Your roof is one of the biggest investments you’ll make as a homeowner, so it needs to be maintained properly. Regular inspections and timely repairs can prevent serious problems from arising, like rot, leaks, or mold.
Unmaintained roofs can also reduce your home’s energy efficiency, leading to higher utility bills. Inspections and maintenance tasks can help you stay insulated and save money.
Performing a visual inspection involves using the naked eye to assess the condition of equipment, materials and structures. The process is commonly used in quality assurance (QA) and QC programs to evaluate the suitability of items for use. The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) defines visual inspection techniques in its Recommended Practice (SNT-TC-1A, 2020). These techniques include direct, indirect and guided visual inspections.
Visual inspections can be conducted from the ground or from an elevated platform, such as a ladder or scaffolding. Regardless of the method chosen, it is important to perform a thorough exterior surface assessment of the roof to identify any areas of concern. This may include examining soffits, fascia and eaves for signs of rot or water damage. It should also involve examining roof components, such as the decking, insulation, ventilation and gutters, to determine their overall condition. Inspectors should be sure to check for the presence of moss and lichen growth, as well as any areas where shingles or tiles are missing.
Another common area of concern is the condition of flashing. It is important to inspect these areas from various angles and to note any gaps or areas where the flashing is pulling away from the roof surface. Inspectors should also look for the presence of deteriorated sealant around penetrations and perimeter flashings. If sealant is found to be damaged, the caulking or flashing should be repaired.
The benefits of conducting regular visual inspections are significant. In addition to detecting problems, they can help establish a maintenance schedule, which will save money in the long run. Regular inspections can also help with insurance and warranty issues. Many policies and warranties require a documented history of inspections in order to maintain coverage or validity.
Professional inspectors can offer valuable insights into a roof’s condition. In addition to their expertise, they often have specialized tools and techniques that allow them to do a more thorough job of assessing a roof than would be possible with a simple visual inspection. This can include thermal imaging technology, drone capabilities and other specialized equipment.
Attic Inspection
Attic inspections help identify and prioritize issues that can affect the quality and longevity of a roof. They also help ensure that a home’s ventilation system is working properly and that a building has enough insulation. In addition, attic inspections can reveal other structural problems that may not be visible from the ground or interior of a home, such as wood rot and mold growth.
During an attic inspection, a home inspector will walk around the area and examine any obvious damage or leaks from the ground or from within the attic itself. They will also check for sagging areas of the ceiling and other potential problem spots. They will also look for evidence of pests, such as droppings or chewed insulation or wires.
Because of the way that a roof and attic are constructed, it is very important to have proper ventilation. Insufficient ventilation can lead to moisture accumulation, which can cause mold and mildew, or even rot and structural damage. During the attic inspection, a home inspector will evaluate the attic’s ventilation system and ensure that the ridge vents, soffit vents, or gable vents are open and unblocked.
Home inspectors are required to inspect attics that are readily accessible without posing safety risks, including pulling down ladders or climbing stairs. It’s a good idea for homeowners to schedule an attic inspection every year, and especially after the winter or spring.
Aside from identifying issues, an attic inspection can also help to identify the age of a roof. If the shingles are older, they’re more likely to be damaged by weather or wear and tear. Similarly, if the shingles are buckling or granules are missing, they’re more prone to water penetration and rot. By identifying these issues early, they can be fixed promptly before the damage is extensive. This helps to protect the structure of a roof, improves indoor air quality, and reduces energy costs. It can also prevent potential buyers from being surprised by expensive repairs once they move into a home. This is a major reason why it’s so important to have regular home inspections and to get any problems fixed as soon as possible.
Thermal Imaging
Roofing professionals often use thermal imaging in addition to visual inspections. This technology allows them to locate roof leaks and moisture intrusion that might not be visible with the naked eye. It also saves time and money by allowing them to spot problem areas before they become worse.
A thermal camera works by capturing infrared light, which is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is invisible to human eyes. Wet insulation retains heat longer than dry materials, so it shows up on a thermal image as warmer spots than surrounding material. This helps roofing professionals find the source of leaks, rot and mold damage.
Before thermal imaging was available, roofing professionals used other tools to find moisture intrusion in commercial buildings. Those tools were more labor-intensive and involved sacrificial samples to test for leaks and condensation. Thermal images are quick and easy to read, and they allow building owners to identify problem areas so that they can be repaired quickly before further damage occurs.
Because the temperature of the roofing material changes throughout the day, it is important to schedule a roof inspection at an optimal time. The most effective times are early morning or shortly after sunset during a cooling phase. This is when the roof will absorb the most heat during the day and release it later in the evening. This makes wet areas easily identifiable in a thermal image, which displays apparent temperature differences as gradient colors.
A good thermal scan can save a business thousands of dollars by enabling them to address wet insulation and other problem areas before they cause serious damage. The information in a thermal scan can help businesses determine the most cost-effective approach to repair, including whether they need to replace the entire roof or simply patch damaged areas. It can also identify potential insurance claim issues that might arise in the future.
Investing in a thermal scanner is a great way for a roofing contractor to provide a value-added service to their clients. However, ensuring that team members are trained to interpret the images correctly is essential to getting the most out of this technology.
Gutter Inspection
Gutter inspections are an important part of roof maintenance. They help to direct water runoff away from the foundation of a home, which prevents structural damage and basement flooding. They can also prevent wood rot and interior moisture problems, as well as mold growth. During gutter inspections, inspectors can check for clogs, blockages, and water intrusion from eaves. They can also check for downspout connections, ensuring they are properly sealed and that they are not damaged or disconnected. Inspectors can check for debris accumulation on downspouts and in the corners of the gutter system. Inspectors can also look for a rusty metal flashing, which may indicate that the gutter system has been compromised over time.
Gutters can become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris that blocks water flow. Clogged gutters can lead to water backup, which can cause damage to the roofing and the side of a house. A homeowner should have their gutters inspected at least twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Inspectors can use ladders to clear away any debris from the gutters and downspouts and can inspect the downspouts for water flow. Inspectors can also check the condition of the gutter aprons, which connect the gutters to the structure of the roof. Inspectors can test the effectiveness of the gutter system by pouring water into the highest points of the system and looking for holes or cracks in the gutter.
A home inspector should also examine the gutter system to ensure it is properly sloped and draining. Gutters should slope 4 to 6 feet away from the foundation of a home, allowing water to move quickly away from the foundation and prevent damage from excessive moisture buildup. Home inspectors can recommend adding gutters if the home does not have them or if the existing gutter system is overloaded with debris.
Integrating roof maintenance into a regular home maintenance schedule protects your investment and can prevent costly repairs down the road. By scheduling roof maintenance and inspections, ensuring proper ventilation, clearing debris, checking insulation levels, addressing leaks, preventing ice dams, and performing gutter inspections, you can keep your home protected from the elements and extend its lifespan.