Understanding Home Roof Inspections

These are among the most common roofing materials and can be found almost everywhere. They perform well during heavy storms and cold conditions, but hot and dry climates can cut their life down by up to 40%. Proper attic and soffit ventilation is key and will prevent cooking shingles

Metal roofing is very durable and lasts a long time with minimal maintenance. Many people are happy to pay the additional expense for metal roofing.

Rubber roofing has become one of the primary go-to materials because it is a trusted source of protections for flat and low-pitched roofs.

While providing a natural look, these materials do come with some natural weaknesses. Very sunny climates and very damp climates can increase maintenance costs due to cracked or rotted pieces.

They’re tough and especially good at keeping rain at bay. However, slate is heavy, expensive and can be broken easily.

Leaks, rot, cracks, gaps, and holes can cause significant damage to your home. A quality inspection will look for these elements not only on the roof but in the attic and all interior spaces. Your inspector will know the danger signs and can often spot attempts to hide damage.

A good inspector with proper certifications and training will know when to look beyond fresh paint to see if there is an issue that wasn’t properly repaired. Attend the inspection and ask about trouble spots if you are concerned.

The home purchase roof inspection should note if there was any recent work, or if parts of the roof seem mismatched, indicating an area of wear or damage. You are within your rights to ask the homeowner or contractor about the repairs.

If the work was done by a reputable contractor and they used high-quality materials, you might be able to have the roof’s existing warranty transferred into your name when you purchase the home.

Some warranties will last for the life expectancy of the roof, usually prorated to 40 or 50 years. Discuss warranties with your agent. Typically, the inspector will not have any idea about the warranty, but they may know the contractor, so ask here, too.

A roof often comes with many different elements unique to the home and installation. These will include things like siding, soffit, fascia, gutters, downspouts and more. Your inspector should be able to see if they’ve been installed properly and if any maintenance is needed.

All of these elements are designed to keep the roof and home healthy. If they’re compromised, water and debris could pile up or leak into the home, generating long-term problems.

Mentioning them can also prompt your inspector to give you a full rundown on the roof. You may hear about cracked boots near vent pipes, rust spots, damage to the chimney cap or discoveries like asphalt grit in the gutters. All inspections will come with a very detailed report with pictures and descriptions of all areas of concern.

These recommendations and suggested areas to check and review are backed up by the National Roofing Contractors Association, which has a mission to protect homeowners.