What Are Roofers Looking for When Performing a Roof Inspection

Here’s what a roofer will examine and what you may look for to determine if you need one.

Roofers’ Inspection Checklist

Here are some common things a roofer will look for while assessing your roof. Also, you may utilize this checklist during periodic or post-storm visual inspections to decide if you need a roofer.

• Shingle Damage

A roofer inspects shingles for several forms of damage. After a strong storm or because of a lack of maintenance, your shingles may be gone, cracked, shattered, or loose.

Poorly installed shingles might let water leak beneath or between them, causing future problems. 

• Water Damage Symptoms

A roof inspector will search for several symptoms of water damage. To do so, they usually climb up on the roof to inspect the decking. Attic dampness is a typical indicator. 

Likewise, when a roofer steps on water-damaged decking, it feels spongy.

• Mold

It is always necessary to look for mold when inspecting a house. Frequently, the attic is the first area to notice this, especially if the roof ventilation is impeded or deficient.

You may spot this on drywall or plaster ceilings and walls. Also, mold can appear as discoloration or patches. Sometimes, you will see them on perimeter walls and corners.

• Gutters Clogs

Clogged gutters can cause water damage. Clogged gutters back up water, which can seep beneath the shingles. The damage is permanent once water penetrates the roofing layers and backs up under the shingles.

Thus, your roofing inspector will examine your drainage system for obstacles, open seams, and inadequate attachments.

Signs Your Roof Needs an Inspection

Many indicators of roof damage and degradation are hidden. So, only specialists can detect them. Here are some visible symptoms that might show a grave condition.

• Bald Shingles

Generally, shingles are covered with grit to withstand UV rays and increase wind resistance. Consequently, bald shingles are damaged.

Downspouts can also collect grit. It will end up in the gutter and then exit via the downspout, leaving a little mound of sandy grit where the downspout stream settles.

• Roof Shingles Broken or Missing

These are more visible than bare shingles. Missing shingles will be a gap in the shingle line. Likewise, broken or cracked shingles will seem uneven or jagged. 

The condition will worsen over time, causing additional water damage and increasing repair costs. Therefore, all these cases require the immediate intervention of a roofing professional. 

• Discoloration

The discoloration is an inside-your-home indicator of water damage. Slow leaks and moisture infiltration commonly appear on wet ceilings and higher walls. Also, plaster or drywall discolors with time. This indicates a long-term roof leak.

• Sagging

When a roof sags, it is generally visible from the outside. Wet, spongy overhead materials slump or buckle with increasing weight. 

Slow leaks can cause drywall ceilings to grow moist and droop. This can lead to materials failing and falling, causing injury or property damage.

• Leaks

Observing your roof from the inside might help you detect any roof leaks. Most homeowners can see their roofs from their attic or crawlspace. Any stains or discoloration that develop or change shape might suggest a moisture problem.

• Dampness

Dampness is a “dead giveaway” that a roof has a moisture problem. Any wetness in crawlspaces, attics, upper-level ceilings, or walls signals a roof leak, and you should address it promptly.

What to Look for in a Roofing Company

Here are some basic tips to keep in mind when choosing a roofing company for an inspection.

• Local Reputation 

A friend, a neighbor, a family member, or a coworker who recently used a roofing company is a good source of references. 

• Online Presence

Do some online research after you have a few possible roofing businesses. Read both positive and negative reviews so you can gauge their service. 

• Willing to Offer Free inspections 

Any reputable local roofing business will offer a free roof check. They will offer you an honest assessment of your roof’s condition.

• Friendly Technical Expertise

After inspecting your roof, the provider should be able to explain what they observed and recommend repairs. They should be able to answer your inquiries straightforwardly and courteously and explain what issues a priority is and what can wait.

Do you want a free roof check? Contact Post Oak Roofing today at 469-363-6273 if you need any roofing services. We service areas in Allen, Tyler, Plano, McKinney, and DFW, TX.