If you're buying a house for the first time, accurate information about the condition of the home is critical to your final decision on making the purchase. One area that many buyers cannot gather a lot of information on is the roof. A roof inspector can provide an accurate report on the condition of the roof. If you are hiring a roof inspector, these are the key areas you can expect him or her to evaluate.

The Condition of the Shingles

The roof inspector checks the shingles to determine their condition. The first thing the inspector looks for is any sort of damage to the shingles. If there are shingles that are curling up or even missing, this affects the inspector's report, which can then affect your decision to buy the home. Don't assume that you'll be able to see all damage yourself; a good inspector can find damaged shingles that a simple look at the roof may not reveal.

If your roof has asphalt shingles, the inspector also checks their condition. Asphalt shingles lose their granules over time. However, inspectors will be able to spot if the rate of this granule loss is more than usual. If the shingles are wearing down at a fast rate, it's a sign of potential problems for the roof. You may even need to replace the roof shortly after purchasing the home.

The Condition of the Rafters in the Attic

The roof inspector not only inspects the roof from the outside, but also from inside the attic. He or she will be looking for damage to the roof. One of the first things that indicate damage is cracks or breaks in the roof itself. The inspector also checks for dampness or leaks in the roof.

Another part of the inspection from the attic involves the ceiling. Damage in the ceiling can indicate damage in the roof. The inspector looks for ceiling moisture or cracks in the ceiling to determine if there is a potential problem with the roof.

The Condition of the Roof's Structure

One of the final areas of inspection is the condition of the roof's structure. The inspector looks for structural damage such as rotten soffit or sagging in the roof. He or she also checks the pitch of the roof to assess if it is steep enough to avoid standing water.

Roof inspectors will check the quality of the roof from multiple angles. Once the inspection is complete, he or she produces a report that explains the condition of the roof. This report also recommends what repairs or replacements are needed. The roof inspector's report gives you a repair or replacement cost estimate, so you can fairly ask the seller to reduce the cost of the home. If they agree, you'll be able to afford any repairs needed. If they don't agree, you'll have the option to back out of the home-purchase contract.

For more information on buying your first home, contact a real estate agent from a business like RE/MAX EXECUTIVES PLUS.