A roof inspection is a key part of any home inspection. Inspectors look at shingles for curling, fading, moss or other damage and examine rubber boots, seals and flashing around roof penetrations like vent pipes, chimneys and skylights to ensure that they’re in good condition.
They also look for workmanship problems resulting from original installation or repairs. They use a thermal imager to find hot spots, where heat is escaping. Visit Website for more details.
The material portion of a roof inspection is where the inspector looks at the shingles, metal plates, clay or slate shingles to see that they aren’t missing or damaged. They also look at the flashing underneath the shingles for cracks, signs of leaks, or pests. This is a particularly important part of the inspection because the flashing keeps water out of the roof structure and walls.
Besides examining the shingles themselves, the inspector will look for rust stains, moss growth, water damage and other problems. They will also check the condition of pipe boots and seals. If there are any penetrations through the roof like vent pipes, a skylight or chimney, they’ll inspect those as well.
A good inspector will not climb on the roof to perform a roofing inspection. That’s too risky and could void the warranty on the roof. Instead, the inspector will examine the ceilings, attics and walls inside the home for any damage or leaks caused by the roof.
They will also look at the fascia and soffit boards for signs of rot or other problems. They will inspect the gutters as well, ensuring that they’re in good working condition. If the house is going on the market, they will also check the condition of skylights, chimneys, and vents for safety and proper operation.
The roof support system is inspected from the ground, looking for areas where the roof may be sagging or rotting. The inspector will also check the joists and rafters to make sure that they are sturdy enough to support the roof. They will also look at the decking, observing any spots where there are wood rot or moisture.
Attic Ventilation
Your roof sheds rain, keeps wind and snow out and allows air to circulate, but it’s also a mechanical system that requires proper maintenance to perform its jobs well. The ventilation system, in particular, is essential to insulation performance and to attic health.
Your inspector will check for a adequate number of intake and exhaust vents to ensure that there’s good attic circulation. This prevents moisture buildup and the resulting mold growth, and it can also reduce your energy bills by keeping attic temperatures cooler and preventing heat from being drawn into the living space.
In addition to the vents, your inspector will examine other attic features like the condition of the insulated attic floor, which should be free of stains, water damage, and insect holes; the presence of condensation on roof sheathing or framing that can indicate poor installation practices, or the presence of active leaks; and the condition of gable and ridge vents, especially in relation to their height and whether they’re open or closed.
Roof slope is another important consideration because it impacts drainage and can lead to ponding or other membrane damage. Your inspector will assess the slope and look for signs of ponding or other water problems on flat or low-sloped roofs, including the presence of water stains and moss; ponding on low-sloped roofs can also cause the soil to erode underneath the roof, leading to foundation problems.
Your inspector will also examine skylights for the presence of moisture between panes and for cracked, missing or curled shingles and tiles. In addition, he or she will examine the flashing around skylights and other roof penetrations for the presence of cracks, deterioration or improper installation.
Gable Vents
Gable vents, installed at the eaves in the gables of your roof, are effective passive ventilation devices that regulate temperatures and prevent mold and moisture buildup. They work based on the principle that hot air rises, so gable vents located at each end of your attic allow warm air to escape while drawing cooler outside air in. Combined with soffit vents (which are lower than gable vents and also have perforations that allow air to travel in and out of an attic), this ventilation system ensures your attic is properly ventilated, avoiding excessive heat and moisture.
These vents should be inspected for proper functionality during your roof inspection. If your gable vents are blocked by debris or infested with insects, you’ll need to have them cleaned or repaired as soon as possible to maintain proper ventilation.
You’ll find gable vents in various styles and designs, so they can add to your home’s aesthetic as well. They’re also relatively inexpensive and easy to install, so they make a great alternative to more expensive ridge vents.
Because gable vents are located at the eaves, they’re often susceptible to water infiltration when it rains or snows. This can cause rotting and even mold growth inside your attic space. To avoid this, it’s important to have your gable vents inspected during each rainstorm and have them repaired as needed. During your inspection, you can ask the inspector to open and close these vents to check for water leaks, which are an indication that they’re not functioning as designed. Your inspector can also inspect the condition of any penetration seals, such as boots, caulk or flashing, which are placed around the edges of your roof to divert water away from the attic and prevent it from seeping into the interior of your home.
Soffit Vents
Soffit vents, also known as eave vents, are an essential part of ventilation systems that regulate airflow and control temperature within attics and enclosed spaces. They prevent moisture buildup that can lead to mold, mildew, and rot. They also reduce energy consumption by reducing heat buildup during the summer and preventing hot air from overheating the attic, which reduces the load on air conditioning units.
Soffit ventilation controls attic temperature and humidity, which can cause costly damage to insulation and rafters. It also provides an opportunity to inspect the attic space and make necessary repairs or improvements.
During a roof inspection, soffit vents are checked for proper functioning and to ensure that there are no blockages from debris or insects. Soffit vents are usually made of aluminum, James Hardie soffit, or vinyl. They are available in both continuous and individual vents, each of which is sized to fit the specific attic space.
Continuous soffit vents are longer and wrap around the attic eaves. They offer more surface area, resulting in better air circulation. Individual soffit vents are typically circular or rectangular and have drilled intake holes. They are a good option for narrow soffits and homes with limited attic space.
Proper attic ventilation keeps ice dams from forming, which can result in interior roof leaks and expensive home repairs. It also helps reduce the stress on heating and cooling systems during cold weather.
During your roof inspection, the Feazel roofing experts can help you determine how many soffit vents are needed for your home. They will take into consideration your home’s size and eave size, as well as local building codes. They can also provide you with a free estimate for the installation of new soffit vents in your home.
Cupola Vents
Cupola roof vents are often used to enhance the appearance of a post-frame barn, shed, detached garage or other home addition and serve as a notable architectural feature on the property. However, they can also be utilized to aid in ventilation and increase light for a building. Cupolas designed to ventilate feature louvers that leverage natural airflow to bring fresh air in and push hot, humid air out for improved indoor comfort. This also reduces the occurrence of wood rot, mold and ice dams that may impact the look and longevity of your roof.
In addition to a roof inspection, which includes looking for signs of damage throughout the structure, a roofing contractor will examine any existing roof vents to ensure they are properly functioning. This includes examining the condition of the attic vents to make sure they are not blocked or obstructed and checking the gable, soffit and fascia boards for any damage. A roof inspector will also check the roof gutters for any signs of damage and the integrity of the flashing at the eaves, drip edge and ridge lines.
While soffit and ridge vents are the preferred ventilation installations, individuals who prefer a more decorative option may choose to install cupola vents or roof turbines (or whirlybird vents). The design of the vent will determine how well it blends with the style of the building, and some homeowners take this into consideration when choosing a vent for their home. For example, a Mediterranean or Greek revival-style house will pair well with cupola vents featuring a classic dome shape. For homeowners who are looking for a functional ventilation solution, a roofer can provide advice on the best options for your specific roof and budget.