What is a Roof Inspection 9 Things Contractors Look For

What is a Roof Inspection? [9 Things Contractors Look For]


Having your roof inspected may sound like serious business, and while it is extremely important when it comes to roof replacements and repairs, it’s also standard procedure. It’s a simple process for homeowners, and can provide peace of mind to those worried about the condition of their roof. In fact, they are vital to maintaining a healthy roof, and a great way to find issues and resolve them before they become major and costly.

If you’re in the market for a new roof, noticed a leak, have an aging roof, or have recently faced severe weather in your area, it’s time to hire a professional contractor to come out and take a look. So, what is a roof inspection? In this article, we will discuss what a roof inspection is, why it’s important, as well as 9 things every contractor should check for during a roof inspection.

Table of Contents

– What is a Roof Inspection?

– Attic Ventilation

– Roof Leaks and Water Stains

– Roof Layers

– Roof Decking

– Roof Vents

– Shingles

– Penetrations, Skylights, and Chimneys

– Roof Flashing

– Gutters

– Hiring the Right Contractor

What is a Roof Inspection?

contractor performing a roof inspection
Roofing contractor performs an inspection

What is a roof inspection? A roof inspection is simply when a professional roofing contractor comes to your home to investigate the condition of your roof. Your contractor will look for failing parts and materials, any issues that need repairing, and if your roof is still standing the test of time. There are a variety of reasons that a roof inspection is performed, including the following:

  • Annual inspection for regular maintenance and upkeep
  • Homeowner has noticed a specific problem, like a leak coming from the ceiling
  • A recent storm has just come through the area (tornadoes, hurricanes, storms with high winds, heavy rains, snow, hail, etc.)
  • Preparing your home for hurricane season or snow season
  • If you’re looking to sell or refinance your home
  • Your insurance company has requested a roof inspection
  • If you’ve recently purchased a home without a home inspection
  • Your roof is aging and it’s time to check and see how it’s holding up
  • If you’re replacing your roof or know you need roof repairs

And that’s just to name a few! Getting a roof inspection is so important for your roof, and your home. This is a great way to catch small issues before they turn into big ones, giving homeowners peace of mind, and potentially saving them money in the long run. Roof inspections can detect and prevent future damage, and help to ensure that your roof lasts as long as it should.

But no matter the need for your roof inspection, there are specific items across the board that any experienced roofer will check out and check off the list. Their job is to assess the condition of all roof components, look for any problems, and determine the cause. We believe education is so important here at Elite Exteriors when it comes to your roof, and below are the 9 things your contractor will look for during a roof inspection.

Attic Ventilation

ridge vents installed for proper attic ventilation
Pictured above are ridge vents that were installed for proper attic ventilation

What is a roof inspection? Well, one of the key components of any roof inspection is checking to see if your attic is properly ventilated. Attic ventilation is essentially what allows your house to breathe, bringing air into the attic, while also allowing it to escape.

If your attic isn’t properly ventilated, this could mean serious problems for your roof, and could shorten your roof’s lifespan. Not only that, damage from the heat and cold can affect the way your roof looks, as well as its durability, and can even void the shingle manufacturer’s warranty. Attic ventilation is vital to your roof’s health, and is a key component to any roof inspection.

Roof Leaks and Water Stains

water stains on a ceiling
Water stain on the ceiling caused by a roof leak

When explaining what is a roof inspection, one of the probably more obvious factors includes checking for roof leaks and water stains. Contractors will check interior ceilings for this, as well as the attic, interior walls, and also search for mold, rot, and any other signs that water is making its way into your home. Once a contractor notices any roof leaks or water stains, they will start searching for the cause.

From here, a contractor will work to repair the part of your roof that is causing the leak. However, if the problem is extensive, they will more than likely recommend a roof replacement. For more information about why your roof is leaking, check out our blog, “6 Reasons Why your Roof is Leaking in Heavy Rain.”

Roof Layers

layers of a roof
The amount of layers a roof has is specific to each individual roof

What is a roof inspection? One of the first things a contractor will do when they are on site for a roof inspection is check to see how many layers your roof has. This is because if there is a problem with your roof, and you end up needing a roof replacement, then your roof and any extra layers will need to be torn off.

This directly impacts your roof estimate, which is why it is so important to find a reputable contractor that you can trust. If there is more than one layer, then the estimate will include the number of layers that need to be torn off.

Roof Decking

roof decking
Pictured above is a roof’s decking before shingle installation

Another factor to consider when answering what is a roof inspection is your roof decking. Roof decking, sometimes called roof sheathing, is the wooden boards that make up the foundation and the framing of your roof. This is what your shingles are installed on, and roof decking is vital to the health of your roof, and a key component of any roof inspection.

When a contractor inspects your roof, they will look to see if your roof decking is solid and sturdy or spongy when they walk on it. They will also check to see if your roofing nails are still holding strong to the decking. It’s also important to note here that a contractor can’t always determine the condition of your roof decking just by walking on it.

While walking on the roof is a great tell as to the condition of the decking underneath, in many cases, it’s hard to determine the true condition of your roof decking until the shingles are torn off. With that being said, if the integrity of your roof decking is poor, then they will have to change that out during the roof replacement, as well.

Roof Vents

contractor inspecting a roof vent
Contractor inspecting a roof vent

What is a roof inspection? Let’s not forget to mention your roof vents. There are quite a few different types of roof vents out there, but no matter what type of roof vent you have, it will need to be inspected.

If you have gable vents or ridge vents, for example, then they will need to be checked for obstructions. If your home has a gas appliance, then the gas vent will need to be checked to ensure that the expansion and contraction of the metal hasn’t pulled the fasteners out of it. And as previously mentioned, ventilation is key for a healthy and long-lasting roof.

Shingles

roof with missing and damaged shingles
Pictured above is a roof with shingles that are damaged and missing

Your shingles are another important factor to consider when answering the question, “what is a roof inspection?” A contractor will check to see if your shingles were installed properly, because if they weren’t, this will directly affect how long your roof will last. During your roof inspection, they will check your shingles and look for the following:

  • If your roofing nails were driven in properly
  • Missing shingles
  • Loose shingles
  • Shingles that are cracked, buckling and/or blistering

As a homeowner, if you notice any of this on your roof, it’s a good sign that it’s time for a roof inspection. This is also another reason why it is so important to work with a vetted and experienced roofing contractor from the start. Unfortunately, we have seen this too many times in the roofing industry, where poor installation causes a roof to need to be replaced prematurely.

Penetrations, Skylights, and Chimneys

contractor working on sykylight
Contractor working on a skylight

What is a roof inspection? Well, to answer that fully we can’t forget to mention penetrations, skylights, and chimneys. A roof penetration is basically anything that’s sticking out of your roof. Common examples of this are skylights, chimneys, pipe boots, satellite dishes, etc.

When a contractor comes out to inspect your roof, they will check all of the penetrations to ensure that they are, and will continue to be, leak-free. Roof pipes, for example, will have pipe boots surrounding it that work to keep water from coming into the home. Pipe boots can become cracked over time, and if this isn’t taken care of, it can eventually cause a leak.

Another good example of this can be seen in your chimney. When a contractor inspects your roof, they will check your chimney’s flashing, mortar, and chimney cap. If there is anything growing out of the mortar, that is a sure sign that it is starting to collect moisture. It’s important here to mention that roofing contractors can diagnose and repair many chimney problems, but extensive issues with your chimney will require a call to a chimney repair company.

Roof Flashing

chimney with flashing
Chimney with metal roof flashing

Roof flashing is another significant factor to mention when explaining what is a roof inspection. Roof flashing is metal that’s used to direct water away from certain areas where moisture can penetrate the roof and cause water damage. It’s typically placed where two roof slopes meet (roof valleys), where the roof surface meets a wall, roof edges, and around any roof protrusions.

It essentially keeps water out of vulnerable areas, and improperly installed roof flashing can cause roof leaks. A contractor will check to make sure that your flashing isn’t rusted, that it’s still sturdy and able to hold up against the elements, and that it was properly installed. Even your siding can sustain damage if the flashing doesn’t deflect water from your roof as it should.

Gutters

gutter system
Pictured above is part of a home’s gutter system

Many homeowners don’t even consider their gutters when asking, “what is a roof inspection?” With that being said, a roofing contractor should always check your gutters and downspouts during a roof inspection. They will check to make sure that there are no cracks or open seams, as well as for any blockages that could cause your gutter system to get backed up.

Another thing that contractors will look for is standing water. Standing water is a sure sign of damage that needs to be addressed. If your gutters have standing water, then it’s highly likely that your gutter is tilted in the wrong direction. For a long-lasting and healthy roof, inspecting your gutters is crucial, which is why we highly recommend regularly cleaning out your gutters in our recent blog, “Roof Maintenance Tips [And Why it’s Important].”

Hiring the Right Contractor

hiring a reputable roofing contractor
Hiring a reputable roofing contractor is key to a successful roof inspection

So, what is a roof inspection? As you can see, there is a lot that goes into a roof inspection. From making sure your attic is properly ventilated, to checking for leaks, a contractor will inspect all of your roof’s components to make sure everything is working as it should. Hiring a professional also takes out all of the guesswork when it comes to the health of your roof, maximizing its lifespan, and providing peace of mind for the homeowner.

With a reputable contractor, you can also rest assured that you’re getting an honest and quality assessment of your roof. At Elite Exteriors, we truly value our customer’s experience, and work hard using our experience to provide you with the most accurate roof assessment possible. Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier residential and commercial resource for unparalleled service, superior craftsmanship and incomparable quality; and it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty!

We would be honored to work with you and handle your roofing needs, and answer any questions you may have when it comes to your roof. Elite Exteriors also offers FREE initial consultations and inspections! For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today at 470-350-3024, or fill out our online form for more information.

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