Roofs protect houses against harsh elements of weather making them prone to damage. However, many investors fail to perform the needed repairs because they don’t quickly see the problems beforehand. Why? It’s easy enough to see the condition of every part of the house by simply walking from one room to another except the roof. This is where advising your clients to get a roof inspection becomes useful.
Believe it or not, there are roof problems that only a home inspector can identify up close through a roof inspection. During a roof inspection, the following roof components are examined:
1. Shingles
Roof shingles are roof covering consisting of individual overlapping elements. Mismatched and sliding shingles indicate poor installation. Well-constructed shingles effectively insulate rain and wind.
2. Flashing
Look for damaged, separated, and rusted flashing. Flashing prevent water intrusion into the house as part of Weather Resistant Barrier (WRB) System.
3. Caulking
Caulking or caulks should not be dried, cracked, or separated. If so, such roof sealants make a house susceptible to storms, especially to a hail storm.
4. Valleys
Valleys are also used to prevent water intrusion. Valleys should not contain rusty metal and misplaced shingles. A W-shaped, open style, heavy-gauge is the strongest type of valley against unpredictable weather.
5. Drainage
Gutters must be working well and securely attached. Poor-quality gutters can cause roof leaks of immense amounts.
6. Chimneys
Missing bricks and large cracks on walls require the upper portion of the chimney to be rebuilt. Cracks on chimney bricks must be replaced immediately to avoid accidents.
7. Ceilings
No nails must be exposed in the exterior ceilings that can cause serious danger to inhabitants. Dark spots of paint should not be peeling on the interior ceilings.
8. Pipe Vents
Pipe vents play important roles in plumbing. They prevent toxic gases from leaking. Find out if rubber fittings around pipe vents are worn out.
Beyond Appearance
Determining the condition of the roof takes more than just a simple glance. What seems to be pleasing on the outside might not be pleasing on the inside. Therefore, a roof inspection helps your clients know their chosen home’s life expectancy and if they need to invest on the repairs.
