Your Ultimate Roof Inspection Guide
Your roof protects the rest of your house by shedding rain, keeping wind and snow out, and allowing air to circulate. The roof over your head is more than just a shelter; it’s a functioning system in and of itself. That’s a lot of work, and your roof has to do it while being exposed to the elements. Whether it’s a foot or more of snow falling from the skies overnight or high winds tearing through town, your home’s roof is its first line of protection against storms and harsh weather. When homeowners have complete faith in their roof and ignore it until the first symptom of a leak emerges in the ceiling, they may already be dealing with far more serious concerns such as undesirable structural issues, mold growth, or damaged insulation, to name a few. Prevent future headaches by getting your roof inspection on a regular basis.
A roof inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of all roof components on or in your property. The inspection is done to see how well your roof is performing right now and what, if anything, needs to be done to fix any issues. Roof certification is also accomplished through inspections. That is, to assess the quality of a roof and its estimated longevity. When purchasing or selling a home, these inspections are usual.
Your roof may appear to be a non-active aspect of your home but it is considered a mechanical system of your home. However, just like your home’s plumbing and electrical systems, your roof serves a purpose that requires regular maintenance and inspections to maintain consistent performance.
What Does a Roof Inspector Evaluate?
The task of a roof inspector is to evaluate the condition of each roof component. If any component fails, the inspector will investigate the problem and discover the root cause. A roof inspector will also examine for leaks, unusual wear and tear, windblown debris damage, organic growth difficulties, and issues that may have developed during shingle installation or subsequent repairs. The primary areas of concern and what they look for during an examination are listed below.
Roof Penetration
Holes in your roof are caused by vent pipes, roof vents, media installations, and other stuff. To keep water out, these holes are covered with various boots, seals, sealants, or flashing. The condition and efficiency of each of these penetration seals should be checked. The penetrating things are also examined for their condition.
Flashing
Flashing is a type of material that is used to deflect water away from the seam made when a wall extends through the roof. Flashing installation is regulated by strict building codes. If your flashing isn’t up to code, the inspector will evaluate it and give recommendations.
Drip Edges, Soffits, and Fascia
The inspector will assess the condition of the soffit material that covers the roof overhang from the ground. They can have a closer look from the ladder to determine whether any water has gotten behind the fascias and drip edges.
Condition of Windows and Chimney
A full roof inspection should include checking the condition of windows and chimneys. Although they aren’t necessarily roofing components, determining their health prior to a roof repair could save money by preventing further roofing work later.
Roofing Supplies
Close observation of the roofing material from the roof itself is the best way to detect its condition. Attempting to estimate its condition from the ground will produce a much less accurate result.
Downspouts and Gutters
The inspector should then check to see if the gutters are clear of standing water and that the downspouts are securely attached and working properly.
Attic
If your property has attic access, examining the roof from below can be advantageous. On bare wood, stains or other water damage are immediately visible and indicate where a roof problem has occurred.
4 areas of Roof Inspection
Interior Inspection: Because roof leaks eventually cause damage to your home, the inspector will look for water stains, mold, rot, and other evidence that water is getting into your home in the interior ceilings, attic, and internal walls.
Workmanship Inspection: A skilled inspector will assess your roof for any flaws in the structure that could lead to future leaks or roof damage. Inadequate flashing around roof penetrations, such as vent pipes, skylights, and chimneys, would be a major red flag.
Material Inspection: The inspector will search for loose, missing, or curling shingles, stains, moss, rust, and missing flashing or fasteners during the material inspection. Shingle aggregate in roof valleys or on the ground at the bottom of gutter downspouts is an indication that the roof is nearing the end of its useful life. The inspector will also search for holes or deterioration in the rubber boots and seals around vent pipes.
Structural Inspection: The inspector will look for symptoms of drooping and uneven roof planes, as well as assess the soffit, fascia, and gutter system. At this time, Chimneys should be checked for cracks, disintegrating grout, and damage to chimney caps. The inspector may also assess the venting in your attic; poor venting can result in heat and moisture buildup, which shortens the life of your roof and increases the chance of ice dams forming at the edge.
What is the best time for roof inspection?
Roof inspections are commonly performed for the following reasons:
Roof appraisal: When purchasing a home, it’s always a good idea to know what you’re getting into when it comes to the condition of your new roof. If the roof is examined and authorized, sellers can add a selling factor to their property.
After a storm: If you file a storm damage claim, your insurance company will almost certainly need a roof inspection. The insurance company will frequently send out an inspector to verify the authenticity of a claim.
Periodic inspection: The lifespan of various roofing materials differs. It’s critical to keep a steady check on your roof. However, if your roof has reached half of its estimated lifespan, you should have it properly inspected every three to four years. If you live in a harsh area, do this even more frequently, and less frequently in milder climates. Roof inspections should be scheduled well before the colder months arrive to ensure that ample time is available should urgent repairs be required.
How can you tell whether my roof was properly inspected?
Inspectors are increasingly using drones and infrared cameras to improve feedback accuracy. These, however, should not be used to replace an inspection of your roof system by a professional. The easiest approach to determine whether your roof is being inspected properly is to observe the inspector at work. The inspector should give you with a written report after the inspection is completed.
Following the inspection, you’ll receive a thorough report on the condition of your roof and, if necessary, what repairs are required to keep it in good working order. Every aspect of the inspection should be detailed in the report. The report’s details will most likely reveal how comprehensive the inspection was. If repairs are required, make them as quickly as possible, preferably before the snow falls. When the neighborhood is covered in snow, you may rest assured that your roof is in good shape.
EcoShield Roofing specializes in roof replacements and repair for metal and shingle roofs. We are a roofing business with all the correct credentials and the required local and state licenses to get your job done right.
We also offer roof repair and gutter installation to ensure that your roof continues to work properly for years to come. To get started on your new roof, schedule a free estimate now!
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