The single function of your roof is to "drain the rain" away
from your home. That’s why our home inspections include walking on
the roof--to perform as thorough a home inspection possible. If
shingles, flashing, vent boots etc. are damaged or deteriorated, the
rain will drain into your home, and can cause significant damage,
not to mention rot and mold. Basic maintenance of your roof can
prevent many causes of roof failures. That’s why we mention
maintenance in our home inspections, even if your roof is in good,
serviceable condition, because like most areas of the home, it
requires maintenance occasionally.
Roof surface
- Location (Main, garage, patio)
- Style (Gable, Hip, Gambrel, Shed, Mansard)
- Covering material (Asphalt shingles, wood shake, tile, slate,
built-up)
- How inspected (Walked on, or viewed from ladder/ground when
walking is unsafe)
- Number of material layers
- Deterioration or damage - Near end of life span
- Functional or not
- Maintenance recommendations
- Burnt through or missing significant amount of granules, split
seams, bare areas
- Damaged membrane
- Cracking, moss covered, improper or unprofessional repairs
- Insufficient pitch for roofing material - Moss covered or moisture damaged (soft decking)
- Exposed fasteners or other improper protrusions
Exposed Flashings
- Deterioration, rust or damage
- Near end of life span
- Functional or not
- Separations or improper installation
- Plumbing and attic vent condition
- Skylight and skylight flashing condition
- Chimney flashing
- Sealant or mastic condition
- Maintenance recommendations
