How To Inspect A Roof System

Article Written By: Shirley Elaine

When inspecting a roof system safety is very important. You should have someone with you as an extra set of hands. You will also need a ladder to help you get up on the roof. Home Depot sales a safety harness and rope system to help you protect yourself. You will also need a tape measure and a calculator. You may obtain all the safety precautions required for roof inspection from your local code enforcement.

The first thing you should notice about a roof is the color and texture. If the color of the roof is faded, this indicates that the roof system is worn. The texture of the roof system can tell us many things. If the shingles are very smooth, the roof system is in good shape. However, if the roof feels very gritty and slippery the roof is probably in poor condition.

The ventilation system may be regular square vents, power ventilators, or horizontal ridge louvers. You will need to check the integrity of the metal. Check to make sure this seams are not coming apart. The ventilation system has a tendency to break down faster than the shingles. Inspect the caulking or sealant around all metal roof vents. Ensure the seams are not broken or torn. If you notice the vents are worn or damaged, then they will need to be replaced.

The simplest way to inspect a chimney is to look for cracks and openings at the wall line. The shingles should lay flat against the metal flashing. The metal flashing should not be rusted or damaged in any way shape or form. The shingles should be in fair condition without any streaking or discoloration noted. You can also inspect the interior portion of the chimney while inside of the attic. If you notice water stains on the decking, then the water stains are indicative of an active or prior roof leak. A moisture meter may be rented from a tool rental company which can help you locate moisture inside the attic which would indicate roof leaks.

The most common place for a roof system to leak is around a penetration that is coming through the substrate. Plumbing pipes or H VAC pipes that are coming through the roof are usually the culprit for most roof damage. Be sure to inspect each pipe for cracking, openings, and decayed material. If you should find any of the following, then roof repairs will need to be made. Roofing cement should be installed at the collar of each pipe. If the cement is cracked or dried out, then the pipes will need to be re-sealed with new cement.

Finally, you will need to assess how many roofs are on the existing substrate. This can be achieved will while standing at the bottom of the ladder. Raised the bottom of the shingles while standing on the ladder and look for additional layers roofing underneath the original roof. There should not be more than two layers of shingles on any substrate. If you find more than two roof layers, the home will require a complete roof system to be installed. All shingle manufacturers state that a home may have no more than two layers installed onto the roof structure.

About the Author

Our roofing company is dedicated to Fulton County Georgia. We look forward to providing free roof estimates and roof evaluations. Please feel free to contact us at anytime.

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