10 Most Important Things Every Contractor Should Look for During a Roof Inspection

One of the first places the inspector will look at is the attic, checking for proper ventilation. Ventilation is critical for the temperature in the attic to be regulated. Roofing ventilation is very important so that the roof does not dry rot, which compromises the structural integrity of the home and roof deck. An experienced roof inspector will check the quality of the roof ventilation both inside and outside.

On the inside of your home, the roofing contractor will look for leaks that are leaving stains on the ceiling. If found, the roof inspector will then search for the cause of the stains. By determining the source of the leak(s), the roofing contractor can make an appropriate recommendation to fix the problem

The roof inspection includes checking the roof decking. Roof decking comprises the boards that make up the framing of your roof. The shingles and other roofing components are installed onto the roof decking. The inspector searches for any signs of rot, sagging, or deterioration in the roof decking. If any problems are found, the roof’s stability could be compromised and future issues can ensue.

Over time, the nails that secure the asphalt shingles to the roof deck can become rusted or start to pop out of the shingles. Loose nails need to be repaired so as not to cause roof leaks.

Over time, as the roof ages, weather such as hail and high winds can loosen and blow shingles off your roof. As part of the roof inspection, the roofing contractor will check for nails that are sideways and have caused bumps in the roof. If there are shingles that are missing, loose, cracked, blistered, or buckling, the inspector will show these on the report, You may be able to simply replace these shingles to repair the roof but there can be larger issues that are indicated by the shingles. Problems with shingles should be handled as soon as possible because even small amounts of water can affect the integrity of your roof.

Roof penetrations such as chimneys and skylights can be common causes of leaks. Improperly installed skylights can be the source of leaking as well as cracks in the skylight’s glass and around the edges. An inspector checks the flashing and the condition of the mortar and flashings around the chimney and skylights. Cracks in either the chimney or skylights require repairs

The roofing contractor will check to see how many layers the roof has. If there have been new shingles laid on top of an existing roof resulting in multiple layers, diagnosis and repair work on the roof are more difficult. In this case, more than likely the roofing contractor will suggest a total roof replacement to fix the roof. Patchwork roof repairs will not be the best solution.

The roofing inspection includes checking the integrity of the gutters and downspouts. There should not be cracks or open seams. The inspector will check for blockages and restricted water flow that can cause debris to back up. Additionally, they will look for standing water that could be a result of the gutter being tilted wrong. Remember, as part of routine maintenance, always clean the gutters.

All roof vents are inspected regardless of their type–whether gable, soffit, or ridge–in order to check for obstructions. Pipe boots that are around the vents are checked to be sure the protective seals are intact. Vents for gas appliances are checked to see if the expansion and contraction of the metal have pulled the fasteners out of the gas vent.