A Beginners Guide to Roof Inspection

by Carolyn Lynch Roof Crafters Local Trusted Roofer

A home is supposed to be a haven for you and your loved ones, but if you don't maintain it properly, it can be unsafe. Maintaining your home’s roof is an essential part of keeping it safe, secure, and in good repair.

A detailed roof inspection once or twice a year can help protect your investment and ensure that your property remains in good shape for years to come. Trouble is that most people don't know what a professional inspector looks for. With our list in hand, you'll know what to look out for and what questions to ask.

Roofing inspection checklist

Hiring a professional inspector to look over your house's exterior can help you avoid problems with your roof. Not only will an inspection catch any issues that are present, but it can also give you the confidence in knowing that there aren't any problems lurking in the shadows. Here’s what you should expect your home inspector to look for when searching for problems with your roof:

1. Torn or Missing Shingles

Shingles wear out over time, and they're susceptible to damage from wind, storms, and tree limbs. Missing shingles are a problem because they let water into your house. They can also mean that there's something wrong with the underlying structure of your roof — if water gets in between two layers of shingles, it can create leaks because there's no longer an air gap between them to protect against moisture intrusion.

2. Missing or Damaged Flashings

Inspectors will also check if your flashings are in good condition. Flashings are metal strips that go around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other openings to protect them from water damage. If they are missing or damaged, water can get where it shouldn't be and cause more serious problems than just a leaky roof.

3. Ventilation problems

Without adequate ventilation, moisture can build up in your attic and cause wood beams to rot and mold to grow on the underside of your roof decking. Your inspector will check for vents with screens and make sure none are blocked with leaves or other debris. He'll also look for signs of leaks around vents that could indicate problems with flashing and other protective measures around vent pipes.

4. Moss, Mildew or Mold

Moss, mildew, or mold are the early warnings of a potential roofing problem, so inspectors look for the tell-tale signs during every roof inspection. They thrive in damp, dark environments – like the shingles on your roof. Together, they create unsightly patches that detract from the overall appearance of the roof. They also pose a long-term threat to the shingles, underlayment, and wood on your roof.

5. Leaks and water damage.

The main purpose of inspecting the roof is to make sure it's not leaking. Leaks from your roof can do significant damage to some of the most expensive parts of your house, such as the walls and ceilings.

Did Your Inspector Find Any Roof Problem? Give us a call.

If your inspector finds any major problems with your roof, don't panic! Give us a call. Our team of experts has the skills and experience to handle even the most difficult roofing problems. We'll schedule the repairs as soon as possible and take care of everything from start to finish.

When you need the best information about land for sale in Mississippi or selling your home in MS, Mississippi Landsource is you go to real estate resource.