What To Expect From a Roof Inspection

A roof inspection helps you locate potential problems before they become major, expensive issues. Professional inspections analyze each component of your roof to ensure everything is in good shape. If a roofing expert determines the need for repair or replacement, you can hire them to complete the job before your roof deteriorates further. 

Understanding what to expect from a roof inspection will help you pick a reputable roofing company. Your inspector should go beyond a visual assessment, analyzing all aspects of your roof. For example, you could have a minor water leak underneath your shingles that only a seasoned professional can detect by accessing the attic and knowing what to look for. 

Read on to learn more about what you should expect during your roof inspection, ensuring the inspection is done right, and the best course of action to take.

What Is the Purpose of a Roof Inspection?

The purpose of a roof inspection is to determine maintenance requirements and the extent of any damages. Like regular oil changes on your car, most roofs require consistent upkeep for optimal performance and longevity. If you want your roof to protect your home for many years, you need regular inspections to maintain it. 

You should schedule a roof inspection in the following instances:

•     After a storm: Storms wreak havoc on roofs. Everything from heavy rainfall and high winds to severe hail storms, lightning strikes, and blizzards can damage different roofing components. You should schedule an inspection after any severe storm to resolve problems before they worsen and to aid in any potential insurance claims. 
•     Before selling or buying a home: Roofs impact home values. If you’re preparing to put your home on the market for sale, consider replacing the roof to attract new buyers. By the same token, if you’re buying a property, ask for an inspection to gauge the potential for future complications and the estimated roof lifespan. 
•     Periodically: Regular inspections every three to four years can help your roof serve you for the long haul. You should receive more frequent inspections in harsher climates with severe storms, especially before the cold or wet seasons arrive.

What Will the Roofer Inspect?

Roof inspections should cover every roof component, from the visible shingles to the underlying layers. Be sure to select a roofing contractor who covers the following items during a roof inspection. 

Attic Ventilation and Roof Vents

Roofing ventilation is critical in maintaining a home’s health and longevity. Improper ventilation traps heat and moisture under the shingles, leading to costly damages and long-term problems. 

Your roof inspector should analyze how well your attic allows trapped air to flow in and out of the roof by assessing the vents. They may check for vent obstructions, airflow, and more. Proper ventilation helps your roof reach its estimated lifespan and can reduce your energy bills.   

Water Leak Signs

Water leaks are some of the most expensive and severe damages you can experience from a faulty roof. When moisture enters your home through the roof, it can damage structural components, ceilings, walls, furnishings, and much more. Your inspector will first look for signs of water damage, like stains on the ceilings and walls in the upper rooms and attic. 

If the contractor discovers water damage, they will try to locate the leak. Depending on the leak’s severity, they may recommend repairs or a total replacement. 

Roof Decking

Roof decking includes the underlying boards that frame your roof. When your inspector gets on your roof, they will conduct multiple tests to measure the decking’s condition. For example, if the entire system feels squishy or bouncy to walk on, the decking may have water damage that requires a full replacement. 

During the decking inspection, the roofer will also check the nail tightness and security. The roofing nails should firmly hold different components, like the flashing and shingles, in place. At this point, the inspector will look for any exposed decking from missing shingles or flashing. 

Shingles and Flashing

The shingles are the second most critical aspect of your roof, just behind the ventilation. The shingles should prevent water, plants, and critters from entering the roof. Your inspector will check the condition of your shingles by looking for the following:

• Cracks
• Blisters
• Buckling
• Curling edges
• Missing shingles
• Loose areas

During the shingle inspection, the roofer will also analyze the flashing. Roof flashing is a waterproof component of the seams between slopes and around penetrations to divert water off the system. 

For example, if two sloped walls meet in a valley, the flashing prevents pooling by pushing rainwater off the system and into the gutters. The inspector will check the flashing for any rusted metal or component gaps. 

Skylights, Chimneys, and Other Penetrations

Penetrations are any items that protrude from the roof, including the following:

• Skylights
• Chimneys
• Pipe boots
• Roof vents
• Soil stacks

Your roof inspection contractor should ensure that any objects on the roof have the proper sealing to prevent leaks. Areas surrounding penetrations have the highest risks for leaks because water tends to collect around them. Your contractor can check the effectiveness of all surrounding seals and the items themselves.

Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts divert water off the roof and away from your home. Simple issues, like blockages from a buildup of leaves, can cause water backups that damage your roof. 

Your inspector can check the gutters and downspouts for blockages and angle effectiveness. For example, if you don’t have a blockage, but the gutter still has standing water, your initial installer may have placed it at the wrong angle. Your inspector can offer repair recommendations.

Roof Fasciae and Drip Edges

Soffits, fascia boards, and drip edges are all components on the roof’s edge, designed to maximize airflow and push water away. Even a slight issue can cause a rippling effect across your roof, decreasing airflow and leading to moisture buildup. Your inspector will take these symptoms as serious signs of water damage indicating a need for repair. 

Roof Repair or Replacement Estimates

After the inspection, the roofing professional will explain any damages or potential problems they found. At this time, they should present a roof repair or replacement estimate based on their recommendations. They will likely recommend a total replacement if the damages are beyond repair or the system has reached its lifespan. 

How Do I Know if My Roof Was Inspected Correctly?

The best way to tell if the roofing company correctly inspected your home is to watch them as they go about the process. You should receive a full inspection report displaying every item they checked and its condition. We recommend comparing this report with the above items to ensure that the inspector has covered their bases.

If you want a roofing company that you can rely on for thorough, high-quality inspections, consider Madd Roofing. We go above and beyond a visual inspection, using the most advanced equipment to accurately analyze your roofing system’s health. We explain the results in plain English, offering experience-based recommendations with your best financial interest in mind. 

Rely on Madd Roofing for top-notch service in Humble, Kingwood, Atascocita, Spring, and Porter, TX, and the surrounding areas. Call us today at (281) 577-4065 to schedule your roof inspection.