When buying a home, it is always important to carefully inspect it before placing an offer. Issues with the roof can turn a potential dream home into a money sucker very quickly. To make sure that you don’t get suckered into repairs, or even a full roof replacement in Duxbury, Massachusetts, make sure you check the roof for these problem signs.

Age

The ideal life-expectancy of a well-maintained roof is thirty years or more. Ask the seller what the age of the roof is, to see if it is close to needing a replacement. The age of a roof isn’t necessarily a warning sign, but if the roof was installed sloppily or is poorly maintained it could be a red flag.

Missing Shingles

Obvious signs of damage should be easily visible from the lawn, or when standing across the street. This could be a sign of big problems later on. When negotiating the contract, it is a good idea to hire a roofer to inspect the roof of the home for problems. They can give you a good idea of how much the roof will cost you after you move in. If the home has already been inspected prior to being put up for sale, you can ask the seller to review it.

Problems with the Gutters

The gutters protect the home from water damage, so if they are improperly maintained it could mean major issues for your home in the future. A roof inspection should include the gutters, so it’s a good idea to get one done before you sign any contracts.

Some states have a special law that requires sellers to fill out disclosure forms. These forms will tell you about any and all problems with the home. Before you perform your inspections, look up whether your state requires these forms and acquire them from the seller.

Keeping your gutters free of debris is very important in the maintenance of home. Gutters collect the water the runs off of your roof and drains it away from your house, effectively protecting your windows, siding, doors, and your foundation from water damage.

It is recommended that your gutters be cleaned out once every two years. You may need to clean them more often if your home is directly beneath a tree. To begin, get a sturdy ladder and place it against the roof. It is safer to use a step ladder rather than an extension ladder. Make sure you are wearing heavy work gloves to protect your hands from debris, and safety goggles to protect your eyes. Non-slip shoes are also important.

Before you begin, rake any leaves off of the roof so that they don’t wash into the gutters after you spent so much time cleaning them out. Using a bucket to collect the debris or a drop cloth below can also be helpful for collecting and disposing of the leaves without damaging your yard.

To clean your gutters, the first thing you need to do is scoop out any loose debris. Next, blast out any remaining debris or dirt with a hose. Next, flush out the spouts with a hose. If it doesn’t drain freely, you may need to use a plumber’s snake to get out any remaining debris.

When you need roofing in Scituate, MA and the surrounding area, trust South Shore Roofing. We provide roof maintenance to customers throughout New England. For more information, visit SouthShoreRoofers.com, today.