ROOF

ROOF

The roof is one of the main lines of defense a home has against the elements. It is also one of the most crucial areas of a home inspection. A roof not only provides protection from the weather, but can also greatly impact the energy efficiency and property value of a home. As such, the roof is often one of the greatest concerns for a prospective home buyer.

The roof is one of the main lines of defense a home has against the elements. It is also one of the most crucial areas of a home inspection. A roof not only provides protection from the weather, but can also greatly impact the energy efficiency and property value of a home. As such, the roof is often one of the greatest concerns for a prospective home buyer.

During Your Inspection

While inspecting the roof, the inspector will evaluate and report on several aspects of the roof, including:

During Your Inspection

While inspecting the roof, the inspector will evaluate and report on several aspects of the roof, including:

  • Roof-Covering Material Type & Condition

    Poor roof covering materials can cause leaks, mold, and mildew along with numerous other problems. Even if the covering is brand new, if the flashings are not in a similar condition or properly installed, the roof will leak.

  • Roof Penetrations

    Examples of roof penetrations include vents, skylights, chimneys, and flashing. If these items are obstructed, broken, or improperly installed, moisture can make its way in and cause severe damage to the roof as well as the rest of the home.

  • Gutters, Downspouts, & Drainage System

    Efficient roof drainage is essential. To ensure large volumes of water are not trapped on the surface, the roofing system needs to drain quickly. Additionally, it is important that the water runoff from the roof is not directed toward the foundation. There should be drainage installed for the roof system, unless the roof is sloped to drain over the rood edge.

  • Roof Structure

    This refers to the design and framing of the roof such as Flat Roofs, A-Frame Roofs, or Gable Roofs to name a few. Some common problems that inspectors encounter when inspecting the roof framing from the exterior are ridge issues, rafter issues, and sheathing issues. Older homes often have something which is generally called a “saddle” or “swayback” roof, when the ridge beam has settled down in the center of the roof. Similar to this sag, rafters can also be pushed down in the center.

  • Inspection Limitations

    A home inspector is not a roofer, and therefore does not have the necessary safety equipment to walk on every roof surface. The home inspector is also not authorized to report on future life expectancy of the roof coverings/systems, warranty, roof framing system (if not readily accessible), underground terminations, or inspect non-roof exterior components such as antennae, solar panels, and the like.

    The inspector will conduct a visual inspection of the outer chimney structure, along with inspection of the roof covering. The focus of this inspection is chimney material and condition, visible condition of the flashings, the condition of the chimney cap and rain cap if installed, and that the chimney meets minimum height and safety requirements.

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• A thorough, professional inspection

• Clear, straightforward communication

• A walkthrough of the home and key findings

• Time to ask questions and understand what matters most

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With the Sterling Inspection Group, you have the leading inspection team on your side – flexible scheduling and competitive rates. Our reports are thorough, detailed, and delivered to you within 24 hours of inspection.

Our team is dedicated to providing superior service and attention to detail that both first time home buyers as well as seasoned property investors can appreciate. Helping people for over 20 years in the home inspection industry, you can feel confident we have the experience to provide peace of mind!

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