Roof Inspection
Roof inspection is the ounce of prevention that can spot potential leaks, undiscovered leaks and other damage before they become a huge problem. Seasoned inspectors will advise on repair work, maintenance steps, or assess the effectiveness of an aging roof. Most consumer experts advise homeowners to schedule a roof assessment annually, especially if your home 15 years or older, or your flat commercial roof is 10 years or older. That is the useful life of many roofing materials used in years past.
Call 314-432-6100 for a free estimate of roof inspection
Think of it as an annual health checkup for your home or commercial building
Top ten things a roof inspector is looking for:
- Water damage
- Flashing damage
- Loose shingles
- Missing shingles
- Curling shingles
- Rot
- Blisters
- Algae
- Buckling
- Moisture in the attic
Here are the details about these warning signs which can be uncovered during roof inspection:
Flashing is the sheet metal trim where the roof meets other material, such as a chimney, vent, or commercial HVAC. Flashing damage is often the result of poor original installation. Also, buildings settle, pulling the flashing loose.
Water damage and moisture in the attic or building crawlspace
By the time you see ceiling stains you have a very big issue. Roof inspection turns up water damage you can’t see, such as leaks around flashing. Inspectors look for moist insulation, damp sheetrock and wet wood.
Loose and missing shingles
While this can be a sign of a bad installation of the current roof, wind is a powerful factor in dislodging shingles. We get some strong storms in the Midwest. Roof inspection is critical in spotting wind or workmanship issues.
Curling and buckling
A roof buckles because the original installers poorly affixed the felt, the layer below the shingles. Again, homes settle and if the felt loosens, the outside buckles. Curling means the shake is absorbing water. The useful life of your roof has ended.
Blisters and rot
Blisters are also a sure sign of moisture in the shingles; it’s time for a replacement roof. Rot means the roof mat is taking on water. That roof has to go.
How does a roof inspection work?
- Our skilled inspection will, of, course, go on the roof. From this vantage point he or she will spot eight of those top ten roof problem warning signs.
- Next, they inspector goes into the attic, or inspect the crawl space. This is the spot to uncover existing water damage, or moisture in the attic. Bear in mind, insulation or your own goods stored in the attic may be acting as a sponge, holding water that’s leaking in. It will overflow eventually, and then damage to ceilings and wood supports become an expensive repair.
- Your inspector will also have a good look at gutters and downspouts, which are an important line of protection for your roof.
Schedule roof inspection when you have had ice dams
Many homeowners attempt to clear ice dams themselves. Ice picks and shovels have sharp edges that can damage roof coverings and flashings. If you’ve been clearing ice dams on your own, it’s a good idea to have your roof professionally checked out to make sure you have not inadvertently penetrated the surface. A leak from that generally would not show up until a thaw.
By the way, you don’t need gutters to experience ice dams. The valleys on low slope roofs can have the same effect as a gutter or downspout.
To get a free estimate of your roof inspection
Call 314-432-6100 today in any of the communities listed below:
We provide roof inspection in St Louis, St Charles, O’Fallon, St Peters, Chesterfield, Wildwood, South County, North County and West County.