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The most common defect in a flat roof is leaking. Flat roofs have minimal slope, so water pools more readily on a flat roof than on a sloped roof, and the risk of the waterproof membrane failing increases with exposure. Tears and punctures from foot traffic and blown debris are other common problems, especially with single-ply roofing membranes like TPO and EPDM roofs.

You may become so frustrated with the look of moss on your roof that you contemplate whether to clean or replace your roof. Fortunately, you don’t have to go as far as replacing it. After cleaning the moss, you can use a chemical solution to keep it away. For further protection, trim branches that overhang the roof, as fallen seed pods and leaves on the roof allow moisture to collect, encouraging moss growth. Consider adding zinc-coated flashing to the roof, too. As rain washes across the zinc, it leaves zinc particles behind that inhibit moss growth.

You may not always be able to see a soft spot on the roof from the exterior. If the underlying damage isn’t yet severe enough to cause the shingles to buckle or show other signs of damage, you may not be able to see that there’s a problem from the outside. A roof inspection will be able to identify soft spots. When a roofer walks on the surface of your roof, they’ll be able to find soft or spongy sections.

You should consider walking away from a home purchase after an inspection reveals major issues you are unprepared to deal with, such as structural damage, environmental problems, or significant issues with the roof or mechanical systems. These problems can cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix. Before making a decision, it's a good idea to get professional estimates for the repair costs to determine if the home is still worth buying. You should also consider external factors like the state of the housing market and how quickly you need to relocate.