Trained inspectors pinpoint problem areas on your roof and fix them before they get worse. Learn how professionals analyze everything from your attic vents to your gutters during the roof inspection process.
What Do Roof Inspectors Look For?
If it’s time for an annual inspection or you suspect your roof has sustained damage, you probably call a professional to take a look. And when a professional climbs on your roof, they take note of many things, including missing materials and signs of water damage.
What happens during a roof inspection may seem obvious or straightforward. But it involves more than you may think to gain the best insight on your roof’s health and how many years are left in its service life.
Professional Contractors Find Hidden Roofing Issues
Even if you use a pair of binoculars to try to see for yourself, it’s best to get your roof professionally inspected. Doing so ensures you receive the most accurate results. Professionals look closely, perform tests, and confirm if roof repairs or a replacement is required.
So, exactly what does a roof inspector do? A roof inspector analyzes and checks for everything, including:
Attic Ventilation
Ventilation lets fresh air in and excessive heat out through your attic. Because heat rises, attic ventilation plays a big role in your roof’s condition. Inadequate airflow causes major roofing issues. Excessive heat trapped inside your attic expedites roof degradation. If the problem isn’t addressed, it leads to frequent repairs or needing a roof replacement prematurely. Because of this, your roofing inspector checks the attic to ensure it’s properly ventilated.
Water Damage
Have you noticed roof leaks or interior stains? These are visible signs of water damage. However, sometimes even if you see a leak or pooling water in your home, it’s often difficult to find where it’s coming from. Leave this to the professionals. Once they locate the leak, they perform repairs. If the problem has caused extensive damage, the contractor may recommend a replacement for your safety.
Roof leaks or unnoticed moisture damage leads to mold, which is harmful to inhale and lowers your indoor air quality. To avoid illness and unsafe living conditions, professionals must remove mold and implement repairs immediately.
Decking, Layers, and Shingles
Your roofing contractor will check how many layers your roof has. Inspectors will check if the roof deck is wet and spongy or if it’s solid. If they note that the roof deck is damaged beyond repair, it must be replaced. If there’s more than one damaged layer, you’ll receive a roof replacement estimate that includes the number of layers that need replacement.
Additionally, if your shingles are cracking, buckling, or if many are missing, it’s an obvious sign it’s time for repairs. Inspectors also check if the roof deck’s nails are firmly in place. If nails are driven in sideways, they cause bumps in your roof.
Vents
There are different types of roof vents. Still, no matter what kind you have, they need inspection. Gables, soffits, and ridge vents should be checked for obstructions. Homes with gas appliances, inspectors check the expansion and contraction of the metal, ensuring it hasn’t pulled the fasteners out of the gas vent.
Penetrations and Skylights
Anything sticking out of your roof is considered a roof penetration, like your chimney. Over time, roof penetrations can become damaged and susceptible to water, debris, and pest invasion. During a roof inspection, contractors check penetrations and, if you have them, skylights to ensure they’re in great condition.
Flashing
Roof flashing is metal placed anywhere your shingles are bunched up against something, like a wall, chimney, or in open valleys. Inspectors make sure flashing isn’t rusted, confirm if the metal will hold up to different weather conditions, and keep the building’s interior dry.
Gutters
Inspectors also check your gutters. It’s crucial to keep gutters free of dirt and debris to ensure water flows through freely. Gutter backups lead to leaks and other expensive issues. Roof inspectors also check for cracks or open seams in your gutters and fix them before they worsen. The direction of your gutters is important, as well. If they’re tilted in the wrong direction, it causes water backups.
New Image Performs Thorough Roof Inspections
If you’re wondering how often your roof should be inspected, The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends roof inspections twice a year. New Image Roofing Orlando is happy to provide expert service and inspect every aspect of your roofing system. After each inspection, we provide you with a detailed report of your roof’s condition. We offer reliable solutions, whether you need repairs, a replacement, or anything in between (like roof restoration). Give New Image a call today to discuss your needs.
