What’s Involved in a Roof Inspection?

Just as a yearly physical is recommended for people’s health, so is a roof inspection for your home’s protection.  Doctors will tell you that annual physical examinations are essential to your ongoing health.  Preventive care is one of the best ways to identify and treat health issues before they get worse.  The same goes for roofing contractors advising homeowners to get their roof inspected once a year.  Annual roof inspections help to pinpoint and correct roof damage before they fester into larger (and more expensive) problems down the road. 

Keeping in line with the annual physical and yearly roof inspection analogy; it is important to pay special attention to your roof’s “health” year-round.  If your roof is faced with inclement weather, high wind storms or just wear and tear from old age, it is smart to get an additional roof inspection after such circumstances.  By performing your own homeowner inspection of your roof periodically, you can easily spot and correct missing or flapping shingles.  However, when it comes to other roof damage caused by various circumstances (that may be less visible to the untrained eye), it is important to call in a professional roof contractor.

When should I schedule my roof inspection?

Scheduling your roof inspection for the fall is ideal, so that it can be done before the winter weather sets in.  Cold temperatures can impact the durability of roof installations.  In addition, attempting roof repairs during icy conditions can be very dangerous.  If your home’s roof is more than ten years old, or you feel there is damage to your roof, be sure to contact a reputable contractor for seasonal or damage roof inspections. An experienced contractor will be able to assess your damages to see if they warrant filing an insurance claim. Keep in mind damages caused by mother nature typically do not affect your insurance rates or coverage.

What does the roof inspection process consist of?

Roof inspectors will be looking for leaks, damage caused by weather, unusual wear and tear and shingle installation problems. 

A roof inspection is split into four categories:  structure, materials, interiors and workmanship:

• Structural – During this aspect of the inspection, uneven roof planes and signs of sagging will be looked at.  The inspector will also examine the condition of the soffit, fascia and gutter system.  Venting in your home’s attic may also be looked at since improper venting can lead to heat and moisture build up, which can reduce roof life.
  
• Materials – It is during this phase of the inspection that roofers will look for loose, missing, or curling shingles, stains, moss, rust and missing flashing or fasteners on your roof.  Signs of shingle granules in gutters or roof valleys is also a sign that your roof is near the end of its life. 

• Interiors – Inspectors will look for mold, water stains, rot and other signs of moisture on your home’s attic, interior walls and ceilings.  These are all signs of roof leaks and can damage your home. 
  
• Workmanship – Your roof will also be examined for potential workmanship errors.  Incorrect flashing material or installation around skylights, vent pipes and chimneys could all increase the risk of future roof leaks or other problems. 

Best Contracting, located in Lancaster, PA, is a fully insured roofing contractor that holds several trusted roofing industry certifications and customer testimonials that prove their expertise in the roofing world.  We take pride in delivering excellent results to our loyal customers and invite you to view our gallery of before and after photos.  Best Contracting offers a variety of residential services, including roof replacement, siding and gutters. 

If you find that your home needs a roof replacement, contact the best roofing company in Lancaster County at (717) 283-4524 or via our website today. 

We look forward to hearing from you soon!