A good roof is critical for any property, especially a residential one. This is why a home inspector will want to identify any issues. During the inspection, they will closely look at the overall structure, flashing, venting, and the condition of the shingles. The shingles should be properly sealed and without leaks.
Now, whether you’re an owner, buyer, or seller, it might help if you already have an idea of the common problems inspectors often find. Today, we’re going to take a look at the most common roof problems discovered during inspections.
Here’s what you need to know:
Roof Structure
When inspecting a roof, the inspector will look for elements such as a strong supporting structure, proper framework, and a solid roof deck. If these are found to be faulty, it can lead to other issues. For example, if there is improper roof framing, this can affect the ventilation and moisture resistance of the roof.
Flashings
Building flashings must be properly connected to the roof deck and properly installed. Flashing is used to prevent water from getting between the roof surface and a building wall. If the flashing is improperly installed, it will not effectively protect the wall from water damage.
Leaks in the flashing can also cause problems like ice damming, which will cause damage to the roof deck and the attic.
Shingles
Inspectors will check for the normal amount of granules on the surface of the shingles. You can also check for these using a magnifying glass as a homeowner. Shingle granules are reflective and protect the shingles from UV radiation.
If the granules are absent for an extended period, the shingles will lose their ability to deflect UV rays. As a result, the shingles will become brittle and prone to cracking. When the granules are too much, this can also lead to shingle damage. Granules have sharp edges to catch onto things and cause other issues like granule loss.
Shrinkage Marks
The inspector will also look for marks at the ends of the shingles. These marks indicate shingle shrinkage and are usually caused by dampness and uneven heating. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, one of the reasons is the improper installation of moisture barriers. Moisture barriers help to prevent moisture from getting inside the building. If the moisture barrier is not installed properly, water will seep through the shingles and cause shrinkage marks.
As a homeowner, you can check for these marks by looking at the roof’s shingles from the lower part. If you notice that the color at the very end of the shingle is different from the one on the rest of the shingle, then it’s a sign of shrinkage.
Dry Rot
Another problem that you can also check for is dry rot. Rot is a kind of damage that happens when something is exposed to moisture and is left untreated. Over time, rot can cause the affected material to disintegrate. Because of this, rot can cause the roof to collapse.
When inspecting a roof, the inspector will check for signs of rot. They will look at the roof covering and the roof deck, as these are the most common places for rot. If you have any concerns about this or any other concerns regarding your roof, you should contact a professional for help.
The Bottom Line
These are the most common roof problems encountered during most home inspections. If you’re planning to buy a home, then it’s good to know about these problems so you can settle for a home that has a good roof. So, if you need help with inspecting a roof, you can reach out to a professional. They will be able to check for all the major problems so you can get a home that’s worth your money.
5 Star Roofing and Restoration provide residential roofing, complete roof tear-offs, and commercial flat roofing systems in the Greater Birmingham Area. We offer industry-leading manufacturers and labor warranties. If you are looking for a roofing company, contact us today to learn more and get started!