Prioritize keeping your home’s roof in good condition to safeguard your investment and your health. We have got you covered for all the Home Inspection information regarding roofs.
How do you go about doing that?
Preventative maintenance is essential, just as it is for your home’s other systems. Problems like failed flashing, missing or ripped shingles, and cracked tiles are easier to replace if found early. They are less likely to have previously caused serious structural or interior problems.
Roof inspections play a huge part here!
It is never a bright idea to go up on your roof yourself. (Please don’t do that. The danger isn’t worth it.) And would you know where to search or how to perform the necessary repairs? Most likely not. That is why you should always hire a professional to examine your roof.
Do I Need a Roof Inspection?
There are four primary reasons to why you might need to have your roof inspected by a professional.
If you think “yes” to any of the following questions, you should schedule a roof inspection:
- Have you found water in places where it shouldn’t be in your home? Are there any visible roof leaks or black stains on the ceiling?
- Are you in the market to purchase a home?
- Are you renewing your homeowners’ insurance or switching providers?
- Is there a recent significant storm in your area?
Suppose you’re looking for how to get ready for a home inspection. In that case, our article with detailed Home Inspection information has everything you need:
https://crimsonhomeinspection.com/uncategorized/512/
Roof leaks and ceiling stains
Roof leaks aren’t always as dramatic in ordinary houses as on television and in movies. Instead of dashing around your home, putting buckets beneath streams of water pouring from the ceiling, you’re more likely to discover black stains slowly developing across the ceiling.
If you notice stains on your ceiling, especially on the top floor of your home, you most likely have an active roof leak. As quickly as possible, contact a roofer.
Purchasing a new home
If you’ve ever gone through the home-buying process, you know how stressful the inspection and appraisal process can be. A house inspection is essential, but if there are severe problems with any home’s systems, especially the roof, contacting a professional is the best action.
“Home inspectors aren’t generally roof specialists,” we have observed, “so if they identify a problem, they’ll normally recommend a separate roof assessment.” If your home inspector finds a problem with the roof, make an appointment with a roofing contractor right away.
Renewing home insurance policy or changing insurance carriers
Suppose you renew your home insurance policy or switch insurance companies. In that case, the insurance company will almost certainly require a roof check. The amount of your premium is determined by the worth of your home. Hence, this has the possibility that you will submit a claim. The insurance company will want an accurate, up-to-date appraisal of its condition.
The roof is a critical component in maintaining the rest of the house in excellent condition. It is a costly component to repair. Roofs also account for the bulk of house insurance claims. Suppose your roof is old or in need of repair. In that case, your home insurance rate will almost certainly be more significant than you anticipated. There is a possibility that your coverage could be denied altogether by the insurance company.
Major storm aftermath
Even if you didn’t lose any trees or sustain visible damage, getting your roof examined after a severe storm is usually a bright idea. Remember that the roof damage can be subtle, and it’s typically hidden in places you can’t see from the ground. Don’t climb up on your roof to inspect for damage—the specialists have the training, experience, and equipment to do it safely, so leave it to them.
Roof Inspection Process
This section contains details with Home Inspection information about the roof inspection process.
The Inspection
Your roof inspector should check your roof from both the inside and outside. “We begin inside the house by inspecting the ceilings for evidence of water damage and leaks.” Then we travel around the property, looking for evidence of wood rot and termite infestation in the eaves and roof overhangs.”
The inspector should then climb to the roof and look for the following from this vantage point:
- On the roof, there is vegetation and rubbish.
- shingles or tiles that have broken
- Roof flashing with rust and other symptoms of degradation
- Roof valleys that are clogged
- Gutter clogging
- Seals surrounding all roof penetrations—plumbing vents, attic vents and fans, pipes, and so on—are cracked or deteriorating.
If your property has a flat roof, the inspector will search for raised overlaps and delamination roof material, both of which are indicators of roof leaks.
After the inspection
The state of the roof heavily influences the examination outcome. Whether or not roof repair is required, receiving the inspection results in writing is critical.
Your home insurance carrier will require this information. It is valuable data to have on hand if you decide to sell your property in the future.