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Inspector Directory > Home Inspection
Spotlight > Roofing Inspection
Roofing
Inspection
Posted 4/15/06
This
week's feature story takes an in depth look at roofing. Roofing
inspection will be covered along with some tips to help prolong
the life of your roof!
A vital component of a complete home inspection is the
inspection of the current roof. From the outside of the home, on
a peaked shaped roof, your home inspector will be able to make a
visual inspection from the ground. To get a closer look he or
she may use binoculars. Every home inspection company is
different, some may or may not climb a ladder and walk up on
your roof for safety reasons. From the inside of the home, if
possible through the attic or opened crawlspaces, an additional
look may be taken which is as important as the exterior
inspection.
From
the outside the focus will be on the following things:
| 1. |
The
covering of the roof: Are there broken pieces, is
there bubbling? The home inspector will try to gauge the
age of the roof and can let you know the roof material
and design.. |
| 2. |
Items
penetrating the roof: Your inspector will inspect
the exterior skylights, vents, exterior of the chimney
and anything else coming from the roof along with their
flashings. |
| 3. |
Roof
framing: The outside frame of the roof will be
checked for rotting, deflection, etc. |
| 4. |
Drainage:
At the time of the roof inspection, the gutters and
downspouts or drainage system is typically checked
to.make sure water drains properly off the roof. |
| 5. |
Obstructions:
Your roof will be checked to make sure tree branches and
leaves are not touching the surface along with other
obstructions that may decrease the lifespan of the
roof. |
From
the inside the inspection will focus on:
| 1. |
The
Decking: Signs of rot, holes, breaks, and leaks. |
| 2. |
Items
Penetrating Outward: The area around vents and other
items penetrating out are checked for signs of leaks.. |
| 3. |
Inside
Framing: The inside framing is checked for signs of
rot, breaks, etc. |
Those are the basics
that make up the inspection of your roof. Your home inspector
will provide you with a summary of this aspect of the complete
home inspection process and can help make recommendations if
needed.
Want to keep that roof over your
head in good shape? Here are
a few tips:
-
Make sure the
roof drains properly, keep gutters and downspouts clear of
debris.
-
Make sure
nothing is touching the roof like tree branches and leaves
-
Repair leaks
quickly. A leak can cause rotting in the deck. Wood rot
spreads easily so catching it early is the key to prevent
other major repairs.
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