If you ignore the importance of this crucial inspection, it is one of the biggest mistakes that you are making. And it will not be wrong to say that a failure to do so will mean that you are doing injustice to your home.
In this article, let us find out more about roof inspections under the following sub-topics, namely,
- Why opt for roof inspections?
- When must you select inspection time?
- What to expect from the inspection?
- How important is the roof inspection report?
In-depth information about the aforesaid sub-topics has been explained in brief below.
- Why opt for roof inspections?
This inspection is essentially a vital part of the maintenance regime of your home. And if you overlook the same, the chances are that you will have to shell out a fortune just to repair the damages. So, follow the age-old phrase “Prevention is better than cure.”
First and foremost, a roof inspection is the “first line of defense” from the natural elements like hailstorms, rain, snow, storm, and other unwanted weather conditions that directly impact the main part of your house, namely, the roof.
By doing so, you can do away with or at least keep at bay a number of structural complications, damages, and insulation problems. So, it is best to schedule a roof inspection not just when you are planning to buy a home but also any time of the year when you feel it necessary, preferably before the rainy season.
- When must you select inspection time?
The time of the year, when you invest in roof inspections is vital. While you will come across homeowners that sit up and take the plunge just after a hailstorm or snowfall, there are many who choose fall, the time just before winter sets in. Experts say that due to freezing temperatures, there might be structural anomalies in the roof installations that may be compromised.
In fact, it has been seen that if you have installed new roof shingles, the contractors find it difficult to anchor them owing to the frigid temperatures. Also, making workers take up the task on roofs that are slippery owing to ice and snowfall can be risky, and you might be held responsible for injuries, and it is not a very pleasant state to work for those undertaking the work too.
- What to expect from the inspection?
Prior to getting into details of this sub-topic, it is a wise move to hire the services of a professional for the inspection instead of taking the DIY approach. This is because if they could be done without then, homeowners would not have thought of investing in their services.
As far as reliable service providers go, many choices are ranging from Patriot Roofing & Construction Midvale to any other company offering similar services in and around the area of your residence or in the same area as above.
From the roof inspections, you can expect the following-
- Inspection of structures- You will be able to find out if there are uneven roof planes, the existing condition of various systems including that of the fascia, gutters, and soffit. Also, probably signals of sagging can be found out too.
When it comes to structural inspection, you cannot leave out the chimneys. Which you must inspect for cracks and condition of the chimney caps.
Also, make sure that you accompany the roof inspector when he is inspecting other structures like attic venting, whether or not there is a risk of ice dams, and so on. Remember, if the attic venting is not properly done, it can lead to a buildup of heat and moisture.
- Inspection of the interiors- It is not just about the roof that you must request for inspection. If the condition of the roof is not right, the effects manifest in the interiors due to water seepage and leaks. For instance, check the attic, walls, and ceilings for molds and water seepage stains.
Do not forget to check the basement because the pipelines are all connected and do not be in for a surprise if the basement shows stains or signs of water dripping into it too.
- Inspection of structural materials and parts – Roof is not just about the part that offers shelter to your nest. There is more to it. When it comes to inspection of these, the inspector will check whether or not shingles are right, if you find that shingles are not in good shape and requires replacement or is missing, replace it promptly. Other aspects in this category that you must not miss out include shingle aggregate, gutter downspouts, rubber boots, seals, check for gaps, and vent pipes.
- How well was the roof built- This is going to be challenging for the contractors and builders of the house. It will not only determine whether or not the workmanship or craftsmanship of the people building the structure is right or there are anomalies pertaining to the same. This will also determine the credibility and reliability of the builders.
- How important is the roof inspection report?
You cannot undermine the importance of roof inspection. A well-prepared roof inspection report is of immense help in understanding important facts about your home. Most importantly, you will be able to assess the cost that you must incur to make the necessary changes or rather correct the errors or damages that bad weather has on your house. And secondly, you will be able to find out the areas that require your attention promptly.
Remember, deferring the corrections or repair will cause you to shell out more in due course. So, as long as the repair can be done at minimum cost, it is not a bad idea to go ahead with it.
However, it is still better than you hire the services of a reputed, reliable company that has been in this business for many years, has a great track record, delivers quality work, values commitments (TAT or Turn Around Time) and will be available to assist you should you require any kind of additional assistance with materials and expert advice round the clock.
