can lend a more southwestern vibe to your home. Metal roofing can often look very sleek and modern, though the material is incredibly versatile and can be made to fit the aesthetics of almost any property.

Overall Roofing Condition

In addition to the particulars of a roof's material, it's incredibly important for prospective homebuyers to be cognizant of the overall condition of the property's roofing. A home can be great in terms of location, space, and visual appeal, but you may not want to commit if you know you're in for woes about potential leaks, water damage, and exorbitant roofing replacement costs. A new roof is a significant investment and being caught off guard with this project can be a real headache!

It's best to consult a professional roofer and get a full home inspection before signing off on a property. 

Additional Considerations

While what we've covered already may be obvious to some, here are a few additional considerations to note while assessing a new property's roofing.  

Trees and Other Potential Debris on the Property

If you're worried about the sanctity of your roofing and you live in an area that experiences heavy storms, it's definitely important to keep an eye out for features on the property that could cause potential roof damage. This can include poorly maintained trees with low-hanging branches that could crash into your roof under high-speed winds!  

Attic Inspections to Identify Possible Water Damage

Though superficial external damage to your roof, like shattered shingles, can tip you off to potential issues, the most reliable way to determine if your roofing system does its job is to do a thorough attic inspection to find signs of water damage or leaks. Depending on how extensive the damage is, consider how much you are willing to pay for repairs on your new home.  

Roofer’s Checklist: After You Move Into a New Home

So you've made the decision to purchase a new home, and you're ready to move in. Congrats!  

While you may have already thoroughly considered the condition of the roof before buying it, now is the perfect time for you to do a thorough check of your roof to make sure you're not blindsided by any potential issues down the road.   

Budgeting for Roof Repairs and Maintenance

No matter what condition your roofing was in when you purchased the home, roofing maintenance is a necessity as a new homeowner, and you may need to be making repairs that have been neglected for many years by the previous homeowners. For this reason, it can be incredibly helpful to set out a precise budget for roofing maintenance to keep your expenses in line and to keep you on track to achieve your goals.     

Get Homeowner’s Insurance in Order

What roofing warranties won't cover, homeowner's insurance will. In the event of unexpected extreme weather, many homeowners find themselves facing extensive damage to their roof that they don't even know how to pay for. Insurance can help! Homeowner's insurance is a necessity for any homeowner, especially when living in regions that experience any sort of weather that could do damage to their roof.      

Lastly, Find a Trusted and Professional Roofer

Simply planning out all of your big roofing projects is one thing, but when it comes to actually getting it done, it's critical that you reach out to a roofing professional that really knows what they're doing. After all, workmanship can make the difference between a roof that lasts about 10 years before falling apart and a roof that can live out a full lifespan with no issues!  

PRQ Brings Top-Rated Residential Roofing Services

When looking for roofing companies in Colorado, look no further than PRQ Exteriors. Our contractors are certified professionals with many years of experience and countless positive customer reviews! You can trust us to do a great job at a fair price that will keep your home beautiful and protected from the elements for many years to come.     

PRQ Exteriors sets the standard for roofing companies in the Denver area by providing quality roofing services and excellent customer service built on great communication. Since 2014, homeowners and business owners in Denver turn to us for trusted, professional roof repairs, replacement, and storm restoration. Use the form below to schedule a free roofing evaluation today.