Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It takes a beating from the elements, so keeping up with repairs and maintenance is critical to its longevity.

During a roof inspection, inspectors will check for leaks around windows, doors, skylights, chimneys, vents, and other penetrations. They will also look for sagging areas and loose shingles. If you are considering hiring a professional service, click here at https://www.5rroofing.com/.

Shingles

Roofing materials like shingles, tiles, and asphalt shingle coatings are exposed to weather elements and environmental stressors, resulting in normal wear and tear over time. Roof inspections identify and highlight these conditions so that they can be repaired promptly to prevent water infiltration, structural damage, mold and mildew growth, and other issues.

The first sign of shingles is usually a band-like rash on one side of the body or face, typically in the area where the nerves send signals. The rash can be painful, itchy, or both. It then develops into pus-filled blisters that scab over within 7-10 days. Shingles is not contagious, but it is a very serious condition that can cause permanent scarring, blindness, and even death in some cases.

Shingles can become dislodged or damaged due to weather exposure, age, and improper installation. During a roof inspection, inspectors look for signs of deterioration such as curling or buckling, which can indicate that shingles are overdue for replacement. They also look for any debris on the roof that could have caused a shingle to come loose or become dislodged.

Flashing is a protective component installed around roof penetrations and junctions to prevent water from seeping into vulnerable areas. Over time, flashing can develop cracks, become corroded, or lose its sealant. Inspectors look for these issues during a roof inspection to ensure that the flashing is working properly and protecting the interior of the home from water infiltration.

Roofs that are poorly ventilated are at higher risk of leaks and other problems. During a roof inspection, an inspector will look for evidence of improper ventilation, including any sagging areas of the roof, missing or disconnected vents, and dirt buildup on the attic floor and inside the chimney. Proper venting helps keep moisture and heat from building up in the attic, extending the life of roof materials and preventing premature roof failure.

Flashing

A roof inspector may mention roofing terms that the average homeowner doesn’t understand, such as “flashing.” Flashing is a thin, impermeable material used to seal joints, seams, and other areas where different roofing materials meet. It also protects penetrations like chimneys, vents, skylights, and ridge vents from water infiltration. Without flashing, your roof would leak and cause extensive interior damage.

During a roof inspection, your inspector will examine the flashing to ensure that it’s sealed and waterproof. They’ll look for cracks, dents, or other damage that could compromise its ability to create a strong, effective seal. They’ll also check for any signs of moisture intrusion, such as water stains on the ceiling or in the attic.

Your roof inspection should also include a careful examination of the flashing around penetrations and other areas that are exposed to the elements. Your inspector will note whether shingle edge metal has been properly installed to prevent rust or corrosion, and they’ll check for caulking or sealant at the base of each penetration to see if it’s intact and securely fastened.

Flashing can be particularly challenging to inspect, as some of it is hidden behind other roofing materials or other construction features. Your inspector will use a ladder to access the roof and carefully look for areas of exposed flashing that need to be examined. If they’re unable to safely reach the area, your inspector will recommend that you contact a professional roofing contractor for further evaluation and repair.

One of the most important aspects of flashing is the flashing around valleys, which are areas where two slopes of the roof meet. During even a light rain, these can collect a substantial amount of water, creating a high risk of leaks. Flashing in these areas is usually made of long pieces of metal that are shaped to fit into the valley and overlap with the adjacent shingles for a tight seal.

Your inspector will also inspect the flashing on your roof’s eaves, gable, soffit, or ridge vents. They’ll look for soffit vents that have been positioned too close to the roof, causing them to become clogged; gable and soffit vents that aren’t properly ventilating attic space; or ridge vents that are pulling away from the rafters.

Edge Details

Your roof may seem like a passive feature of your building, but it performs a lot of critical functions, including shedding rain and snow, protecting the rest of the structure, and allowing air to circulate. It’s a complex system that needs to be inspected regularly, just like your heating and cooling systems or plumbing.

The first step in a thorough roof inspection is to look closely at the perimeter edges of the roof section. This includes edge metals and base flashings. This area is especially important for the roof’s water-tightness because it is where most leaks start to appear. Inspectors should also check the condition of the soffit material covering the roof overhang, which is often a source of leaks and moisture damage.

Another crucial part of a roof inspection is the checking of all drainage systems. If gutters or drains are clogged, it can prevent water from flowing off the roof and into downspouts. Clogged gutters and drains can cause water to pool on the roof and damage roofing materials over time. Inspectors should also make sure that the roof drains are tightly secured and free from debris.

If you have a flat roof, an inspection will include a close look at the drains and plumbing. Unlike a sloped roof, these areas can be more prone to ponding water. This can cause underlying structural problems that aren’t easily detectable. Inspectors should look for slow-draining lines and blocked areas, as well as color changes or staining around drains if the roof has been sitting for a long time.

Finally, inspectors should inspect all edge details for proper installation and sealing. This includes flashings, drip edges, eaves, and overhangs. They will make sure that all of these are properly installed and sealed, as well as terminated in the parapet walls. Inspectors should also make sure that all terminations in the parapet walls are tight and secured, as well as check for cracks or other signs of deterioration.

In addition to these major points, an inspector should look at all the little things that can be easily overlooked. For example, a single missing shingle or rubber membrane can cause serious water infiltration and potential damage to the interior of the building. High winds can also damage the roof by blowing off shingles or pulling up flashings and vents. Inspectors will be able to see these problems and correct them before they become major issues.

Field

When the inspector looks at the field of your roof they will examine it for open seams, low or deteriorated pitch pockets, and vertical displacement on walls. They will also check for bridging along membrane seams, granule loss, heat blistering, lifted shingle fasteners, and other signs of aging. If your roof is single-ply they will look at the surface of the membrane and note any stains or algae growth.

Your gutters and downspouts are another area that the inspector will inspect closely. They will make sure that they are free from debris and clogs and that they are draining properly to prevent water from backing up under the roof. They will also look at the condition of any downspout guards and rubber boots to ensure they are in good shape.

A professional home inspector will often conduct a visual inspection of your roof and gutters from the ground using binoculars to get a closer look at any areas that may need attention. This is a safer method of inspection as they don’t have to climb up on your roof or use a ladder.

They will look at the ridge, hips, and valleys (inspecting each elevation), as the overall condition of the roof deck, fascia, soffit, and gutters. They will also take a close look at your attic ventilation system to make sure it is sufficient. Ventilation is important because warm air rises and if there is no proper venting this can cause issues like mold growth, rotted wood framing, and warped shingles.

Because roof leaks lead to a domino effect of problems in your house, the inspector will also carefully check interior ceilings, attics, and interior walls for water stains, mold, and rot. Getting these problems caught early through regular inspections means that they can be addressed before they can spread and damage the rest of your home. If left unchecked, these problems can be extremely costly to repair. A home inspection report will also be helpful if you ever decide to sell your home as it can be used as proof that the roof and all its components have been maintained.