Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against water, wind-blown debris, and the sun. That’s why it needs regular maintenance.
A home inspector can spot a few red flags such as missing shingles or a sagging roof from visual observations.
They’ll also examine the soffit, fascia, and gutters, as well as skylights, chimneys and vents, their grout, seals, and exteriors. See our home page.
Gutters
When gutters function properly, they direct the water that falls on a roof to downspouts and away from the house. This prevents excess moisture from damaging the shingles, fascia, and soffit and causing mold and mildew. In addition, it keeps the foundation dry and helps avoid basement flooding.
A professional inspector will evaluate the condition of gutters, downspouts, and drains. They will check for corrosion, clogs, and other issues that could cause problems. Inspectors also inspect the condition of the soffit material covering the roof overhang. They may also examine chimneys, skylights, and other add-ons to ensure they’re in good shape.
Gutters can be beneficial for homes in areas where the ground slopes towards a house, but not all houses need them. It depends on the design of a home and the amount of rainfall in the area. If a home doesn’t have eave flashing, it might need gutters to prevent rot and damage to the house.
Flashing
The inspector will check the flashing at eaves, ridgelines, and roof intersections or projections like chimneys, dormers, and vent pipes. This is the metal material that prevents moisture from entering walls and causing rot. The inspector will be looking for it to be firmly attached and in good condition, as well as corroded.
In addition, the inspector will look for missing shingles, curling shingles, or shingle aggregate that has shifted on the roof valleys. He will also look for stains, plant and fungus growth, and rust on the gutters and downspouts.
If he finds a problem, the inspector will examine the interior ceilings and attics for water stains, mold, or rot. He will also look at the penetration seals on roof skylights, chimneys, and other add-ons, and assess their conditions. He will also check for any problems with the workmanship that could increase the risk of leaks. Using the thermal imaging camera, he will locate any “hot spots”. These will appear as bright white on the image and may indicate the presence of a roof leak.
Soffit
A soffit is the eave-mounted structure that covers the underside of your roof overhang. It is inspected from the ground as well as from a ladder to ensure that it is in good condition and that there are no gaps through which water and air can leak.
The inspector will also inspect the fascia. This is the exposed horizontal board attached to the ends of your roof rafters or trusses that supports and carries your gutter and eavestrough system. It is also inspected for proper support and to check for rot, decay, and paint.
In addition to these structural inspections, the inspector will look for signs of sagging roof planes, and examine your gutter system, skylights, and chimneys (masonry). If the gutter system is clogged with debris, this can prevent proper water flow and cause ponding that can damage the roof deck. If the gutter system is damaged, it will be inspected for proper fastening and sealing.
Shingles
Getting to know the parts of your roof can help you spot problems before they get out of hand. A roof inspection should include a visual examination of the shingles for any missing or damaged ones.
A good inspector can spot problems like sagging or curling shingles, stains, and the presence of moss and lichen. He or she will also look at the rubber boots and seals around vent pipes to ensure they are in good condition.
The inspector will also check the interior ceilings and walls for any signs of water damage. Since roof leaks eventually damage the interior of your home, this is an important part of the inspection.
A quality roof will last longer if it is properly cared for. Having it inspected in the fall before the cold weather sets in, is a good idea so that any issues can be repaired or addressed. It will also save you money on insurance premiums if your roof is in good repair. Continue reading the next article.