Roof inspection is the ounce of prevention that can spot water damage before it becomes a huge problem. Inspectors will come quickly to price emergency repair work, or to let you know it’s time for a replacement roof. Most consumer experts advise homeowners to schedule a roof assessment annually, especially if your home is 15-20 years old – that is the useful life of late ’80s/early ’90s roofing materials.

Top ten things a roof inspector is checking

• Flashing damage
• Water damage
• Loose shingles
• Missing shingles
• Curling shingles

• Rot
• Blisters
• Algae
• Buckling
• Moisture in the attic

These are the top 10 warning signs roof inspection will uncover. Here are some details.

Flashing is the sheet metal trim where the roof meets other material, such as a chimney, vent or skylight. Flashing damage is often the result of poor installation of the current roof. Also, old shingles will dry and crack. In addition, homes settle, pulling the flashing loose.

Water damage and moisture in the attic

By the time you see ceiling stains you have a very big issue. Roof inspection turns up water damage you can’t see, such as leaks around flashing. Inspectors look for moist insulation, damp sheetrock and wet wood in the attic or crawl space.

Algae

While we’re on the subject of water, our warm and humid Atlanta climate encourages airborne algae to attach to a roof. Unsightly shingles can be replaced.

Loose and missing shingles

While this can be a sign of a bad installation of the current roof, wind is a powerful factor in dislodging shingles. We get some strong storms in North Georgia. Roof inspection is critical in spotting wind or workmanship issues.

Curling and buckling

A roof buckles because the original installers poorly affixed the felt, the layer below the shingles. Again, homes settle and if the felt loosens, the outside buckles. Curling means the shake is absorbing water. The useful life of your roof has ended.

Blisters and rot

Blisters are also a sure sign of moisture in the shingles; it’s time for a replacement roof.
Rot means the roof mat is taking on water. That roof has to go.

You’ll be pleased to know that new manufacturing techniques have expanded that to 25-35 years, depending on the type of roof installed.

Top five questions roof inspection will answer to determine a fair estimate

1. How many shingles or tiles will have to be taken off?
2. What condition is the decking underneath? Might it need to be replaced?
3. Is there any damage to the insulation? To sheetrock?
4. What are the measurements of the roof being replaced?
5. What materials have you chosen for your replacement roof?

What does the person doing roof inspection need to do at your home?

• Of, course, go on the roof. Here the technician spots eight of the top 10 roof problems involving the condition of the shingles and flashing.
• Go into the attic, or inspect the crawl space. This is the spot to uncover water damage, and moisture in the attic. Bear in mind, insulation or your own goods stored in the attic may be acting as a sponge, holding water that’s leaking in. It will overflow eventually, and then damage to ceilings and wood supports become an expensive repair.

We provide roof inspection in Atlanta, GA., Marietta, GA., Sandy Springs, GA., Roswell, GA., Alpharetta, GA., Lawrenceville, GA., College Park, GA., Decatur, GA., Douglasville, GA., Duluth, GA.