As a responsible homeowner, you desire nothing less than the best for your home. When any facet of your home faces a challenge (such as a leaky roof), you want to take prompt action to resolve the situation. However, in many cases, you simply don’t know the underlying cause of the problem, especially if it involves your roof.
Hiring a knowledgeable and experienced roofing professional to perform a residential roof inspection gives you the necessary information to make the right decision for your roof. However, identifying the appropriate inspector demands that you conduct a thorough assessment of their qualifications and the process they employ.
What You Need To Know About A Residential Roof Inspection
A Comprehensive Inspection Covers All Of The Essential Roofing Elements
A complete roofing inspection addresses each aspect of the roofing system, including, but not limited to, the following features:
- Attic and insulation
- Ceiling and interior connections to the roof
- Chimney
- Fascias and soffits
- Fasteners and seals
- Flashing
- Gutters and downspouts
- Roof decking and underlayment
- Roofing materials
- Skylight and any other roof penetrations
- Structural components
- Ventilation
No homeowner should settle for a surface-level roofing inspection that does not take time and effort to analyze all hidden areas.
A Qualified Professional Roofing Inspector Understands The Inspection Process
You would never consider hiring a dentist to perform a heart transplant. Yet homeowners often involve roofing contractors with minimal or no formal training to facilitate a complex roofing inspection. An experienced (and ideally certified) roofing inspector has the expertise to accurately and thoroughly examine all roofing components. They will look over every detailed aspect of your roofing system. They will then make note of the various problem areas or issues that will need to be addressed soon & provide a report with their findings so that you can make an informed decision.
The Benefits Of Obtaining A Residential Roofing Inspection
An inspection from a skilled roofing professional provides numerous advantages to the astute homeowner.
Minor Issues Can Be Identified Early
Before relatively small roofing problems multiply into catastrophic financial predicaments for the homeowner, a comprehensive analysis of the roofing system identifies these areas of concern. In most cases, the inspector can take any observations and provide recommendations to redress them with repair, restoration, or replacement work.
An Inspection May Extend Your Roof’s Lifespan
A meticulous and complete evaluation of the roofing system may reveal how much life remains in the existing roofing system and what components need repair or replacement to prolong the life of the homeowner’s roof. This advantage works well for the homeowner hoping to have a timeline to approximate when the roof needs replacement.
Receiving A Detailed Written Inspection Report
Knowledge is power. A high-quality, well-drafted roof inspection report provides the homeowner with critical information to make a sound decision regarding what to do next. This report will include observational evidence regarding the roof’s condition and the status of all roofing components, like the decking, flashing, and underlayment. A roof inspection report will also tell you how much roof life is left. This information is valuable, especially when you are considering selling a home or making multiple major home updates.
Pitfalls To Avoid During The Residential Roof Inspection Process
An exhaustive roof inspection requires the professional to thoroughly evaluate all considerations. Make sure they don’t miss these crucial details.
Failing to Identify “Small” Roofing Issues
The untrained eye may miss the subtle problems that seem trivial or insignificant. However, the thorough roofing inspector studies the minute details (such as imprecise nail placement or lack of starter strips) and provides helpful recommendations.
Ignoring Roof Ventilation Requirements
Most roofing systems include a variety of vents, such as soffit, ridge, hood, gable, and turbine. Building codes stipulate ventilation placement meets particular dimensional requirements. A trained roofing professional knows these specifications.
Not Following Manufacturer Specifications
Established roofing manufacturers set industry standards for the proper installation and use of their products. A knowledgeable roofing inspector understands these guidelines and knows how to access them to ensure roofing components meet them.
Not Hiring A Qualified Roofing Inspector
Most roofing contractors lack the education and experience to perform an inspection expertly. Often, these novices will conduct nothing more than a surface-level analysis of your exterior roof. Avoid involving an untrained or unskilled inspector.
Not Recognizing Code Violations
Building codes exist to protect homeowners from safety concerns. A knowledgeable roofing professional capably identifies code violations (such as improper venting, structural problems, and outdated roofing materials) during inspection.
Choosing The Appropriate Residential Roofing Inspector For You
When contacting a prospective roof inspector, ask them about their professional qualifications, including licensing, certifications, training, and experience. Inquire regarding their process. Ask about the tools and equipment they use and the evidence they intend to gather. Learn whether the inspector will provide a detailed report with their findings and recommendations.
At Bill West Roofing, we offer the foremost expertise in the residential roofing industry. Our commitment to providing the leading roofing services in the Greater Kansas City Area ensures every homeowner receives the highest quality results. Whether you need a new roof or a repair, we respond promptly and courteously. Trust us to take care of your roofing needs responsibly.
To learn more about our roofing services, contact us today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation.