The biggest obstacle in most real estate deals is usually the roof, and if you are in a highly competitive market like South Carolina’s, knowing what to do before you list your home can determine whether you make a sale or not.
South Carolina has a unique set of weather patterns, from the high humidity of the Low Country to the intense storm activity upstate. That’s why it’s important to have a roof inspection before listing your home.
Typical roof issues inspectors flag and what to do about them
1. Shingle deterioration: Curling, cupping edges, excessive granule loss, and brittle to the touch. South Carolina’s intense heat can accelerate your roof’s aging process.
Roof repairs: If the damage is localized, replace the affected shingles. If your entire roof shows signs of nearing the end of its life, options include a roof replacement or offering a credit to the prospective buyer.
2. A sagging roofline: This is a serious red flag that can indicate structural problems beyond just roof issues. Look for dips or waves in the roof or a ridge beam that isn’t straight, which could suggest water damage to the decking.
The fix: Assess the situation. You might need to replace rotted decking or reinforce your attic supports. Address this early so an inspector won’t consider your roof unsafe.
3. Compromised seals and flashing: The metal around chimneys, vents, and valleys is where leaks usually start. They also look at nails that missed the rafters and are now dripping water into the attic.
The fix: Reseal and, if needed, replace the flashing, then coat with a high-grade solar sealant for professional results.
4. Attic issues: Inspectors will check for water stains on the plywood, a musty odor, mold or mildew growth, hanging insulation, and poor ventilation, all signs of moisture buildup and potential roof rot from the underside.
The solution: Fix any leaks, then clean old water stains with a bleach solution. If mold is present, professional remediation is usually necessary to pass a real estate inspection.
Proactive pre-inspection checklist
Putting your best foot forward to prepare for a smooth real estate inspection will help prevent delays at closing.
1. Remove all debris from roof valleys and gutters. Ensure your gutters are draining correctly.
2. Verify permits for any roof work that may be necessary and have documentation available to prove the repairs were done to code.
3. Check the drip edges to make sure you have a metal drip edge installed. Many older South Carolina homes don’t have one, and modern codes now require it.
4. Inspect your attic for leaks, ventilation problems, and mold growth.
5. Ensure all flashing is properly installed and sealed.
6. Trim back any overhanging tree limbs or dense landscaping that prevents proper water drainage.
When selling your home, being proactive about your roof’s condition can mean the difference between a sale and no sale.
It’s worth the time and effort to prepare your roof in advance so you get the best possible outcome when an inspector is called in to evaluate your roof before a pending sale.
There is nothing worse than closing delays that could have been prevented with simple repairs.
Southern National Roofing is the area’s top roofing contractor for repairs and roof inspections.
We have the knowledge and expertise necessary to help you sell your home with the best roof possible.
We understand building codes and use only high-quality materials, focusing on making repairs, inspections, and roof replacements straightforward. Let us assist you in preparing to list your home.
