Columbus Metal Roofing is an opportunity to address problems before they worsen. That helps extend the life of your roof and saves you from the hassle and expense of having to replace it prematurely.
Inspectors check roofing materials for damage such as curling, buckling, and missing shingles; metal plates and flashing; and stains from moss or rust. They also look at penetrations such as vent pipes, skylights, and media installations to ensure they’re secure.
Your roof is your home’s most important protective system, accounting for a significant percentage of its overall value. Regular visual inspections of the structure are critical, especially if you have an older roof. The inspection process typically includes four categories: a material inspection, a structural inspection, an interior inspection, and an artistry inspection.
During the material inspection, an inspector will look at the condition of the roofing materials. They will check for missing, curling, and buckling shingles, granules in the gutters, stains, moss, and any other indication that the shingle material is nearing the end of its useful life. The inspector will also examine the flashing and underlayment to ensure they are in good condition. In addition, the inspector will inspect the rubber boots and seals around the vent pipes to ensure they are in good condition.
The structural inspection involves checking for signs of sagging or uneven roof planes, as well as examining the condition of the fascia, soffit, and gutter systems. The inspector will also closely examine masonry chimneys for cracks, crumbling grout, damaged caps, and the attic ventilation system to ensure it is effective.
A final inspection category, the craft inspection, looks at how the roof was constructed and whether there are any signs of improper installation or substandard work. The inspector will examine the seams of the shingle sheeting and the caulking and sealants at all penetration points to ensure they are in good condition. The inspector will also check for any visible leaks throughout the ceiling and walls of the house, which can indicate several problems, including moisture, mold, rot, and other damage.
While many inspectors use more advanced technologies, such as drones and thermal imaging, a visual inspection remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective methods of evaluating the condition of a roof. It is a good idea to have a checklist to help improve the consistency and accuracy of visual inspections. Checklists provide a clear and concise guide for performing the inspection while allowing quality managers to monitor inspection results and set standards. Quality managers should regularly reassess the inspection performance of their inspectors to confirm that each pass/fail decision is consistent with established defect criteria.
Your home’s gutter system is an important part of your roofing system as it helps to redirect water runoff safely and prevent it from impacting your roof, foundation, or siding. As such, your gutters are subject to various issues and must be inspected and maintained to ensure they continue working as intended. This is why your gutters should be reviewed for every roof inspection. Inspectors can spot any issues with your gutters, including damage to your fascia and soffits, that may impact the function of your roofing system.
During a roof inspection, the inspector will closely examine the gutter system and its components, including downspouts, conductor heads, leaders, scuppers, and gutter guards. They will also inspect the gutters for clogs, damage, and rust. Once the gutters are clean, the inspector will use a garden hose to test them for water flow. If water isn’t flowing down your gutters properly, it could cause soil erosion around your home’s foundation, rot along wood siding, and mosquito infestation.
If your gutters are damaged, the inspector will take note and provide you with a recommendation for repair as needed. They will also look at how the gutters are secured to the roof. If the gutters are attached at the drip edge of the roof, they can pull away from the home’s structure over time, causing leaks and damage to the roof surface and walls below. This is why it’s important to attach gutters to the fascia board instead of the roof edge when possible.
Your roof’s penetration points (vent pipes, media installations, chimneys, and more) create holes that must be covered with boots, seals, and flashing to keep water from seeping into your home. The inspector will examine these penetrations to ensure they are intact, sealed, and waterproof. They will also check the condition of the flashing itself. Leaking flashing can be a sign of a larger problem, but it can also be a quick fix with some caulk. Be sure to have caulking repairs done while the weather is still warm so it has time to dry before the winter arrives.
During a roof inspection, if the inspector can safely access the roof (using a ladder), they will look for water damage on the ceiling and walls. They will also look for any uncovered openings on the roof (including skylights). These open spaces pose a fall hazard and can be easily walked through or even fallen into by accident. The inspector will also check the condition of the eaves. They must be properly covered and vented to prevent condensation, moisture build-up, and fungus. This can cause hidden structural issues such as wet rot in the roof timbers, leading to roof leaks and a shortened lifespan for your roof.
The inspector will inspect the shingles for missing, cracked, or chipped pieces. They will also check the ridges for signs of wear. The flashing (metal sheathing that seals around things like chimneys, vents, windows, and skylights) must also be inspected. If the flashing is rusted, warped, or dented, it can let water into the house and cause rot in the structure and ceilings.
If there are shingles, the inspector will look for any signs of mold, moss, or lichen growth, as these can indicate that the roof is leaking or at least getting ready to reveal. The inspector will also inspect the gutters to ensure they are not clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris. Clogged gutters can cause water damage to the fascia and walls of the house. They can also cause the downspouts to become clogged, preventing them from draining properly.
A professional inspector will also take note of any shingle overhangs that need to be repaired or replaced. They will also look for any areas of the roof that may need to be raised due to sagging or unevenness. This could be caused by several factors, such as age, storm damage, or just general wear and tear. A professional roof inspection can help save a homeowner or building owner from expensive repairs in the future and extend the life of their roof.
Home inspectors look at a house from the ground up and identify problems that must be corrected. They will note anything that isn’t in good condition or might need to be replaced, such as a roof with missing or damaged shingles or a chimney in poor repair. The purpose of a home inspection is to discover and list any issues that might influence the value of a property so prospective homeowners can factor those costs into their purchase offer or negotiate with sellers to fix certain issues before closing on the house.
The damage to a roof doesn’t just reduce a structure’s value; it can also degrade the interior of the building and lead to health issues for occupants. Moisture that seeps through a roof causes wallpaper, paint, wall lining, and curtains to deteriorate and encourages the growth of mold, dust mites, and fungi. These can cause breathing problems and other health-related issues for household members.
Consistent care is the key when it comes to roof maintenance. Routine inspections can prevent problems and help prolong a roof’s lifespan. For example, removing loose or broken shingles, replacing worn insulation, and repairing damaged gutters can all improve the function and longevity of a roof.
During a roof inspection, a home inspector will also evaluate the condition of a home’s exterior, including its siding, doors, and windows. They will inspect landscaping to determine whether trees are healthy and not prone to falling limbs or causing water runoff and assess pathways, retaining walls, sheds, and railings.
The home inspection will then move inside, where the inspector will check the attic and its insulation and look for any signs of water intrusion in the ceilings and walls. The inspector will also examine the condition of any drywall and plaster and any electrical systems, heating, air conditioning, plumbing, or ventilation.
Generally, a home inspector will not get on the roof to take photographs or conduct tests, which is where a roofing professional can add value. Inspecting a roof from the ground or a ladder can be challenging and dangerous for the average person, and a qualified roofing expert will have the skills and equipment to examine the entire roof thoroughly.