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April 5 & 6 , 2017
Spring Home & Garden
7
What to look for during roof inspections roof. Water stains do not always Get to the root of issues with your arrives. A thorough inspection can indicate problems with the roof- home’s roof before they become reveal problems that may prove ing, but it’s better to be safe than b i g g e r p r o b l e m s o n c e w i n t e r costly if ignored. sorry. • Look for protective granules wearing off. If gutters are filled Steps to take before an appraiser’s visit with the sandy granular mateHomeowners unfamiliar with the appraisal process might not know if there is rial that coats roofing shingles, anything they can do to make the process go more smoothly. While certain varithat may be a sign of an aging or ables involved in the appraisal process, such as location of the home and the valdamaged roof. ue of surrounding homes, are beyond homeowners’ control, the Appraisal Insti• Inspect flashing. Professional tute recommends homeowners take the following steps before an appraiser visits roofers can recognize properly their home. installed flashing, the material • Clean the house. A dirty home that is full of clutter will not make the best that connects the roof to other impression on appraisers. Dirty homes may be vulnerable to insect infestaparts of the house that adjoin tions that can lead to structural problems with the home. While a dirty home the roof, like skylights or chimis not necessarily an indicator of infestations or a reflection of a home’s value, neys. Poorly installed flasha clean home will create a stronger first impression with the appraiser. ing can cause leaks. Stains that • Make any necessary repairs ahead of the appointment. Homeowners who appear below chimneys or near have been putting off repairs should make them before the appraiser arrives. attic windows may indicate new Homes with repairs that still need to be made will likely be valued less than flashing, and not new shingles, similar homes with no such repair issues. Though repairs can be costly, inis needed. vesting in home repairs will likely increase both the appraisal and resale value of the home. • Gutters and downspouts • Obtain all necessary documents before the appraiser arrives. Homeownshould be in good condition. A ers who have certain documentation at the ready can speed up the appraisal roof is the sum of its parts, and process. Such documentation may include a survey of the house and property; that includes downspouts and a deed or title report; a recent tax bill; if applicable, a list of items to be sold gutters. If the gutters are clogged with the house; purchase history of the home; and the original plans and specor damaged, they cannot direct ifications of the home. water away from the house • Inform the appraiser about recent improvements. Homeowners can inproperly. Snow, leaves and other form appraisers about any recent improvements to the home and the cost debris needs to be cleared from of those improvements. The value of home improvements with regard to a gutters to help them function at home’s appraisal value vary depending on a host of variables, but having such optimal capacity. information at the ready can help appraisers make the most informed apprais• Animals and insects can cause al possible. damage, too. It’s not just poor weather that homeowners need to consider with regard to roof damage. Boring insects and animals may cause problems with roofs as well. A roof inspection may shed light on potential pest problems. Holes or nesting materials may indicate that an animal or animals are using the attic as a shelter from the elements.
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old weather can be tough on a home, and perhaps no part of a home is more vulnerable to harsh winter weather than its roof. Fallen snow can equate to several pounds of pressure placed on a residential roof. Roofs do not often collapse under heavy snowfall, but adverse winter weather conditions can compromise roofs in other ways. Water leakage and damage to the roof’s interior are just two of the potentially problematic issues that can arise when roofs are battered by cold, blustery weather. That’s why many home improvement specialists advise homeowners to conduct roof inspections prior to the start of winter. Many homeowners can conduct their own cursory roof inspections, but they may not know exactly what to look for. The National Roofing Contractors Association says that there are certain key areas to inspect that may reveal some telltale signs of roof damage. • Curled, cracked or missing shingles may prove troublesome. Inclement weather can test the strength of even the most durable roofs. Even though many roofs are designed to last up to 30 years, some may need to be replaced early, particularly when they have been exposed to harsh weather over a period of years. Individual shingles can be replaced as spot treatments, but if the damage is widespread, a new roof may be necessary. • Attic leaks or water elsewhere might signal issues with the roof. Figure out if water inside the home is coming from the