Everything You Need to Know About Roof Inspections

A roof inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of your roof’s condition. Our trained professionals can inspect your roof and identify issues that could affect its safety, performance or longevity. Here’s a detailed look at what happens during a thorough roof inspection:

1. Visual inspection. The inspector typically begins visually assessing your roof from the ground. They may use binoculars to get a closer look at areas that may be tough to reach. At this time, the inspector is looking for obvious signs of wear and tear, such as missing, curled or damaged shingles, as well as any sagging or uneven areas that might indicate structural problems.
   
   
2. Close-up inspection of shingles and roofing materials. The inspector will get up on the roof to closely examine the shingles and other roofing materials. They’re looking for signs of aging, such as granule loss on asphalt shingles, which can indicate that the shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan. The inspector will also look for any cracked, curled or blistered shingles, as well as any that are missing altogether. These issues can lead to leaks and other problems if not addressed.
   
   
3. Examination of flashing. Flashing seals and protects your roof’s joints and edges, such as around chimneys, skylights, vents and valleys. They’re looking for signs of corrosion, cracks or gaps that could allow water to seep in. Damaged or improperly installed flashing is one of the most common causes of roof leaks, so this part of the inspection is particularly important.
   
   
4. Inspection of gutters and downspouts. Your gutters and downspouts direct water away from your roof and your home’s foundation. Your inspector will check for clogs, sagging or damage, and for other signs that the gutters aren’t draining properly, such as standing water or water stains on fascia.
   
   
5. Roof penetrations and ventilation check. Chimneys, vents and skylights can leak more easily than other places on your roof can, so your inspector will check these areas closely to ensure that they’re properly sealed and in good condition. Your inspector will also assess your roof’s ventilation system, which is important; poor ventilation can lead to moisture buildup, which can cause mold, mildew and other damage.
   
   
6. Evaluation of structural integrity. Your inspector will check for signs of sagging, unevenness or other issues that might indicate a problem with your roof’s underlying structure. They may also inspect the attic or crawl space to check for water stains, mold or mildew, or rotting wood.
   
   
7. Leak detection. One of the primary goals of a roof inspection is to identify existing or potential leaks. The inspector will look for signs of water intrusion, such as water stains on the ceilings or walls inside your home, damp insulation in the attic or rust on the roof’s metal components. Even a small leak can cause significant damage over time, so early detection is key.
   
   
8. Detailed report and recommendations. When your inspector finishes, they’ll give you a detailed report that outlines their findings. It will include a summary of the roof’s condition, areas of concern and recommendations for roof repairs or maintenance. If your roof needs to be repaired, your inspector will give you guidance on what you need to do next.