A roof inspection is conducted when there are signs of a leak, following a severe storm or as part of the home buying process. It includes a visual examination and an evaluation of the structural components.
Inspectors will start by examining the flashing to see that it’s protecting vulnerable areas such as roof edges, chimneys and vent pipes. They will also check for sagging roof decks.
Flashing is the thin metal sheeting that sits under shingles and creates a watertight seal over areas where roof structures meet. Inadequate flashing leads to water leaks, which can damage the underlying materials and lead to mold, mildew, or other health hazards. Regular inspections can identify damaged flashing early, preventing the need for costly repairs.
Flashing issues usually occur around areas such as chimneys, vents, and roof valleys. Weather damage, physical damage, or age-related wear and tear can cause flashing to become loose, crack, or deteriorate. A professional can install new flashing, ensuring that it is securely fastened and properly overlapping the surrounding roofing materials to prevent leaks.
Common signs of damaged flashing include water stains on the ceiling and walls, and leaking during rainfall. Other indicators of flashing problems are rust and corrosion, as well as visible cracks in the roof or wall. These may be caused by temperature fluctuations, which can cause galvanized steel flashing to expand and contract, leading to cracked sections. High winds and other weather conditions can also rip up or pull away flashing, exposing gaps that can allow water to enter the home.
While flashing lasts a long time, it will eventually reach the end of its lifespan. Inadequate maintenance and exposure to the elements can speed up this process.
Flashing should be installed in accordance with manufacturer guidelines to ensure a secure fit and a tight seal. The flashing should be secured with roofing cement and a caulking, forming a watertight barrier over vulnerable areas of the roof. Any cracks or gaps should be promptly repaired with a roofing sealant, which can be purchased at most hardware stores.
Poor Ventilation
Proper roof ventilation prevents shingle deterioration and moisture problems, lowers energy bills, extends the life of the roofing system, and reduces stress on HVAC systems. Ignoring ventilation issues can lead to a range of issues including temperature fluctuations throughout the house, high humidity, mold growth, ice dams in winter, and other costly roof damage. Regular roof inspections and maintenance are necessary to ensure ventilation systems function properly.
A professional roofing contractor will evaluate your roof and attic ventilation, ensuring adequate air circulation throughout the home. The roof inspector will verify the number and location of soffit vents, ridge vents, and other roof protrusions and their opening sizes to confirm they are properly sized to allow for adequate airflow. If a lack of venting is the issue, the roof contractor can recommend additional intake vents to optimize attic and roof ventilation.
The roof inspector will also look for the presence of rust on flashing, which is thin sheets of metal that seal any saturations in the roof like the joints around chimneys and vents. If rust is present, it means the flashing is no longer watertight and should be replaced as soon as possible. A roof inspection will also include a check for the presence of shingle tabs, which are small pieces of shingles that hold the shingle in place and are easily damaged by hail and other weather events.
Insufficient attic ventilation is common in homes, and a major cause of energy loss, moisture problems, and roof damage. Insufficient attic ventilation allows hot attic air to seep into living spaces, causing temperatures to rise and increasing the reliance on air conditioning. It can also lead to ice dams in the winter and musty odors in the attic and home.
Regular roof inspections are the best way to identify attic ventilation issues and to address them before they cause damage to your home. A qualified roofing contractor can install new vents to help balance attic and home airflow, preventing excessive heat buildup in summer and reducing the reliance on air conditioning. They can also inspect and replace ventilation components such as baffles, attic fans, and insulation, which may be clogged or deteriorating.
Damaged Structural Components
A roof is constantly exposed to harsh weather conditions and environmental factors that can impact its lifespan and performance. As such, it is important to inspect and address any issues with structural components to prevent more serious problems later on. A sagging ceiling or any signs of water damage can indicate a structural issue that requires attention.
A professional inspector will carefully examine the rafters, beams, and decking of the roof to determine their condition. In addition, they will check for load-bearing areas, such as chimneys and vents. If these areas are weakened, they may need to be reinforced or replaced.
Another important area to inspect is the flashing. This is the material that seals joints and protects the roof from water infiltration. An inspector will check the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights to ensure it is intact and free of rust or corrosion. They will also inspect the gutters and downspouts to make sure they are clear of debris that can cause clogs.
The next step is to assess the shingles. This includes looking for missing, damaged, or curled shingles. An inspector will also look for granule loss, which can indicate the shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan. Finally, the inspector will look for cracks in the shingle surface, which can lead to leaks and rot.
Once the shingles are assessed, the inspector will move on to the other components of the roof. This includes checking the eaves, soffits, and fascia for any signs of deterioration or damage. They will also inspect the attic to check for proper ventilation, a lack of which can result in moisture buildup. Finally, the inspector will check the trusses and rafters for any visible signs of rot or decay.
When conducting a roof inspection, it is important to wear comfortable shoes and work in a dry day. It is also a good idea to have a pair of binoculars to assist in examining hard-to-reach areas. Finally, always have a professional conduct a roof inspection, as it can be dangerous if done improperly.
Poor Drainage
Water damage caused by a poorly functioning roof drainage system is not only expensive, but it can also compromise structural integrity and shorten the lifespan of your home’s roofing materials. As the first line of defense, the drainage system must be regularly inspected to ensure that it is capable of protecting the home from moisture infiltration.
One of the most common drainage problems is clogged drains, which can be caused by leaves, debris, or even the corrosive effects of acid rain and snowmelt. The result is standing water that increases the likelihood of leaks and moisture infiltration and accelerates the deterioration of roof materials.
Homeowners should regularly inspect their roof drains for obstructions and to make sure that they are properly sized for the roof’s slope. In addition, homeowners should schedule twice yearly roof inspections to look for missing or disconnected drainage components. These issues should be promptly addressed to avoid escalation into major drainage issues and prevent saturating soil at or beneath the foundation of the home.
A professional roofing contractor can help you evaluate the slope and drainage systems of your home to determine if modifications are needed. In some cases, it may be necessary to install new drains or a larger gutter system that has the capacity to handle large volumes of water during storms and snowfall.
In cases where a drain is frequently clogged, it may be necessary to consider other solutions. This could include installing an electric cable to re-melt ice during cold weather or establishing a regular schedule for gutter cleaning to reduce the amount of debris that clogs drains.