What should you expect from a roof inspection

Roof inspections before and after winter are necessary to maintain the quality of your roof and reduce the risk of repairs that are needed over time. As a homeowner, you’ll need to schedule the service every year with a qualified professional to increase the longevity of the roofing materials. Once you schedule a roof inspection, it’s important to know what to expect during the appointment.

Check for Leaks

The professional roofer will access the roof and will start looking for leaks. They may check for missing shingles that are allowing the roof deck to be exposed, which can allow water to leak into the building. They’ll also identify any areas where holes are present in the attic. Any signs of water damage that are present indicate that leaks have formed and need immediate attention. 

Inspect the Gutters

The gutters may be a minor part of the roof, but they play an important role when it comes to how well the roof is maintained each season. The roofer will look at the gutters to determine if they’re clogged or are in poor condition. This can prevent water from draining off the roof properly and can cause standing water to develop on the building, which will cause leaks to form.

The roofer will also look for shingle granules that have accumulated in the gutters, which indicate the roofing materials are starting to fall apart and need to be replaced. 

Look for Mold

Many homeowners don’t realize that roofing inspections include looking for any mildew or mold that may be hiding, which is caused by water damage that hasn’t been addressed. Mold can hide in the attic or other parts of the building and can put your health and safety at risk as you spend time in the home. 
Discover Lifted or Damaged Flashing

The flashing is another important component of the roof that should be inspected before or after winter. A roofer will check to see if it’s starting to lift, which can allow moisture to leak through where chimneys, vents, and skylights are present. 

Look for Loose Seams

Loose seams are also problematic on metal roofs when the panels expand and contract. The underlying structure can quickly become damaged, making it necessary for a roofer to determine where loose seams need to be repaired to restore the level of protection the roof offers on the home.

Understanding what to expect with a roof inspection can allow you to be more prepared and learn what areas of the roof require proper maintenance and attention. The inspection will allow you to perform the necessary repairs in a timely manner and avoid any significant loss that can occur when roofs are in poor shape.