Visually inspecting your roof from the ground is always a good idea after a storm. However, getting up on the roof without the proper tools and equipment is not worth the safety risk. To learn more about what to expect during a free roofing inspection, keep reading.
Do I need a roofing inspection?
There are four reasons you may need a roofing inspection, so if you answer yes to one or more of the following questions, then it’s time to call a professional for a free estimate:
- Are you buying a home?
- Are you changing homeowner’s insurance carriers or renewing your homeowner’s insurance?
- Has your home recently been subjected to a storm?
- Have you noticed water where it shouldn’t be inside your home, dark stains on the walls or ceiling or obvious roof leaks in the attic?
The Roofing Inspection Process
During the roof inspection process, the professional assigned to your home will inspect the roof from the inside and outside of the home. They will start by looking at your ceiling for water leaks or damage then navigate the perimeter of your property, reviewing the roof overhangs and eaves for signs of termite damage and wood rot. Next, the inspector will climb onto the roof, looking for the following:
- Broken shingles
- Clogged gutters
- Clogged roof valley
- Failed or cracked seals around the roof penetrations
- Rust or other deterioration on the roof flashing
- Vegetation and debris on the roofing system
After the Inspection
The result of the inspection is dependent on the roofing system condition. If repairs are required, the inspector will provide a written roof repair cost, including the scope-of-work document. If no work is required, then you will receive a written inspection report without a roofing estimate. Regardless of the result, getting inspection results in writing is critical to send to your homeowner’s insurance company and it is excellent documentation if you are putting your house on the market soon.
Common Problems Found During the Inspection
The most common problem uncovered during a roof inspection is a roof leak. Other issues include cracked, broken, or missing shingles, and nail pops, which are holes that let water leak into the structure. There can also be issues with roofing materials and gutters clogged with tree branches leaves, and various other debris, in addition to separated and cracked sealants around the vents and piping. Accumulation of debris is critical to have removed since it prevents water from efficiently draining off the roof. When water sticks around where it shouldn’t, then there is a higher risk of shingle damage and leaks.
Leaking roofs can wreak havoc on your home, so take the proper steps to get a roof inspection and ensure it does not get to a state of disrepair! Reach out to us at Pro Roofing & Siding for a roofing estimate.
