What to Expect from an Expert Roof Inspection?

October 19, 2016

Do you know which areas of your home are subject to the most insurance claims? More than one third of insurance claims are related to the roof. It can be quite annoying to deal with a leaky roof, but it is important to find out quickly where the leak exists. If not dealt with, it can cause all kinds of other problems. For instance, mold and moisture can result in leaks and threatening the overall structure of the home, in addition to the health of the occupants.

Water Leaks

Water leaks can also seep into your electrical system, resulting in fire hazards and possibly power outages. A roofing professional will inspect the roof and identify potential issues so that they don’t become more serious. For that reason, you need an expert in situations where your home and health is threatened.

The Reason

A roof inspection is important and the reason for having one done is threefold. First, it is essential to assess the types of repairs necessary, if any. Secondly, the remaining lifespan of the roof should be estimated. Lastly, a certificate of inspection has to be issued.

Selling or Buying a Home

If your home is on the market for sale, a certificate of inspection is a great selling point to the buyer and these are usually valid for up to five years. For the person buying a home, you should not assume that a home inspector will do a thorough roof assessment. Of course, the inspector may point to troubled areas that are visible from where you are standing. However, the home inspector won’t go up on top of the roof to perform an inspection. For that reason, it is helpful to solicit help from an expert roofer. You can start the process with your certificate of inspection.

The Inspection

A roofing expert will not only inspect the roof, but also provide an estimate of the remaining lifespan of the roof. With that information, you will be given the choices of whether to repair the roof, have a replacement done, or install a new roof.

The Professional

It is dangerous to walk around on a roof, so don’t try to do this yourself and don’t ask your handyman uncle either. It requires a trained professional with knowledge about safety procedures, building codes, using the right equipment, and making the appropriate analysis. Even more, a skilled roofing inspector is able to spot other potential issues such as hail damage that could result in future roof leaks. This would not be apparent to an untrained individual.

The Timing

There are several occasions recommended for a roof inspection. These include:

Upon installation of a new roof to make sure that the project has been done to meet building code compliance
After experiencing a major storm such as a hurricane, tornado, or hailstorm and if damage has been caused to the roof
When you are getting ready to sell your home or when you want to buy a new home
Routine preventative maintenance

Never assume that your roof has no issues until the warranty period is up. To avoid mistakes, don’t rely on the warranty. Instead, have a roof inspector do the assessment for you.

The Assessment

The roofing inspector will take note of the material used, and its wear and tear, or damage. The structure on top of the roof should not be sagging, deteriorated, or deformed. The interior of the roof should not show signs of water damage.
Therefore, the inspector will do a thorough inspection, noticing if there are any stains, moisture, or cracks. Upon an extensive examination, the inspector will write a report, noting the problems, and recommending further necessary action.

If you are going to have a roof inspection done, speak to a professional roof inspector. Contact the Roof Doctor to discuss your roofing needs. Call us at 303-618-9889 for a free consultation.

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