When you are buying a home, the home inspection report gives you valuable insight into the condition of the home you’re considering purchasing. What shape are the plumbing and electrical systems in? How about the HVAC system that keeps you comfortable season after season? Are repairs needed anywhere or is everything good to go?

What about the home systems that protect everything and everyone from the harsh Wisconsin and Illinois elements? We’re talking about your home’s roof and siding — perhaps the two most important systems in a home’s structure. Read on to learn the advantages of obtaining an independent home exterior inspection and some of the key points your home exterior contractor will be looking at.

EXPERT ROOF & SIDING FEEDBACK

Like everything else in a home structure, the roof and siding have a shelf life. The shelf life of the roof and siding depend upon several factors. With what types of materials are the systems constructed? How was the workmanship? Are there any records of repairs? And, equally important, did the roof and home siding receive regular maintenance from a professional contractor?

When buying a home, you surely don’t want any surprises after you’ve got the keys, such as roof leaks, rotting siding, or foundation troubles. An independent home exterior inspection will give you valuable feedback into the history and current state of a home’s roof and siding that you just won’t receive in a standard home inspection. You need an expert eye for the roof and siding. There are just too many variables in play that could point to an ailing home exterior.

PRICE NEGOTIATION ADVANTAGE

You’ve found the home of your dreams and you’re going to make an offer. But, will your offer on the home be accurate? An accurate buying offer on a home can only be made if you know that actual condition of the roof and siding. These are expensive home systems to have to make unanticipated repairs to or even a roof replacement or siding replacement in the near future. With facts in hand about the state of the roof and siding, you can be confident the price you’re offering is of your best interests.

THE ROOF INSPECTION

A professional roof inspection is quite detailed. There’s a lot more to it than just looking at the outer shingle layer for signs of missing shingles, cracks and tears, missing granules, and more. Here are the primary points your roofing contractor will be looking at.

  • Deck: The deck shouldn’t be sagging or have any soft spots.
  • Flashing: There shouldn’t be any rust. A drip edge should be present.
  • Valleys: Are there signs of leaks or standing water? There shouldn’t be any rust or gaps in flashing.
  • Chimneys: Are there any cracks in the chimney or signs of standing water? How is the flashing? Any gaps?
  • Gutters: Gutters should be secured to the fascia without any pulling away. There shouldn’t be any signs of rust, leaks, or blockages. Downspouts should be intact and convey water five to six feet away from the foundation.
  • Attic: There shouldn’t be any mold or mildew, which would indicate water leaks.

THE SIDING INSPECTION

What follows are key points your roofing contractor or home exterior contractor will inspect.

  • Rotting: Your contractor will look for rotting or warped siding.
  • Insects: Wood siding should be free of insect infestation.
  • Paint: Is the paint in good condition? Is the siding retaining paint, or is it chipping away?
  • Cracks: Cracked or loose siding pieces may need to be replaced.
  • Moisture: Seams and beaded areas are hot spots for mold and mildew growth. Is moisture getting behind siding that would indicate poor installation or a gutter problem?

When you need a home exterior inspection before you buy a home, contact the experts. That’s us! Aurum Contracting is proud to provide no-obligation home exterior inspections to our Wisconsin and Illinois customers. Call us today! (608)312-4343