Your roof is one of your home’s most crucial lines of defense. Because the roof is repeatedly exposed to the elements, it could accumulate extensive damage over time. Florida home inspectors recommend you have your roof inspected annually, especially after a rough storm, to ensure its integrity.
Looking up “home inspection near me,” you’re probably wondering what roof inspectors check on the topmost part of your property. While you might think they’ll only take a peep at the roofing for loose parts or cracks and call it a day, they do a more diligent assessment. Read our simple guide below if you’re curious to know what they do.
Structural Inspection
A structural engineer can inspect your home, whether you are looking for roof inspections on a new building or an evaluation of the existing condition. A structural engineer can evaluate your property and recommend the most appropriate course of action. They can provide you with a comprehensive report that will detail both the good and bad. Using a structural engineer will ensure that your home is built to withstand the anticipated loads.
Your inspector will inspect the roof for cracks and loose granules. The inspector will inspect the chimney, fascia and gutters for cracks and crumbling grout. They also look at damaged chimney caps. Your inspector will also inspect the flashing at the roof’s edges for integrity. If this is deteriorated, it will increase the risk of leaks and require major repairs.
A structural inspection is a detailed check of the overall structure of your roof. It will look for signs of sagging or rotting. It will also check the soffit, fascia, gutters, skylights, and chimneys, as well as the exterior and interior of these items.
Your inspector will inspect the roof and look for any cracks or gaps in the expansion joints. These are areas that are vulnerable to weather damage and should be replaced as soon as possible. The inspector will also check for cracked or deteriorating vent pipes and rubber boots. Your inspector will also check for watermarks on the walls, which may indicate a leak or other problem with the roof.
During a structural inspection, your inspector will assess the overall condition of the roof system. Instead of looking for damaged or missing roof materials, the structural assessment focuses on how well the primary components are holding up and signs of a sagging roof.
The following are included in a structural inspection.
- Sagging Ceilings
- Broken, splintered, or cracked roof rafters
- Missing or damaged collar and rafter ties
- Leaning or tilting exterior walls
- Functionality and condition of the fascia, soffit, rain gutters, drain pipes, and drip edge
- Damage to seals, grout and exterior of skylights, vents, and chimneys, if any
Interior Inspection
Your inspector won’t just look at the outside portion of your roofing system; they’ll also assess the condition of your ceilings, attic, and walls. The interior part of your roof might have signs of water damage or leaks, along with the following:
- Moss or lichen growth
- Mold
- Decaying wood
- Damaged insulation due to shingles or underlayment issues
- Holes or cracks on the ceilings and walls
- Pests in the attic
Material Inspection
Material inspection is when your inspector assesses the roofing materials, such as the metal plates and clay or slate shingles, for missing components, water damage, rust, and moss growth. Additionally, your roof inspector will check the flashing underneath your roof for signs of pests, cracks or leaks in the materials.
Where to find a Roof Inspector
Finding the right professional roof inspector is crucial to ensure you don’t miss any underlying problems you might not have noticed. If you wish to hire a reliable roof inspector for your Florida home, visit Frontline Inspectors at their website https://frontlineinspections.us/.
