What would a home be without a roof over our heads? This is one of the most important structure of a home. The inspector will examine the slope of the roof, it’s condition, and common risks with roofs of that slope. The inspector will look for affecting vegetation and whether it looks prone to leaking.

Flashing installed wrong is the cause of most leaks. Flashing is what connects the roof to the home along other parts of the home like roof vents, chimneys, windows, etc. Flashing can be many different materials, but is usually a type of metal.

The gutters and drainage system will be examined to make sure water is properly drained away from the foundation to help prevent moisture damage.

There are several types of roofing material. Asphalt or composition roofing is the most common in this area. Shingle roofs generally last 15 to 30 years depending on the slope and climate.

The other types of roofing seen sometimes include rolled roofing, wood shingle, metal, tile, or slat roofing. There are some buildings that have flat or built up roofing structures as well.

Inspectors will determine which roofing type you have and what the expected life of that roof is. They will look for areas prone to leaking and suggest repair possibilities.

Posted in Home Inspection Blog