The roof is one of the most important components of any home, so it needs to be in good condition. A bad roof can lead to many problems, including water damage in the house and mold problems. A roof inspection can help prevent major issues by catching them early, before they can do serious damage.
A professional inspector will look for things like missing shingles or a sagging roof. They will also examine the gutters and fascia for signs of damage. If they find any, they will make recommendations for repair.
When it comes to the actual inspection, a good inspector will start by taking pictures from the ground of any areas that show signs of leaking or other problems. They will then get on the roof and visually inspect these areas as well as critical points, such as roof valleys and penetrations. A thorough inspection will take a few hours to complete and should produce a written report with photographs and analysis.
Some inspectors will use drones or thermal imaging to supplement their visual observations, but these methods should never replace getting on the roof itself. Trying to evaluate the condition of a roof from the ground is very difficult and often returns inaccurate results. It’s also very dangerous for a homeowner to attempt to do a DIY inspection without the proper safety equipment, such as a harness and ladder.
During a typical roof inspection, an inspector will check for the following items:
Leaks
The inspector will look for evidence of leaks in the attic and in the interior rooms of the house. They will also look for visible water stains on the ceiling and walls. They will also look for rotted soffits, the condition of the roof decking, and the flashing around chimneys, dormers, vent pipes, and skylights.
Other issues that may be found are the condition of shingle thickness and age, and whether they are properly fastened. The inspector will also look for any granules in the gutter, and check the attic ventilation system.
A final item that is checked is the condition of the penetration seals. These are the various boots, sealants, and flashing that are used to redirect water from the point where a wall meets the roof. The inspector will also look for rust on the flashing and check that it is installed per building code.
In the case of a newer home, a good inspector will also check that the gutters and downspouts are secure and draining properly. They will also examine the insulation to ensure it is up to code. If any repairs are needed, they will make recommendations and provide a cost estimate for the owner to consider. For older homes, they will recommend that the owner talk with their insurance company to see if a policy can be amended to include coverage for a new roof. The earlier any issues are caught, the easier and less expensive it will be to fix them.