What is a roof inspection?
The word ‘inspection’ conjures up anxiety for most of us, especially roof inspections. However, roof inspections are a necessary part of homeownership, one more thing to be prepared for and learn what to expect. With some answers to a few questions, we hope to provide some helpful information.
Roof inspections are the procedure of inspecting your roof, yourself, or a trained professional, to determine the roof’s condition and integrity. There are several reasons why roof inspections are needed:
- Roof is aged and worn, needs repair or replacement
- Weather damage
- New homeowner insurance check
- Selling a home
- Annual roof inspections and repairs
When a roof has been exposed to the weather over a long period of time, there are any number of possible issues that validate the need for roof inspections. The constant changes and shifts in the weather can cause an accumulation of water in the wooden beams and inside the walls. This will weaken a roof’s integrity and leave it structurally unstable.
Once that water has accumulated and been left for a while, mildew, and mold form, causing more damage to the roof and your home’s structure. It is also a health hazard as your family is breathing in that mold.
Because roofs are needed to protect our family and belongings from the weather, routine roof inspections are important. Think of them to be similar to well-baby checkups. Roof inspections can often catch a small issue before it becomes a life threatening problem.
What is involved in a roof inspection?
Professional roof inspections will be done by a licensed inspector who will check the roof from different angles and views. They are looking for any possible issues that could involve any damaged, missing parts, the overall condition of the roof, including the drip edge and ridges, the flashing, gutters, and downspouts. What you should expect from professional roof inspections to include is:
- Interior inspection: Professional roof inspections will begin with an interior inspection. The inspector is looking for possible water, visible by water stains on the ceilings and walls. They check inside the attic for indication of leaks, moisture, mold, aging insulation, and holes in the roof.
- Exterior inspection: Next, professional roof inspections check the exterior of the roof, including climbing up on the roof for a close-up check. They are looking for signs of damage that include damaged and missing shingles, damaged and missing flashing, cracked caulk, possible leaks.
- Repair estimate: Once roof inspections are completed, the roofing technician will prepare a report of their findings and include an estimate for any repairs or replacements that are needed.
Should I get roof inspected?
Insurance companies and roofing experts recommended that roof inspections should be done every 2 years until the roof has aged 10 years, then annually after that. If your home is surrounded by a lot of trees, roof inspections are recommended annually regardless the age of the roof. Roof inspections should also be performed after any significant weather event that involved hail, hard rain, high winds, ice, or snow.
How do you know if you have roof damage?
Roof damage will expose the structure of your home to serious problems. Simply because you don’t see it, doesn’t meant it isn’t there. In fact, roof damage can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs or replacement and if your insurance company denies your claim, the entire cost is coming out of your pocket.
The most obvious sign of roof damage is water stains on the ceilings and walls. A roof leak can be found in the attic with mold and water spots on the insulation and rafters. The siding on your can also provide you a hint of possible roof damage.
How do you check for roof leaks?
Here are warning signs that you should be aware of that indicate a possible roof leak:
Broken, Cracked, Loose, Missing Shingles
High winds and hours, days of the sun beating own on the roof will cause roofing materials to break, crack, loosen, and come off. Where this happens, it exposes the roof to damage from the weather. However, if discovered early enough by roof inspections, repairs can be made to save the roof.
Broken, Loose, Missing Fascia and Soffits
Fascia and soffits that show signs of decay, deteriorating or even missing can be indication of roof leaks, or at the very least, gutter issues. Closer roof inspections can determine what needs to be done then.
Inspect the Gutters
The damage to the fascia and soffits can be from the gutters coming loose. The gutters can also be full of roofing granules which indicates that the shingles have lost some of the protective layer. Aging, hail, heavy rains, and the heat weaken asphalt granules, then they wash off into the gutter with the rain. Roof inspections often find there is enough granules washed off the roof needs replacing.
Vents
Roof inspections that find curled shingle edges is caused by improper attic venting that has caused ice dams. These will start allowing rain to get up under the shingles and begin rotting the roof decking, then leaks begin.
How do you perform a roof inspection?
If you don’t know how to do a roof inspection, you can always hire a professional, which is recommended at least every 2 years. To do your own roof inspections, follow these tips:
- Inspect the Gutters – make sure they are fastened securely and no breaks in the runs.
- Inspect the Flashing – make sure all the flashing is securely in place, and if any is broken, missing, or rusted, replace it.
- Inspect the Skylights – average lifespan of skylights is 18 years. Roof inspections should include checking there is no gap in the seal or cracks in the glass.
- Inspect the Chimney – the chimney should be solid with no cracked or missing mortar. Make sure the chimney cap is in place and secure.
- Inspect The Attic – roof inspections should always include the attic, specifically, the ventilation. Inspect for moisture, mildew or mold, and rotted wood.
What do roof inspectors look for?
During roof inspections, the inspector will be looking for hidden and obvious leaks, any unusual wear and tear, and any damage that would be caused by the weather and windblown debris. They also inspect for organic growth on the roof like algae, and they inspect the installation and any areas that have been repaired. Need a roof inspection in Long Island and Farmingdale, NY? Call 0410964723 today!
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