There is more to a roof than just the shingles. When a roofing company checks your roof, they will inspect all parts of the roof. A thorough check will help the roofer give you an accurate assessment of the shape of the roof and a quote for repairs.
Shingles or Tiled
A roofing company will check the roof for signs of damaged and missing shingles and tiles. Wind can bend the shingles and cause creases, which can cause the shingles to lose their waterproofing ability. Granules from the shingles in your gutters and downspouts can also indicate worn-out and damaged shingles. These are signs you probably need new shingles.
Roofers also look for missing nails and loose shingles. Other signs of damage can include dents or indentations in a few shingles due to hailstorms. In these cases, replacing just the damaged shingles might be all that’s needed.
Flashing
Your roofer will check the flashing on the roof. The flashing is the metal that seals the areas around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Flashing is usually made of a thin metal material and keeps water from coming into the home.
Flashing can become cracked, bent, or blown off the roof during storms. If the flashing becomes damaged, water can enter the home's interior and cause mold and other damage.
Structure
A roofing inspector will check for any signs that the roof is sagging and for uneven roof planes. Other areas of the roof’s structure that will be inspected are the gutters, soffits, and fascia. The soffits and fascia make up the eaves.
A complete roof inspection might also include checking for cracks in chimneys, improper venting, and signs of water damage in the attic and interior ceilings of the home. Improper venting can cause ice dams to form on the edge of the roof, which can also cause water to leak into the home’s interior.
Each year, your roof goes through damaging storms like heavy snow, hail, and high winds. You shouldn’t ignore the roof until you notice the roof leaking or some other problem.
It makes good sense to have a roof repair company periodically check your roof before something minor turns into major damage. Over time, the shingles, flashing, and other parts of the roof can wear out. And this can cause water to leak into the home and, if not repaired soon, a complete roof failure.
An inspection of the roof includes all parts like the shingles, the roof's structure, signs of interior leaks and the flashing. A roof repair contractor will make a complete inspection of the entire roof before giving you a quote for any repairs that might be needed.
