When Greater American Roofing conducts a roof inspection, we start by studying satellite images and sending up a drone. Our drones use sensors and high-resolution cameras to inspect roofs, and they have powerful AI software that identifies abnormalities like discoloration, missing shingles and hail damage. Roof inspectors may also use infrared scanners to find temperature variations that could be caused by moisture trapped in roofing materials.
Roof inspectors pay particular attention to problems that could allow water to penetrate waterproofing and insulation materials and seep into rafters. Water is a residential roof’s most formidable enemy because it compromises structural integrity and provides ideal conditions for mold to grow. Alpharetta gets more than 50 inches of rain each year, and that water finds its way into every nook and cranny. That’s why roof inspectors check an entire roofing system, including gutters and downspouts.
Do I Need a Roof Inspection?
A roof inspection is a bit like a medical checkup. You may feel fine, but you visit your doctor at least once a year just to make sure nothing’s wrong. Doctors can pick up symptoms that their patients miss, and roof inspectors can identify structural problems that homeowners may not notice. If you have a new roof, having it inspected regularly may be required to keep your warranty valid. If roof manufacturers demand inspections, they’re probably a good idea.
What Do Professionals Look for During a Roof Inspection?
During a roof inspection, professionals look for issues caused by storm damage or wear and tear that could get worse over time. An inspection usually begins with an examination of a roof’s structure and an evaluation of its materials. Inspectors then look for problems caused by poor workmanship and check the home’s interior for mold and other signs of water ingress. Let’s take a look at each of these steps in a little more detail.
Structural Inspection
Sometimes, just taking a glance at a roof can let an inspector know that there’s a serious problem. When an inspector sees sagging or unevenness, they know the roof’s structure has been compromised. This can be caused by water ingress, deteriorating materials, pest infestation or poor workmanship. Inspectors can also learn a lot by looking at a roof’s fascia and soffit. The fascia is the vertical trim on the face of the roof, and the soffit is the trim that covers the underside of a roof’s overhang. Rot or decay in these areas can allow water or pests into a home, so it’s a problem that should be dealt with promptly.
Inspectors examine gutters and downspouts during a structural inspection. When rainwater doesn’t drain properly, it can collect under shingles and cause more serious problems. Chimneys are also inspected. Chimney caps are checked for damage, and chimney structures are examined to make sure grout isn’t crumbling or missing. The final part of a structural inspection is verifying that a roof is properly ventilated. If moisture is allowed to accumulate, it can cause rafters and support beams to rot and warp.
Materials Evaluation
Roofing materials, like shingles, flashing and fasteners, can wear out over time or be damaged by severe weather or falling tree branches. Missing, cracked or curled shingles are obvious signs of trouble, but even shingles that lie flat and straight can be seriously compromised. That’s why the professionals at Greater American Roofing measure the thickness of shingles and check for missing granules when they conduct a roof inspection. They also check the aluminum or galvanized steel flashing around chimneys, skylights and dormers for signs of wear and damage. Your flashing seals joints and keeps water out, so it has a very important job.
Roof penetrations, like vent pipes, can also provide rainwater with a way into a home, so the rubber boots that seal them are checked for holes and cracks. Inspectors also look for missing, popped or exposed nails and moss that can lift shingles and trap moisture.
Looking for Signs of Poor Workmanship
A properly installed roof can last for more than 30 years, but not all roofs are properly installed. Laying shingles haphazardly, using the wrong flashing and failing to adequately seal penetrations can all shorten a roof’s service life by years or even decades, so inspectors look carefully for signs of poor workmanship. Regular inspections and timely repairs can make a poorly installed roof last a lot longer.
Interior Inspection
Roofs that appear to be structurally sound and in good overall condition may have hidden problems that only an interior inspection can uncover. Roof inspectors examine interior rooms because finding the spot where water is accumulating in a home is a lot less challenging than determining its point of entry. When roof inspectors check attics, lofts and other rooms, the warning signs they look for include:
