Question: What Does A Roofing Expert Look For During A Roof Inspection?
Answer: The roof inspection is a critically important service that when performed properly and regularly can save you thousands of dollars in avoidable damage and a ton of time and drama when selecting a proper roofing company.
A professional roofer should be willing to perform a free roof inspection at no charge to the homeowner. We suggest one at the conclusion of storm season, or whenever you need peace of mind after a dangerous storm.
Remember, your roof is often the only layer of protection between your valuables and some terribly nasty weather. It needs to stay in tip-top shape.
Remember, your roof is often the only layer of protection between your valuables and some terribly nasty weather. It needs to stay in tip-top shape.
The Basics of Roof Inspections
In addition to post-storm damage inspections, clients also request an inspection when considering a move and want an expert’s opinion on the condition and remaining life left on a roof.
Unless the city is in the middle of a storm, you can get a trustworthy roofing expert to provide you with a full inspection of the property, even if your request is on short notice!
A proper inspection will uncover current problems and mention possible “areas of interest” to monitor over the coming years such as certain shingles, gutter areas, vents, fascia and even the flashing around the vents and chimney.
Checklist of Items to Evaluate
A proper roof inspection will require a roofer to use a ladder and get on the roof. It also means evaluating the roof from inside the attic to examine roof decking and venting. Expect your roof inspection to highlight:
- Aging shingles that are curling, cracked or void of granules
- Damaged shingles from hail, debris, cable/dish installations
- Missing shingles from high winds and rain
- Rust, insufficient soldering or caulking on the flashing and rubber boots on vent pipes
- Damaged gutters and downspouts
- Gaps between the shingles and the flashing or the flashing and a vent/chimney
- Leaks, moisture and water damage along the attic interior and vapor barrier
- Standing water, algae growth or moss growing
If there are composite shingles and they are losing granules, the loss will be noticeable on the shingle, and granules will be present in the gutters and at the bottom of the downspouts.
What Will A Roofing Expert Do With the Completed Inspection Report
If your report comes back clean, schedule a follow-up inspection post-storm season. Savvy homeowners know that proper maintenance prolongs the lifespan of your roof and helps avoid costly repairs.
If your report highlights several issues, request options for addressing them in a timely, quality and cost effective manner.
Note: It’s better to resolve issues immediately and ensure your home is protected during the next storm.
Question: Do I Need A Roof Repair Or A Full Replacement?
Answer: In most instances, a roof can be repaired rather than replaced. If you chose to repair, make sure it’s a permanent fix and not the first of a long series of repairs. If it’s a borderline repair or replacement, consider the following:
Is the Solution a Roof Repair?
If your problem is 1-2 leaks that are easily identified, accessible and repairable, then you are likely looking at a simple repair. Minor leaks often develop over time and can be easily rectified.
Even if the leak is a result of impact trauma or high winds, you are likely looking at a roof repair and nothing more.
One factor on the repair or replace continuum, is the overall age and condition of your roof. If the overall roofing system and materials are in satisfactory condition, then that points to a repair.
The materials used in your roofing system are a factor because concrete tiles, slate and metal roofs have a VERY long lifespans and are always more likely to be repaired than replaced.
Expect a roofing crew to secure the proper materials and take one, maybe two days to complete repairs.
Is the Solution a Roof Replacement?
Two factors that indicate a homeowner is looking for a roof replacement, are the age of the roof and the extent of which it is damaged.
An older roof that is almost fully depreciated, leaking or visibly damaged from storms will become a candidate for replacement.
If poor craftsmanship or installation is causing the failure, then you might be headed for a full replacement versus repair.
When aging cedar shake and metal roofs have become compromised it is also advisable to consider a full replacement. These two materials, along with composition shingles, don’t protect well once they have aged and their integrity has been compromised.
If you would like more information on Roof Inspections, Repair and Replacements, contact us and request a free roof inspection. We love talking about roofs!
