Healthy Roof = Healthy Sale

When guiding a homeowner through the sale process, helping him or her gain the highest valuation possible is top of mind for everyone. Knowing the condition of the home and advising the homeowner on the most effective pre-sale repairs and improvements can be a realtor's greatest asset, and the client's greatest benefit.

Similarly, realtors know that a common concern among homebuyers is when the roof will need to be replaced. This is because replacing a roof can be one of the most expensive house maintenances new buyers may be confronted with. After buying a home, this financial burden could be quite devastating to a new home owner caught unaware.

It's important for realtors to know if the roof is sound, as they're certain to be asked that question. Before the time of sale, the realtor should know from the homeowner when the roof was last inspected and when problem areas were fixed. This type of counsel will also ease the mind of the buyer and assist in developing a buyer's confidence in all the information that the realtor is giving to him/her through the selling process of the home. If the roof has recently been repaired or replaced it would serve your client well to ask for the receipts and for the possibility of the transfer of any outstanding warranties.

Roof problems, like leaks and moisture can occur at any time and may be difficult to find and the cause of significant structural damage. Potential homebuyers need to be advised on ways to ensure that problem areas are detected early on.

Most asphalt/fiberglass shingles are made to last about fifteen years, but expect some problems when a roof reaches the age of eight to ten years. Learning how to identify these problems is essential to healthy roof maintenance. There are several sources that contribute to leaks/moisture. The following sources should be easily recognized:

Rain/Wind ? Some roof problems occur when wind forces the rain under the edges of the roof or shingles. Two factors contributing to this problem is an improperly sloped roof or failure to use roofing cement to adhere the asphalt/fiberglass shingle tabs in high wind areas.

Ice Dam ? This is an accumulation of ice at the lower edge of a sloped roof. Ice dams form when there is a layer of snow on the roof, which melts due to heat loss from the house into the attic. The water refreezes at the eave because it extends past the warm interior of the house and the backup of water seeps underneath the roof covering.

Moss ? Wood and built-up roofs are more prone to moss deterioration because they more easily retain moisture, and its root system may penetrate the roof surface. If you have a wood roof, inspect the roof more often in order to control moss growth. It doesn't have to become a problem.

Water Vapor ? Thermal and vapor barriers are now required when building homes. However, you should still look for signs of water vapor. Exfiltration of warm moist air to drier colder air results in condensation (frost in the winter), mold and mildew and wood decay. Seal well around ceiling fixtures, plumbing pieces, exhaust pipes and other obstructions running through the ceiling.

If a home has an attic, know the signs of attic leaks and moisture in order to explain to buyers how to avoid further roof damage. These signs are:

Structural sagging; a wavy roof frame and sheathing.

Damaged, worn or missing shingles; moss growth
Corroded flashing (around chimney, dormer, vents and in valley)
Raised shingles along the bottom of the roof
Icicles hanging from the gutter in the winter (evidence of potential ice dams)
Stained/Discolored or delaminating sheathing (when viewed from the attic hatch)
Rusted nails and rusted stains on the sheathing (when viewed from the attic hatch)
Damp or discolored insulation (when viewed from the attic hatch)
Water spots of black marks on the ceiling or at the junction between the ceiling and wall
Water marks around the ceiling fixtures
As the home ages, homeowners should be advised to schedule a home inspection in order to be informed about problems that only professionals can spot. Knowing how to fix them before they get worse can save a tremendous amount of money and assist in making more money at the time of sale.

By being thoroughly educated on the condition of a home, realtors can assist homeowners in quickly selling their home by becoming a resource to the new home buyers. Realtors may consider counseling buyers on how to avoid/prepare for common problems that occur over time will ease their sense of worry and develop their confidence in your knowledge of the home. Owning a home and maintaining a roof should not be a worry for new buyers.