roofer

Your roof is more than just a shelter; it’s a whole system. Your roof protects your home, sheds water, and keeps out wind and snow, all while allowing air to circulate. Your roof performs these essential functions while being exposed to the weather. By having your roof inspected at the appropriate time, you can show it some love. This guide to roof inspection will answer your questions.

What is a Roof Inspection?

The roof has a mechanical component, making it more than just a passive part of your home. It is as important as the HVAC and plumbing systems. Roof inspections are a comprehensive examination of your roof and all its components, assessing its performance and identifying any necessary repairs.

Roof inspections can also be performed to certify the roof, determining its expected life expectancy and quality. These inspections are standard when buying or selling a home.

Roof inspections are typically conducted by roofing companies, and the service is often free or inexpensive from reputable providers. This service is commonly associated with obtaining a quote for repairs or roof replacement. While roofing companies are suitable for storm damage assessments or roof replacements, an independent roof inspector is a good choice for periodic inspections and appraisals.

What does a Roof Inspector Look For?

The role of a roof inspector is to evaluate the condition and quality of each roof component. The inspector identifies the root cause of any problems with these components. Here are some key areas that inspectors examine during an inspection:

1. Soffits, Fascia, and Drip Edges:

The inspector checks the soffit covering the roof overhang from the ground and, on a ladder, examines closely for any water intrusion behind fascias or drip edges.

2. Gutters and Downspouts:

Inspectors confirm that there is no standing water in the gutters and ensure all downspouts function correctly.

3. Roof Material:

It’s essential to closely examine the roofing material from the roof itself, as ground-level assessments may not accurately determine its condition.

4. Roof Penetrations:

Inspectors check holes created by vent pipes, media installations, roof vents, or other items. The condition and effectiveness of seals or sealants covering these penetration points are examined.

5. Flashing:

Flashings, metal or plastic strips that divert water from joints where walls pass through the roof, are checked for compliance with building codes. The inspector suggests corrections if necessary.

6. Window and Chimney Conditions:

While not roofing components, a thorough inspection includes checking the condition of skylight windows and chimneys to potentially save costs before a roof replacement.

7. Attic:

If you have attic access, inspecting the roof from below allows for the identification of stains or water damage on bare wood, aiding in pinpointing the exact location of a roof issue.

This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing which is the premier Clearwater Roofer Contractor! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.