What to Expect During a Roof Inspection

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Regular roof inspections are an important part of home maintenance. By uncovering damage early, you can avoid costly repairs down the road.

In this guide, we explain what to expect when one of our Greenville roofing contractors examines your roof. You can trust Lanier Roofing for all your roof repair needs. Contact us today for a free quote.

Checking Roofing Material

During a roof inspection, the contractor will start by taking a good look at the roofing material itself. For asphalt or fiberglass shingles, they’ll check for any curling, loose, or missing shingles that could allow water to seep in.

They’ll also note any shingle granule buildup in the gutters or valleys, which can indicate your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan. A roofing professional will also examine any vents, skylights, or chimneys.

They’ll check that the flashing around these areas is still securely attached and sealed properly to the roof. Any visible cracks, tears, or holes in the flashing need to be addressed to ensure no water is entering your attic space or living areas.

Structural Inspection

When a professional examines your roof’s structure, they’ll check that everything is sound and secure. The wooden or metal beams supporting your roof, known as rafters or trusses, will be closely inspected. Damage like rot, rust, cracks, or water stains can compromise the strength and stability of your roof.

We will also evaluate if your roof has retained its proper shape. Sagging rooflines or uneven planes can indicate structural damage and reduced integrity. They’ll check that your roof still has a smooth, symmetrical arc or angle.

Other areas like the fascia, soffits, skylights, or dormers may also be examined for any damage or structural issues. The roof inspection helps identify current or potential problems early so you have a safer, longer-lasting roof over your head.

Interior Inspection

Once the exterior inspection is complete, a roofing professional will closely examine your attic, ceilings, and walls for any signs that water has worked its way inside. In many cases, it’s easier to pinpoint a leak from the inside of a home rather than the roof, especially when the leak is small.

The attic is one of the first places our contractors check for leaks or water damage. We will look for water stains on the underside of the roof, water spots, or stains on insulation, beams, or the floor. Dark spots in the attic insulation may indicate roof leaks.

roofing contractors check every element during an inspection

Workmanship Inspection

The workmanship of a roof installation or repair is just as important as the materials used. One of our Greenville roofing pros will closely evaluate how well the roof was installed or repaired. Poor workmanship can lead to leaks, water damage, and a shortened roof lifespan.

will look for things like:

  • Loose, damage, or missing shingles or tiles.
  • Flashing that isn’t properly secured or sealed around vents, skylights, or the chimney.
  • Excess roof cement, tar, or asphalt that hasn’t been properly cleaned up.
  • Nail heads that are popping up or nails that missed the rafters or decking.

If the workmanship is subpar, it’s best to have a reputable roofer make necessary repairs or corrections before issues arise. Check if your roof installation came with a workmanship warranty and see if you’re covered for fixes.

How Long Will A Roof Inspection Take?

A standard roof inspection usually takes around 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on several factors. The larger and more intricate your roof design, the longer the inspection will take. Roofs with multiple levels, slopes, and materials require more time to thoroughly evaluate.

Inspecting a simple, single-level asphalt shingle roof will take less time than a roof with multiple peaks and valleys, skylights, chimneys, and a mix of materials like shingles, metal, and tile. It’s important to check each part of the roof to make sure there are no signs of damage, water leaks, or other issues.

A general inspection to determine the overall condition and any obvious problems with your roof will be quicker than a comprehensive evaluation prior to re-roofing or the end of a warranty period. The more in-depth the inspection, the more time will be needed to uncover any underlying or non-obvious damage.

Schedule Your Routine Roof Inspection Today

Now that you know what a roof inspection entails, you’re ready to call a reputable roofing contractor like us at Lanier Roofing. We are certified by four major shingle manufacturers, Atlas Roofing Corporation, IKO Roofing, Certainteed, and Owens Corning.

Give us a call at (864) 990-4836 to schedule your free quote. One of our certified Greenville roofers will thoroughly examine your roof. During the inspection, they’ll check for any visible signs of damage, weak spots, or leaks in the shingles, flashing, vents, and sealants.

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