Home Inspector Prospective on Roofs

The roof is intended to protect a building against weather intrusions such as rain, wind, and snow, and from falling objects. Minor problems can turn into disasters without proper maintenance and regular roof inspection. Roofs can fail or leak in many different ways. Here are some of the most common roof problems that home inspectors, like a Home Inspector in Waterville, often find:

Flashing failures: These problems can occur on any type of roof, and they are usually the most vulnerable component of a roofing system. Flashings are used to cover roof penetrations or valleys. Poor installation or corrosion can cause flashings to fail.

Sagging When the re-roofing process is not performed properly, new shingles are often added to the existing layers. The additional weight of the roofing material increases dead load that the house structure must carry. The roof can deflect if the structure was not designed to support this additional weight.

Pooling Water:  This is most common on low-sloped or flat roofs. Water that pools can be an indication of a poor roof slope or inadequate drainage. If roof seams or flashing are not installed properly, ponds of water may cause greater damage.

Debris of moss, trees or vegetation: Any type of plant requires moisture to grow. Moss on the roof can cause the roof to deteriorate faster because it holds moisture against the roofing materials. Tree branches on the roof can also stop it from drying and encourage moss growth. Debris can prevent proper drainage of roof water.

Worn-out: Roofs that are worn-out usually have an older roof or a lack of maintenance. This causes the roof to wear out faster and reduce its life expectancy. Roofs that are worn out are no longer able to perform their functions and are more prone for leakage. To ensure that the roof will last as long as it was designed to, you should perform a regular inspection and maintenance.

Physical damage: Certain roofing materials, such as concrete tile or clay, are fragile and can be damaged due to falling objects, foot traffic and weathering. You may find that some tiles are missing as a result.

To minimize roof problems and increase roof life, it is crucial to conduct routine roof inspections. Call if you have any concerns or questions.