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Roof Inspection | 10 Things You Should Look For

Roof Inspection | 10 Things You Should Look For

A Roof Inspection can be an expensive and time-consuming process, but it is worth the investment.

Roof inspections are essential for making sure that your property’s roof is in good condition and protecting you from a leaky roof or worse.

You’ll never know how bad your roof has become, until you’ve called for a scheduled roofing inspection.

A contractor should always look for 10 things during a roof inspection to make sure that everything is up to code!

10 Things for Roof Contractors Should Check During Roof Inspection

During roof inspection, there are several things that a roof contractor should check before signing off on the job.

A few of those items include checking for loose shingles and flashing as well as making sure that all vents and chimneys have been cleared.

This list can go on but it is important to remember to always follow your gut and if something seems suspicious or wrong, ask questions!

Attic Ventilation

A roofer should check to see if there are any ventilation problems. The purpose of the attic is to provide an area for heat and moisture, which can damage your roofing materials over time without proper ventilation.

This means that it’s important to make sure you have plenty of vents in place; however, too many vents will allow too much moisture to escape, so it’s important that your roofer is checking for the right amount.

A contractor should also make sure that any gas or water vents are clear of debris and not blocked by insulation which can cause damage or worse a fire hazard in certain cases!

Roof Inspection | 10 Things You Should Look For

Visible Roof Leaks and Water Stains

A roofer should look for any visible signs of a leak or water stains. If you can see mold, mildew and staining on your ceiling (inside the home) then there is most likely an issue with leakage coming from outside.

If you cannot find where it’s leaking from inside, go up to the attic and look at where the water stains are coming from and find where it’s leaking in.

Once you’ve found the source of the leak, it’s time to start doing some repairs!

Number of Roofing Layers

A roofer should always ask how many layers of shingles are on the roof to make sure that everything is up to code. Depending on your area, you might have a certain number of layers allowed before it’s time for an upgrade or replacement.

Many contractors will try and push additional services onto unsuspecting homeowners so be cautious! Asking for proof of how many layers are on the roof is always a good idea.

Roof Decking Condition

A roofer should also check the condition of the decking, which is basically how strong your shingles are.

If you have weak or deteriorated shingle granules it can cause problems with your roof in trying to stop water from getting through and damaging materials below.

If there’s a problem with the way that your house was built, a roofer should also let you know the costs associated with fixing these problems.

Roof Vents

A roof contractor should also check your roof vents to make sure that they are clean and not clogged with debris.

If there is too much heat or moisture in the attic, it can cause problems for shingles which could lead to leaks down the line!

A roofer should always check for proper ventilation. Making sure that your gutters are clear is also a good idea, as many homeowners tend to forget about the gutter’s purpose in protecting your home from water damage!

If you have any questions or concerns a contractor should be able to answer them for you and give advice on what might be the best option.

Roof Shingles

A roofer should always check the type of shingles that are on your home and make sure they’re up to code.

Depending where you live, there might be certain types or warranties required to protect homeowners from any issues related with poor quality materials.

Your contractor should also let you know whether it’s time for a replacement and what kind of warranty you can expect. If they seem unsure, ask for another opinion and do your research!

Roof Penetration and Skylights

A roofer should always check for any penetration and skylights.

If there is a problem with your roofing system then it might be time to call in an expert or even do some repairs yourself depending on the severity.

If you can see light coming through certain parts of your home, then that’s usually a sign of water leaks as well.

Roof Pitch and Drainage

A roofer should also check to see if your home has proper drainage because this can help prevent future problems, especially during heavy rains or snow seasons.

If there’s any part of the house that doesn’t seem like it is draining properly (usually near a chimney) then ask for an expert opinion.

Chimney

A roofer should also check over all of your chimneys and make sure that they’re in good condition.

If there’s any parts of the chimney that seem like it might be damaged, then a contractor will most likely let you know so you can get repairs done while we still have time before things become more serious!

Roof Flashing

A roofer should always check the flashing around your chimneys.

This is usually one of those areas that homeowners often forget about but it’s actually pretty important to make sure everything is up to code with how things are built!

A contractor will most likely let you know if there seems like anything might be wrong or what kinds of repairs might be necessary.

Gutter and Downspout

A roofer should also check over your gutters and make sure that they’re clean, free of debris, and in good condition.

If there’s a problem with the way these are built it might be time to fix them before you have any water damage or even worse problems. If you notice that there seems like there is too much debris then you should definitely get them cleaned out.

If there are any problems with your gutters or downspouts then it’s probably time to call in an expert and get some repairs done before the problem gets worse!

Roof Inspection | 10 Things You Should Look For

Signs of Aging Roofing Materials

Overall, a roofer should definitely be able to help you with any questions that you might have!

If they seem unsure then maybe it’s time to find another contractor because there are too many things at stake when it comes to your home and property values in general.

  • A roofer should always look for signs that your shingle, decking or other materials are aging and need to be replaced.
    • If there is any noticeable damage from age then it’s probably time to start the replacement process!
  • A roofer should be able to tell you what the best type of replacement would be depending on your situation.
    • If there seems like anything is up with your home then it’s probably time to get things inspected!
  • A roofer should always check to see if there are any areas that aren’t being taken care of.
    • If you notice anything out of the ordinary, then it might be time to get things inspected by a professional!
    • Just remember that these types of problems can cause serious damage, especially when they go untreated for too long.
  • A roofer should always check the warranty to see if you’re covered for any potential problems!
    • If your contractor can’t seem like they understand what types of situations might be covered then it’s time to get another opinion or do some research yourself.

As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to inspecting your roof!

You should always ask for proof that the contractor has their license and insurance in order just so you know they’re legitimate, especially if they mention any repairs or upgrades might need done.

If something seems fishy then don’t be afraid to ask for another opinion or get more advice.

What to Expect for Roofers to Do

Many roofing companies will offer inspections and consultations, so don’t hesitate to ask!

  • Roofers should always take pictures of any damage they see on your roof as well as throughout different areas of your home that might need future attention or repairs.
    • A contractor can use these photos for their own records in case you file a claim or report any damages to your home!
  • A roofer should always go through all of these important things during an inspection.
    • If you notice anything out of the ordinary, then it might be time to get a second opinion before sending in another contractor for repairs.
    • The last thing that you want is to deal with two different contractors and have them arguing over which one is supposed to do the job!
  • A roofer should always take their time when inspecting your home, especially if they want you to call them back for any future problems.
    • It’s important that everything goes smoothly so you can have peace of mind knowing there isn’t anything wrong with your property or other areas surrounding it.
  • A roofer should always make sure that you’re comfortable with them before signing any contracts or agreeing to anything!
    • If they seem a bit too pushy then maybe it’s time to get another opinion from someone else who can inspect your home and provide better recommendations for repairs.
    • Remember, if something seems fishy then trust your gut!

Remember that when you’re inspecting your roof there are a lot of important things that can be missed if someone isn’t careful!

You should always ask for references and get more information about the contractor before agreeing to anything.

If it seems like they don’t know what they’re doing then maybe it’s time to look elsewhere because these types of repairs aren’t something you want to rush into.

Roof Inspection | 10 Things You Should Look For