Your roof may look fine from the ground, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t issues lurking unseen. A professional roof inspection provides a more comprehensive assessment, using advanced tools and trained eyes to uncover hidden problems.
Here are some of the unique checks you can expect during this essential roof maintenance task:
- Roofing Material. During the roof inspection, the inspector should assess the structural integrity of the roofing material. For example, they should check whether there are any cracked, missing, or curled shingles.
- Roof Decking. The decking is important as it provides the base for the shingles. The inspector may use a roofing hammer to sound out soft or rotting spots that need might replacing.
- Gutter System. Clogged or damaged gutters and downspouts can lead to water intrusion, which can damage your property’s foundation and landscape. Therefore, it’s important to ensure they are securely attached, clear of debris, and sloped correctly. This will enable them to efficiently draw water off the roof and away from the foundation.
- Roof Penetrations and Skylights. Areas where vents, exhaust pipes or skylights pierce the roof plane also require special attention during a roof inspection. They should be checked for weather tightness, including whether there’s adequate flashing or sealing at the joints.
- Attic Ventilation. Good airflow is critical for the health of your roof. That’s why roof systems are fitted with soffit vents, gable vents, and ridge vents to allow proper air circulation in the attics. These vents must be clear at all times to keep your attic – and by extension your roof – moisture-free.
- Flashing. These metal sheets prevent moisture from passing through your roof at the joints and intersections with roof penetrations. Roof inspectors must ensure all flashing is not rusted and is soundly butted up against the penetrations.