Roof maintenance is vital for protection against harsh weather and to enhance the comfort of your home.

Given the functions and location, your roof faces a high exposure to the elements.Damage and deterioration are bound to happen over time. You don’t want to wait until you notice a significant hitch before calling a roof maintenance company.

We’ll explain what a roof inspection is, when it’s needed, and why you should consider getting one.

What Is a Roof Inspection?

A roof inspection is a series of checks that roofers perform to determine your roof’s structural integrity. After this process takes place, you’ll have a clear picture of several factors that include:

• Your roof’s relative age and lifespan

• Whether you need roof repairs

• Whether you need to invest in a replacement roof

When Should You Have a Roof Inspected?

 Schedule reschedule inspections and maintenance with your roofers, even if you don’t suspect any problems. Some seasons and situations increase the need for assessment even if your roof isn’t due for a scheduled inspection. You should request a roof inspection before potential damages worsen and you’re on the hook for major repairs.

Roof work is often done in warm weather, so schedule your inspection before the cold weather sets in. Late summer and early fall are ideal times to repair a roof, so try to get an assessment around these seasons, unless you have an emergency. This way, you can ensure your gutters and roof are in good condition before winter begins.

Winter is associated with snow and ice dams that form on poorly insulated roofs or roofs that don’t shed water and debris properly. If your reason for inspection is to catch potential problems before winter, don’t wait until the onset of winter. 

Other than seasonal changes, several different situations can also call for a roof inspection.

After a Storm

Storms and their associated winds can damage your roof and roof components. Schedule a roof inspection from a professional inspector and your insurance company if you suspect this to be the case. You can get an accurate estimate of needed repairs as well as a report of the damage to file an insurance claim.

When Your Roof Is Old

The older your roof gets, the more the risk of severe damage increases. Older roofs call for more inspections and maintenance than newer roofs to be maintained properly.

If your roof is over 15 years, you’re likely due for a replacement. But some roofs can last longer than 20 years, so you should always request frequent inspections to determine when you need a replacement. 

Before You Sell Your House

When you want to sell a house, appraisers will inspect your roof systems’ conditions. If your roof has damage, you’ll have to make the necessary changes to abide by proper standards or have your home appraised for a higher value.

Buyers might also shy away from a property with underlying problems, such as a faulty roof. Issues such as mold and water damage decrease a home’s value.

What To Expect During Roof Inspections

Roof damage can occur in different ways. Your roofer will do an internal and external inspection to determine issues and their causes.

Ultimately, roof inspection is comprised of four faucets:

• Materials

• Interior

• Artistry

• Structure

Material Inspection

Materials that form your roof include:

• Shingles

• Flashings

• Fasteners

• Gutters

A material inspection involves checking the above parts for faults or misalignments. Roofers look for include mold, rust, curled or missing shingles, and deteriorated rubber seals (among other potential problems).

Interior Inspection

Most roof problems originate from the exterior but can affect your house’s interior. Besides the interior roof, some components like the ceiling and upper wall can also suffer from roof problems. For instance, roof leaks can damage the ceiling and walls and cause rot and mold growth.

Workmanship Inspection

Workmanship problems can increase the risk of leaks and future roof damage. Such issues include incorrect flashing around penetration like skylights and chimneys, all of which can be detected during an inspection.

Structural Inspection

Roofers look for sags and uneven roof planes during inspections. They then determine the conditions of the gutter, soffit, and fascia. 

The structural inspection also includes checking the attic’s vents. Improper vents can cause moisture and heat build-up, reducing your roof’s life expectancy.

What Do Roof Inspectors Look For?

Before hiring a roofing contractor, have a checklist of all roof components that you suspect need an inspection. You can only understand your roof’s overall condition if you get a report of all potentially damaged parts.

Below are the areas of a roof that contractors will typically inspect:

Gutters and Downspouts

Roof inspectors always inspect how your gutters are attached. That part of your roof should be free of still water. The downspouts should also be firm in place. Otherwise, rainwater and snow will leak to other parts of your house.

Skylight

Skylight replacement is an intrusive process for your roof. If your skylight works fine but is almost at the end of the life cycle, consider a skylight replacement alongside roof repairs. Otherwise, you may interfere with some parts of your roof if you do a separate skylight replacement.

Flashing

Flashing consists of metal, plastic, or other materials that divert water from the joint between the wall and the roof. Your flashing always has to be in perfect condition to prevent water damage, as the flashing is often the main entry point for water into a house.

Attic

During an inspection, roof experts look for common attic problems like ventilation issues and rotten wood . Stains and water damage are easy to spot on bare wood, hence you learn the exact point where the problem is occuring.

Chimney

The chimney is a roof component that calls for close-up inspection in order to catch problems early. For instance, if a roof cricket (also called chimney saddles, designed to divert precipitation and debris from your chimney) directs water away, your inspector will do a close check to identify the cricket. Otherwise, precipitation will trickle down your chimney and cause water damage.

Roof Penetration

Roof vents, vent pipes, and other installations create holes in your roof upon installation. Sealants, seals, flashing, and boots cover the gaps that are created. During an inspection, your roofer will check the conditions of both the penetrating material and the bonds.

Why Should You Have a Roof Inspection?

You should always conduct roof inspections regularly because your roof is a vital component of your home. Never gamble on a roof’s expected lifespan - the repercussions might cost you comfort, peace of mind, and high replacement or repair costs. 

With regular roof inspection, you also reap these benefits:

Early Identification of Roofing Issues

Some roofing problems that are ignored at their early stages can evolve into hazardous situations.

For example, one missing shingle doesn’t appear to be a big problem. But this small flaw exposes part of your roof to infestations and water damage. 

Frequent roof inspections will enable your contractor to spot such issues and do minor repairs right away. But if these issues are ignored for a long time, you will incur a costly repair and may need partial or total roof replacement.

Most roof problems arise from Mother Nature, some are caused by human behavior. A roof inspector can catch such issues early and suggest possible courses of action to reduce the risks of roof damage.

Enhanced Security

A weak roof is a target entry point for thieves, especially if the weakness is visible from the outside. Holes and open skylights are potential dangers that make it easy to cut through the roof. Roof inspection identifies all weak points of a roof so you can reinforce it for better security.

Professional vs. DIY Inspection: Which Is the Way To Go?

If your roof is still relatively new, you can check for noticeable signs of damage from the ground. You don’t have to go up the top to notice curled or missing shingles.

Nonetheless, roof maintenance doesn’t simply involve a hop on the roof or an inspection from the ground.A professional can catch problems you can miss if you only do a self-inspection. For example, granule loss and issues with the chimney may escape your eyes.

A DIY roof inspection also poses the danger of falls and other injuries, which you avoid if you hire a trained expert. If your roof is old or you have other known potential damages, hiring a professional is the right way to go.

What Happens After a Roof Inspection?

Once your roofer is through with the inspection, you get a detailed report also known as a roof analysis. The report details your roof’s structural integrity, any necessary repairs, and recommended roof maintenance tips.

Some people are scared of roof inspections because of the possibility of discovering that a massive repair or replacement needs to take place (resulting in a massive bill). If you’re in the category that is afraid of extensive repairs, understand that ignorance is never a solution. The longer you avoid the damage, the higher the chances of a hefty bill.

Besides, not all roof analyses will report problems. Your roof could be in perfect shape and a good roofer will not suggest unnecessary repairs. Many roofers offer a free inspection, so you don’t always have to pay unless you need a repair or replacement.

Final Thoughts on Roof Inspections

Your roof goes through a lot throughout a year, especially if you experience harsh weather conditions. With regular inspections, you avoid the hassle of significant inconveniences and costly repairs or replacements. Routine inspections and maintenance can help keep your roof and home in optimal condition for a longer period of time than if you just left it alone.

Louis Hanley

Community Manager

Baltic Roofing

Louis is a community manager for Baltic Roofing where they help the greater Chicago community with everything from high-quality roof replacements to skylight repairs. He is an expert on all things roofing and home improvement. Outside of work, he’s a huge Cubs fan and enjoys spending time with his dog, Roscoe.