Ways To Visually Inspect a Roof

When buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, there can be a lot of details to pay attention to while you're walking through. From the paint color to the running water, it's easy to get distracted and miss a few key features - like the roof. The roof will be one of the largest investments you have to make in a home, especially if it needs to be replaced, so it's better to know in advance if you'll need to replace it.

While a roof inspection does come with your overall home inspection, you can save yourself some time if you know what to look for and know if you're willing to move forward on a project like that.

Curling & Buckling

If you notice that the shingles on the home you're looking at are curling or buckling, this could be a sign that it is old and needs to be replaced. Look for areas where the roof is in direct sunlight - do you see granules coming off? Either this roof will need to be replaced because of age, or it wasn't installed correctly - and will still need to be replaced.

Roof Valley

Valleys are the spot on your roof where rain and snow will travel down to the gutter system. Obviously, you want these areas to be well maintained and have the shingles appropriately installed. When a valley of your roof is compromised, you can be more at risk for leaks and water damage.

Chimney Flashing

Many times, when you see that a house has a fireplace, it causes immediate excitement! Pictures of sitting around the fireplace on chilly winter days may be what dances through your head, but you should also note the flashing around the chimney on the roof. A chimney is basically a hole in your roof, and if it isn't sealed properly, it can be cause for great concern.

Granules In the Gutters

Can you see inside the gutters? Do you notice shingle granules? What about granules on the ground where the gutter spits the water out? Granules can be a sign that the roof is getting bad either because it's old, not installed correctly or poor quality. A good roof only lasts about 20 years, so if the home is older, and you're seeing roof issues, it may be time to replace the roof.

Inspecting a Home at the Lake of the Ozarks

Whether you're a homeowner who needs to know how to tell the quality of their roof, or you're buying a home and don't want to get into a money pit - these tips are for you. At Gattermeir Davidson, our team can help you spot defects in a home, and realize whether something is going to be a large investment to repair, or if you've stumbled on a diamond in the rough. Are you ready to work with the best real estate agents at the Lake of the Ozarks? We would love to show you some of the amazing Lake of the Ozarks real estate!


2011 REALTOR Salesperson of the Year
Missouri Association of Realtors

Gattermeir Davidson Real Estate, LLC
752 Bagnell Dam Blvd., Suite A
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Office | 573.365.1555
Fax | 573.365.1766







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