Roof Inspections

Written by No Doubt Marketing

A professional roof inspection is something you may opt to have once a year or once every couple of years, depending on your budget and the severity of the weather in your area. A roof contractor will do an inspection when you're planning on hiring them to do work. But you may wish to have an independent inspection before choosing a contractor, since a roof can cost thousands of dollars and roof repairs can also be a considerable expense.

It can help to understand how roofing inspection works. The inspector will notice things like chimneys and dormers and the general pitch and appearance of the roof. He'll then take note of the roofing materials, whether it's general asphalt shingles, wood, or other materials and may make notes about whether that material is ideal for your type of roof.

Some inspectors will actually climb out onto the roof through a window to a low sloped surface or from a ladder. Some will stand at a distance and use binoculars for the roof inspections. No inspector should ever walk on a very steep pitch or a roof that has snow or ice on its surface, and only people experienced in roof work should walk on any type of roof.

Any chimneys and their flashing will be examined to make sure the flashing is the proper type for the spot and is secure. An inspector using binoculars can't feel the flashing for steadfastness but they can see if there are potential problems. They'll look at the condition of the chimney and look for any loose or crumbling spots of brick or mortar. They'll notice if black roofing cement has been used to seal the flashing which causes more problems and expense when the roof is replaced as the flashing will also have to be removed.

In an asphalt strip shingled roof, the roof inspection will determine how many layers there are. Some areas allow up to three layers of shingles before they require that the roof be stripped to the wood before a new roof can be installed. The inspector will also notice the amount the shingles overhang the roof rakes, which should be three-eighths of an inch, and if they extend over eaves. He'll look for any missing or shifted shingles, and general good structure in the way the shingles were installed.

If asphalt roll roofing is used, as it generally is on very low pitch roofing, then the inspector will look for signs of age and breakdown like blisters, cracks and holes. Wood shingles are checked for moss and rot, while metal roofing is checked for rust and corrosion.

A roofing inspection also consists of the inspector looking in the valleys of the roof for ponded water and debris, and a careful inspection of the drainage system. An inspector will make sure you have adequate gutters and downspouts that are installed properly and doing their job of allowing water to drain from the roof. A roof inspection is important if you're planning on buying or selling a home to make sure these things are in good shape.

Ready to find roof inspection shingles for your home? Use BuyerZone's free request for roof inspection price quotes, and we'll match you to multiple contractors in your area.