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Roof Inspections

Roof Inspections

Your home’s roof is its first line of defense against storms and extreme weather, be it a foot or more of snow dropping from the sky overnight or high winds that tear through the town. When homeowners place blind faith in their roof and neglect it completely until the first sign of a leak appears in the ceiling, they could already be facing much larger problems—unwanted structural issues, mold growth, or damaged insulation, for starters. Spare yourself a headache down the road by having your roof periodically inspected.

Roof Inspection - Alex Perez Roofing Sacramento

When to Schedule Roof Inspections

After a hailstorm or other significant weather event, most homeowners recognize the need for a thorough roof inspection to determine whether their roof suffered damage. But that shouldn’t be the only time you consider your roof’s health.

Perhaps the most vital time of year to have your roof inspected is the fall, before the cold of winter sets in. Timing is key. Frigid temperatures can compromise the success of new roof installations and such repairs as shingle replacement because new shingles can’t seal down properly when it’s too cold outside. Moreover, attempting repairs on icy roofs can be treacherous, so roof problems uncovered too late in the season may have to wait until spring to be fixed. Another argument for a fall inspection is the fact that certain roof repairs should be initiated in the fall so they can be completed the next spring—for example, treatment for moss and lichen. The solutions used for either of these invaders can require an extended amount of time to work, sometimes up to 180 days. If moss or lichen are discovered during a fall roof inspection, there’s still a chance to get at them before cold weather sets in. Then, the treatment can be working during those long winter months, and the dead lichen can be swept or rinsed off in the spring.

What's In A Roof Inspection?

What Should you Expect From A Roof Inspection?

A roof inspector will be looking for leaks, unusual wear and tear, damage caused by windblown debris, organic growth issues, and problems that may have occurred during shingle installation or subsequent repairs. Ultimately, a roof inspection gets broken into four facets: structure, materials, interiors, and workmanship.

Structural Inspection

The inspector will check for uneven roof planes and signs of sagging, in addition to examining the condition of the soffit, fascia, and gutter system. Masonry chimneys should be inspected at this time for cracks, crumbling grout, and damage to chimney caps. The inspector may also check the venting in your attic; improper venting can lead to heat and moisture buildup that reduces roof life and increases the risk of ice dams forming at the roof’s edge.

Interior Inspection

Because roof leaks ultimately damage your home, the inspector will check interior ceilings, the attic, and interior walls for water stains, mold, rot, and other signs that water is making its way into your house.

Material Inspection

Here, the inspector will be looking for loose, missing, or curling shingles; stains; moss; rust; and missing flashing or fasteners. Shingle aggregate that has settled in roof valleys or on the ground at the bottom of gutter downspouts is a sign that the roof could be near the end of its useful life. The inspector will also check the rubber boots and seals around vent pipes, looking for gaps or deterioration.

Workmanship Inspection

A thorough inspector will examine your roof for problems in workmanship that could increase the risks of leaks or other roof damage in the future. Incorrect flashing around roof penetrations—including vent pipes, skylights, and chimneys—would all be red flags.

Roof Inspections

Frequently Asked Questions

What do roof inspectors look for?

roof inspector will be looking for leaks, unusual wear and tear, damage caused by windblown debris, organic growth issues, and problems that may have occurred during shingle installation or subsequent repairs.

 

How long does it take to inspect a roof?

Most roof inspections take between 45 minutes and 4 hours.

How does a roof fail inspection?

Roofing problems, particularly wood rot, leaks, and/or gutter decay are some of the most common issues inspectors see when looking at the exterior of a house. If the roofing issues are relatively minor, like some bent flashing or a few crooked shingles, it’s probably worth it just to deal with it once you move in.

Why do I need a roof inspection?

Getting regular roof inspections is important for your house because it can help detect the problems on time and stop further damage to your house. Roof inspectors will be able to find faults in the roof layout and suggest repairs before it may cause moisture damage to your home.

How do you perform a roof inspection?

1: Check the roof covering
2: Check the fasteners
3: Check the deck sheathing
4: Check the slope and underlayment
5: Check the ice barrier
6: Check the drip edge
7: Check for an offset pattern
8: Check the roof valley flashing
9: Check the nail penetration into the deck sheathing
10: Check the flashing areas.

What is the difference between a roof inspection and a roof certification?

A Alex Perez Roofing Roof Inspection is a professional evaluation of the building’s interior, perimeter, attached garage, attic and rooftop designed to analyze if the roof meets the Certification criteria. The inspection findings are presented in a thorough consultative report, accompanied by a reliable proposal package, within 24 – 48 hours. A Roof Certification is a service agreement ensuring that the entire roof — not just a repair site — will remain free of leaks due to normal wear-and-tear for the full duration of the certification period. If a leak does occur, we will repair any leaks due to normal wear and tear during the certification period at no cost to certificate holders. Our certifications are also both transferable to new certificate holders and renewable upon re-inspection.

When is a roof inspection needed?

Many roofers recommend two roof inspections each year. An inspection in the fall helps ensure that minor problems don’t become major problems under the pressure of rain, ice and snow, while a spring inspection helps evaluate any damage done during the winter that may prove costly following heavy spring rains.

What is involved in a roof inspection?

A roofing inspector will climb up to the roof and locate the various dormers, chimneys, gutters, and any flashing points to see if they require remedial work.  He will examine the condition of the roofing surface material.  He will also inspect inside the house looking carefully at the eaves, interior chimney surfaces, fasteners, roof braces, and support material.