Roof Inspection

It is not easy to determine the actual condition of a roof from the way it looks. Having a roof inspected by a professional is a great way to know about current issues and possible roofing problems so homeowners can tackle both before an emergency occurs. Roof inspections can help stop expensive roof repairs in the future. The National Roofing Contractors Association advises homeowners to schedule a roof inspection during the fall, spring, and following any major storm that included high winds, hail, or flying debris.

In general, a roof inspection checks for any issues that need to be repaired, are out of place, and whether your roof is withstanding the test of time. In more depth, it involves checking the inside and outside of the house.

Types of Inspection

• Interior Inspection – An interior inspection consists of checking the attic for the right insulation, ventilation, and moisture and mold.
• Exterior Inspection – An exterior inspection consists of climbing a ladder and getting onto the roof to look for leaks and proper flashing. It also involves checking the condition of the shingles, chimney, soffit, fascia, and gutters.
• Structural Inspection – A structural inspection is also performed to check how well the overall roof system is holding up and focuses on the well-being of the main parts of the roofing system. The inspector will look for any signs that could point to a sagging roof, based on how the roof planes are laid out. A few of these signs include cracked, splintered, or rotted rafters or trusses, sagging ceilings, missing or damaged collar ties and rafter ties, as well as tilting or leaning exterior walls.
• Material Inspection – Another aspect of a roof inspection is inspecting the material. The roof inspector will look for loose, missing, or curling shingles, as well as stains, moss, rust, and missing flashing or fasteners. The inspector will look to see if shingle aggregate has settled in roof valleys or on the ground at the bottom of gutter downspouts. Rubber boots and seals around vent pipes will also be inspected to determine if there are gaps or deterioration.
• Workmanship Inspection – Finally, an inspection of workmanship should be performed to find possible problems in workmanship that could increase the risks of leaks or other roof damage in the future. A thorough inspector will search for incorrect flashing around roof penetrations, such as vent pipes, skylights, and chimneys, all of which are red flags.

Why a Roof Inspection is Necessary

It is important to understand why a roof inspection is necessary. Issues may arise and homeowners will want to determine if they are occurring because the roof needs repaired. Some issues may include leaks or loose shingles, or a storm may have rolled through and possibly caused damaged. Other reason to have a roof inspection are an annual inspection, looking to sell or refinance the home, or preparing for snow season.

What a roofing professional looks for when performing an inspection depends on the type of roofing materials used. The inspection of a shingle roof involves looking for issues such as signs of water damage, mold, shingle deterioration, and clogged gutters. During the inspection of a metal roof, issues such as loose seams, damaged flashing, and rust are a few areas that roofing professionals pay close attention to. 

Scheduling an annual roof inspection is always a smart idea. A thorough inspection performed by a professional can reveal damage or potential future problems that are not apparent to a homeowner. Schedule a roof inspection today!