3 Things that Could Result from Your Springtime Roof Inspection

Your roof is the first line of defense for your home against the elements. If you place blind faith in your roof and neglect it, you may end up with major problems when you see that first leak. This could mean structural issues, mold, insulation damage, etc. 

However, if you take the time to schedule regular roof inspections, you can stop these problems before they even start. Experts recommend that you schedule a roof inspection at least once a year, and most people schedule theirs in the springtime, especially those that live in the northern climates, such as New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. 

There are three possible outcomes when it comes to a roof inspection. Your roof could be perfectly fine, passing the inspection with flying colors. You may have slight damage, just a few issues that need to be repaired. You may have significant damage or major issues that will require replacement. 

Here is what you can expect from a springtime roof inspection. 

Things to Expect During Your Roof Inspection

Below, there are four things that your roof inspector will look at when conducting a springtime roof inspection, or any other time of the year, for that matter. 

Interior Inspection 

Your springtime roof inspection will begin with an interior inspection of your roof. While it’s true that this area is not typically exposed to harsh environmental conditions, it does play a critical role in ensuring the structural integrity of your home. Here are a few of the things your roof inspector will be looking at when performing the interior portion of the inspection. 

Leaks

It is critical to identify leaks early on because they will worsen over time, leading to water damage. If you have signs of severe water damage, you have one or more leaks in your roof.

Proper Ventilation

If the interior area of your roof is not properly ventilated, it can cause moisture to build up, which can ultimately lead to mold/mildew. This can eventually threaten the structural integrity of your roof. 

Structural Issues

If natural light is showing through your roof or it is sagging in any areas, this indicates that there are structural issues with your roof, and it must be replaced immediately. 

Rot/Mold

Rot and mold are indications that you have poor ventilation or leaks and can lead to various health conditions for you and your family. 

Proper Insulation

Your inspector will take the time to make sure that your attic is properly insulated by calculating the R-value and checking the status of the insulation. 

During the interior portion of the springtime roof inspection, they will note all of the issues on the final roof inspection report.

Exterior Inspection

When the inspector completes the interior portion of the springtime roof inspection, they will move to the exterior roof inspection. Here are some of the things that the inspector will be looking for:

Deterioration of Shingles

They will check to ensure there are no missing, broken, rotting, or curling shingles.

Gutters

In addition to making sure the gutters are still in good shape, they will ensure no granules from the shingles have accumulated in your gutters. 

Flashing

Flashing keeps water from leaking into your home in open areas of your roof, such as near chimneys/vents. The roof inspector will check to ensure that the flashing is in good shape and is properly installed. 

Roofing Material Inspection

The next thing the roof inspector will look at is the materials to ensure no sagging or deterioration. This can help them know of any recent repairs done on your home. They may ask questions, especially if the repairs were not done properly. A new roof will be able to withstand the elements for a while, but older ones will lose vitality and can develop cracks, leaks, and unevenness. 

The roof inspector will check the condition of the materials, which is critical in assessing their economic life. Some of the most common materials include: 

  • Asphalt shingles: most common since they do well in extremely cold climates
  • Metal: durable, doesn’t require a lot of maintenance 
  • Wood shingles: look nice, but require regular maintenance, as they tend to crack and rot 

Roof Structure Inspection

Finally, at this point, the roof inspector will take a look at your roof’s structure, as this is critical to the structural integrity of your property. If there are structural issues, it can cause walls to drift, holes that pests can make a home in, and ultimately cause your roof to collapse if not addressed properly. 

The inspector will check for uneven planes and sagging. They will also check exterior components, such as pipes, vents, and other equipment. Finally, they will check the cleanliness, including looking for rot, rust, moss, and peeling paint. This will help improve the integrity of your roof’s structure. 

Springtime Roof Inspection Report 

Once the inspection is complete, the roof inspector will provide you with a written report of their observations. This will outline any issues that were found and recommend a course of action. Once you have the report, you should be ready to schedule repairs for the upcoming season. 

If you are in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, or the surrounding areas, contact A&J Reliable for a free springtime roof inspection. We can help you deal with any issues right away before they become major. Remember, 3 possible outcomes could happen as a result of your roof inspection:

  • Everything could be fine, you need some maintenance tips to keep it that way
  • You may need a few things repaired on your roof 
  • You may need a full roof replacement 

No matter what, we can handle it. We look forward to serving you.