The Importance of Roof Inspections
Your roof protects your home from extreme weather conditions. It is important to have your roof inspected regularly to prevent damage and rot.
A professional inspector will thoroughly examine your roof for missing shingles, moss, cracks, and other problems that can affect its integrity. They will also inspect the condition of roof penetrations such as vent pipes, skylights, and chimneys. Visit Website to learn more.
The condition of roof materials can reveal a lot about how a building was built and how it might perform. During a roof inspection, an inspector examines each material and appurtenance to ensure that the components are in good condition.
The inspector can look for damage from the ground or by getting on the roof and examining the soffit and fascia materials from which water is supposed to flow. He or she can also check the gutters to see if they are free of standing water, and to see if the downspouts are firmly attached to the gutters and in good working order.
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material, and they can be difficult to inspect. Because shingles don’t have an extremely long lifespan and are susceptible to moss and mildew, it’s important to conduct regular inspections. During a visual inspection, the inspector looks for damaged areas, missing shingles, and granule loss. The inspector also checks the roof deck and underlying insulation for moisture, which can lead to roof leaks.
Other types of roofing materials that require more hands-on inspection are metal roofing, bituminous roofs (BUR and mod-bit), and plastic single-ply membranes. These types of roofs are inspected with both the naked eye and magnifying lenses to look for punctures, bruises, or strained regions caused by hailstone impacts. When evaluating aluminum roofing, the inspector must consider that it is more susceptible to surface denting than other metals and may need to be treated with more care during installation and handling.
Metal roofing materials are also tested for integrity and corrosion. The tensile strength of metals is measured to see if they are at risk for failure, and they are backlighted under magnification to identify dents that may be a sign of hailstone impact. Bituminous roofing materials can be desaturated with a vapor degreaser and their reinforcements extracted to check for fractures or strained regions that are characteristic of impact damage.
Leak detection on complex commercial roofs can be challenging, especially when the source of the leak can’t be easily linked to a specific area. Infrared thermography is an excellent diagnostic tool to locate potential leaks, and can be used in conjunction with other test methods to verify findings. For example, a bonded plate test can be conducted to determine the uplift pressure on an isolated roofing section by applying a mechanically-applied load to a 2’ X 2’ plywood panel that is bonded with adhesive to the roof. This can be compared to a reference standard such as the code or standards to determine the amount of uplift force generated on the isolated roofing area.
Flashing
Flashing is a strip of impervious material that’s used at roof intersections, wall penetrations, skylights and other places where water could enter the home. During a roof inspection, the inspector checks that the flashing is in place and properly sealed. They also examine the shingle flashing for damage or signs of leaks. If the flashing is leaking, it should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible to prevent further problems.
A flashing problem is one of the most common causes of a leaking roof. The metal flashing can rust due to salt exposure or acidic rain, which weakens it and creates gaps where water could seep through. Flashing can be made from copper, aluminum, galvanized steel or lead. Copper flashing lasts longer than other types but is expensive. Galvanized steel is cheaper but corrodes over time. Aluminum is in between, lasting about 20 years. If the flashing is damaged or leaking, it should be repaired or replaced immediately to prevent further damage to the roof and interior walls.
In addition to examining the shingles and flashing, the inspector will check the condition of the gutter system. If downspouts are clogged, it can cause the water to back up on the roof. This can cause rot and mold to develop, so it’s important to have the gutters cleaned regularly.
The inspector will also look at the soffit and fascia to see if they are in good shape. These boards help to keep water out of the attic and regulate the temperature and humidity levels in the house.
During the inspection, the inspector will also look at the condition of the chimneys, vent pipes and other penetrating structures. They will examine the rubber boots and seals around the penetrations for cracks, deterioration and other damage. The inspector will also check for a proper ventilation system in the attic to prevent excess moisture that can lead to mold, rot and water damage. In addition, the inspector will examine the soffit and fascia to ensure that they are in good shape and free of rotting or damage.
Penetration Seals
During a roof inspection, the inspector examines the condition of penetration seals. These seals prevent water from entering the building through the gap between a ceiling or floor and an object installed in the space such as vent pipes, attic fans and chimneys. These seals must be rated as fire-resistant to ensure they remain intact during a fire, protecting the surrounding area from damage or injury.
Penetration seals are tested using a variety of methods, including pressure testing. The inspector also checks that the flashing that covers these penetrations is properly overlapped, fastened, and securely sealed to the roof to avoid leaks. Chimneys and vents are especially prone to leaks, so inspectors examine the chimney crown for cracks or deterioration and the flashing for corrosion, bending or lifting. Inspectors also check the chimney cap and flue for proper installation.
When examining the attic, an inspector looks for signs of water damage, including mold and pest infestations. They will also evaluate whether the attic is adequately ventilated, regulating temperature and humidity levels. This is important, because a poorly ventilated attic can contribute to the structural integrity of the roof and soffit boards, as well as promote moisture and insect intrusion.
An inspector will also examine the soffit and fascia, the boards that run along a roof’s edges. They will look for rot, cracks and other damage to these boards as they are key components of a good roof system. In addition, the inspector will look at soffit and fascia overhangs to see if they are watertight.
If a building is being prepared for sale, it’s a good idea to have a full roof inspection before listing the property. The inspection can reveal any issues that might surprise a prospective buyer and give the owner time to address them. After a major storm, it’s especially important to have a roof inspected to make sure the roof and its penetrations are watertight. The extra stress from heavy snow and fluctuating temperatures may lead to premature deterioration or leaks. Inspectors will look for signs of these problems, which can be difficult to spot from the ground.
Soffit and Fascia
While shingles get all the attention, your roof is a system of components that include the roofing material itself as well as soffits, cladding, and fascia boards. These items are a vital part of your home’s structure, protecting the rafters and gutters from moisture and other damage. In addition, they provide ventilation and other services. Inspecting them is essential to identify any wear or other issues that could lead to pests, rot, and poor ventilation in your home.
During the inspection, a qualified inspector will check the soffit and fascia for signs of rot, water damage, rust, or other problems. They will also look for missing soffit panels as these can allow moisture to seep into the roof and cause mold, mildew, or wood rot. Inspectors will also examine any visible penetrations on the exterior and determine whether they are properly flashed and caulked. Penetrations include skylights, chimneys, and vent pipes. Inspectors will also note any areas where the flashing is cracked or damaged.
The soffit is located under the overhang of your roofline and protects the rafters from rain, wind, and pests. It is made from various materials, including wood, aluminum, or vinyl and can be installed in a variety of styles to fit your home’s style and architecture. It also helps to improve the ventilation in your home, drawing air into the attic space and removing excess heat, moisture, and pests.
Fascia is the horizontal board that runs along your roof’s edges and connects to the soffit. It can be made from a variety of materials, and most commonly, it is uPVC because it is low-maintenance, insulated, and available in a wide range of colors to match your house’s exterior paint scheme. However, many older-style homes do not have fascia because it was left exposed as a decorative element of the property.
The most common issue with fascia is the development of black streaks on the exterior that are caused by algae growing and feeding on damp wood. These may indicate that the fascia is rotting or damaged and should be replaced as soon as possible. Inspectors will also look for any holes or dings in the fascia that may indicate infestation with wood-boring insects such as carpenter bees and termites.