Comprehensive Guide of Roof Inspection: What to Expect
Discover how professional roofing companies perform a thorough roof inspection! Scheduling a proper roof inspection once per year can help a homeowner avoid a costly roof replacement. But what is a roof inspection, and how do the pros do it? Let’s find out!
What Is A Roof Inspection?
A roof inspection is the process of checking roofing materials like shingles, gutters, and flashing to ensure they remain in good condition. If these or other roof components are damaged or missing, it can lead to water damage that affects the roof, attic, and interior of the home. For this reason, a homeowner’s insurance company may demand policy holders schedule an annual roof inspection.
Why Do You Need A Roof Inspection?
Homeowners need roof inspections for various reasons. Sometimes, it is needed after a harsh storm or bad weather. Other times, homeowners schedule regular roof inspections as a matter of course. Some of the most common reasons why you might need a roof inspection include:
- Leaks and water damage
- Annual inspection
- Winter preparation
- Recent storm
- Roof certification
The Top 5 Best Roof Inspector Tips
As roofers gain experience working for a roofing company, they pick up tips and tricks that make a roof inspection more effective. Because there is so much to know about roof inspections, these tips make it easier for them to find potential issues when they inspect your roof. Find some of the best roof inspection tips below.
1. Get Up Close And Personal With The Roof
A real roofing professional will climb a ladder for an up-close roof check. This approach provides an opportunity to examine the roof flashing around the chimney, vent pipes, dormers, and other roof penetrations. This part of the roofing material inspection allows roofers to quickly find some of the most common causes of roof leaks. If the flashing appears in good shape, checking the asphalt shingles may uncover the source of the leak.
2. Search For Curled, Cracked, Or Missing Shingles
Even on the most well-maintained roof, damaged shingles can cause leaks that produce water stains inside the home. A professional roofer will check the entire roof for curled, cracked, or missing shingles. Homeowners often schedule roof inspections after a storm with high winds, heavy rain, hail, sleet, or snow because these conditions often cause roof damage.
3. Look For Algae And Other Organic Matter
When you get your roof inspected, the roofer will scan the whole roof system for algae, moss, leaves, and other debris. The accumulation of organic matter on the roofing material traps moisture on the surface, which seeps into the roof structure and causes mold and wood rot. Specialized shingles and herbicides can keep fungus and plant growth at bay.
4. Check For Any Sagging Of The Roof
A sagging roof is a sign that it needs a structural inspection. Professionals will look for any unevenness or soft spots in the roof deck. This simple visual inspection can identify significant damage that requires immediate attention. If sagging or soft spots are found, a more thorough attic inspection will follow.
5. Inspect The Attic
As part of an interior inspection that focuses on the ceiling and walls of a home, an expert roofer will also enter the attic to look around. The main components that the roofer will examine include the rafters, joists, and roof deck. Any wood rot represents a threat to the roof’s structural integrity. Roofers will also check the insulation for moisture retention and mold growth.
What Else Does A Roof Inspector Look For?
In addition to covering all the basics of a roof inspection, roofers will check each component individually. Depending on the size and location of the house, some of the components the roofers will examine include rain gutters, chimneys, and soffits. Sometimes, the insurance company will dictate which components the roofer must inspect.
Roof Penetrations
Roofers always check penetrations because they are often the location of an unidentified leak. The extra holes in the roof surrounded by flashing represent weak points that may allow water seepage as the materials degrade over time. Some of the most common penetrations include:
- Vent pipes
- Exhaust fans
- Swamp coolers
Rain Gutters and Downspouts
While standing on the roof, a roofer will check that no standing water, plant debris, or other blockages remain in the rain gutter. The extra weight caused by undischarged water can break the gutter or even cause it to fall to the ground. The gutters will also be checked for cracks and leaks. The downspout must stay firmly secured with brackets.
Fascia, Soffits, and Drip Edges
A roofer must check the soffits while standing firmly on the ground because they sit under the eaves or other overhangs. Then, on a ladder, the roofer can inspect the integrity of the drip edges and examine the fascia for signs of water damage or pest infestations. Any damaged component must be repaired or replaced for a roof to satisfy the building codes.
Skylight and Chimneys
Skylights and chimneys represent two of the biggest culprits when identifying a roof leak. An experienced roofer will look at these large installations to ensure all the flashing remains intact. Inspecting the skylight and chimney prior to replacing the roofing material can save time, money, and frustration if they turn out leaky.
Flashing
Flashing does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping the interior of a home dry and comfortable. Anywhere there is a joint or valley in the roof, flashing serves as an essential extra layer of protection. In most cases, flashing consists of a bent metal sheet. However, sometimes they consist of plastic. All flashing must satisfy building codes to certify a roof.
Essential Maintenance And Benefits Of Regular Roof Inspections
Maintaining the integrity of your roof is essential for protecting your home from the elements and ensuring the comfort and safety of its inhabitants. Regular roof inspections play a crucial role in this maintenance process, offering numerous benefits that extend beyond the immediate identification of issues. This section explores the significance of routine roof inspections, the potential problems they can help avert, and the overall value they add to the longevity and resilience of your roofing system.
Importance And Advantages Of Routine Roof Inspections
Preventive Maintenance
Roofs are constantly exposed to weather elements, and each season brings its own set of challenges. Professional inspections can assess the impact of conditions such as winter snow loads, spring storms, or summer heat, ensuring that your roof remains robust and secure throughout the year.
Insurance Compliance
Many homeowner insurance policies have stipulations regarding roof maintenance. Regular professional inspections ensure compliance with these terms, potentially preventing complications or disputes in the event of an insurance claim.
Energy Efficiency and Comfort
A well-maintained roof contributes to the overall energy efficiency of a home. Inspections can detect issues like poor insulation or ventilation that might be causing heat loss in winter or excess heat retention in summer, leading to higher energy bills and reduced comfort levels.
Resale Value and Curb Appeal
The condition of the roof is a significant factor in a home's curb appeal and can influence its resale value. Regular maintenance and documented inspections can be a selling point, showcasing the care and investment put into the property.
How Often Should You Check The Roof?
You should check the roof at least once a year to ensure it did not sustain damage during the winter. Most roofing experts will recommend homeowners schedule a proper inspection in spring to confirm the roof’s condition. A home inspection in late fall will also ensure the roof remains sturdy enough to make it through the next winter.
Expert Roof Inspections | Mighty Dog Roofing
Now that you read through our roof inspection guide, you know why roof inspections are necessary and what they entail. Our expert roof inspectors take their time when examining our clients’ homes, completing an exhaustive checklist that leaves nothing to chance. If you think you may need a roof inspection, call Mighty Dog Roofing today at (833) MIGHTY 4 for a free consultation.
