Roofing for New Homeowners
The roof is one of the most expensive parts of the house you just bought, and the one you see least. Here is what to check in your first year.
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Start with what you already have
Your home inspection report almost always has a roof section. Read it again with fresh eyes. Note anything marked as worn, damaged or near the end of its life. Inspectors usually look from the ground or a ladder, so their notes are a starting point, not the full picture.
Ask the seller or your agent for any roofing records: the year the roof was installed, invoices, insurance claims and warranty papers. A roof's age is the single most useful number you can have.
In Texas, the roof works harder than in most places. Summer heat bakes shingles, and hail and high wind can damage a roof in minutes. A roof that looked fine at closing can change after a single storm season, so treat the inspection report as a snapshot, not a promise.
Four things to find out in year one
Roof age
Asphalt shingles usually last 20 to 30 years in Texas heat. Knowing the age tells you whether to plan for repair or replacement.
Material
Asphalt shingle, metal, tile and wood shake all age differently and need different care.
Warranty status
Some manufacturer warranties can transfer to a new owner. Check the paperwork and the deadline to register the transfer.
Past damage
Ask if the roof had storm claims or repairs. Patched areas are worth a closer look.
Warning signs to watch for
Water stains on ceilings or along exterior walls.
Shingle granules collecting in the gutters or at the downspouts.
Curling, cracked or missing shingles.
Daylight or damp insulation in the attic.
Gutters that overflow or pull away from the fascia.
Musty smells in upstairs rooms after rain.
A simple first-year plan
Get a professional inspection
Have a roofer get on the roof and document its condition with photos. Our roof inspection gives you a baseline.
Fix small issues early
Loose flashing or a few damaged shingles are simple roof repairs. Left alone, they become roof leaks.
Check after every storm
Look for missing shingles and debris after hail or high wind, and photograph anything you find.
Start a roof file
Keep the inspection, photos, invoices and warranty in one place. It helps with insurance and when you sell.
When the roof is near the end
If your inspection or the roof's age says replacement is coming, you have time to plan instead of reacting to a leak. Compare quotes on the same scope, choose a material that fits how long you plan to stay and ask about financing. Our article on roof repair vs replacement helps you decide.
GemSco is family owned, licensed and insured, with more than 20 years of experience. We give free estimates, financing is available and we serve Houston, DFW, Austin and San Antonio. Call (844) 980-5506.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out how old my roof is?
Start with the seller's disclosure and any invoices or permits from the last replacement. Your agent can ask the seller directly. If there are no records, a roofer can estimate the age from the shingle type, wear and granule loss. A professional inspection with photos gives you a reliable baseline.
Is my home inspection enough to judge the roof?
It is a good start but often limited. Many home inspectors view the roof from the ground or a ladder and flag issues for a specialist. A roofer who walks the roof and checks flashing, vents and the attic can tell you more about remaining life and needed repairs.
Does the roof warranty transfer to me as the new owner?
It depends on the manufacturer and the type of warranty. Some can be transferred to a new owner, often with a registration step and a deadline. Look for the warranty papers from the seller and check the manufacturer's terms. The installer's workmanship warranty is a separate document.
How often should a new homeowner have the roof checked?
A professional inspection once after you buy sets a baseline. After that, a yearly look is a reasonable habit, plus a check after any hail or strong wind. Catching loose flashing or a damaged shingle early is far cheaper than repairing a leak inside the house.
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GemSco Roofing & Solar serves Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas. We’re family owned and fully licensed and insured.