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Inside a Professional Roof Inspection Process

Inside a Professional Roof Inspection Process: What Experts Look For

Want to take a look inside a professional roof inspection process? Roof Pro Local has all the info you need! Having repaired, evaluated, and installed numerous roofing systems throughout Oklahoma City, our team knows the ins and outs of the process. We talk about each step in detail below so you have an idea of what to expect the next time you book a professional roof inspector.

Safety First

roofer in proper safety attire climbing a sturdy ladder for a roof inspection

Before the actual roof-walking begins, safety is priority number one. Professional inspectors gear up with sturdy ladders, non-slip shoes, and sometimes even harnesses, especially on steep surfaces. They make sure the ladders are on solid ground because a stable setup prevents mishaps. This way, they can also make sure that there won’t be any damage to your property.

Exterior Roof Inspection

Once the professional roof inspector is safely up, they’ll start a detailed tour of your roof. They’ll do a visual inspection and look for roofing problems on the surface, and then check the roof’s condition more thoroughly.

More specifically, this stage will focus on the material inspection of these components:

1. Shingles and Roofing Materials

two roofers inspecting shingles

It isn’t a proper roof inspection without a shingles and roofing materials check. This is where inspectors look for signs of damage, wear and tear, and other issues like cracked, curling, or missing shingles. Each missing piece or crack can be a gateway for water to sneak into your home.

Additionally, your shingles’ granules are important. If they’re starting to disappear, it means your roof’s sun protection is wearing off. This can speed up the aging process. Even signs of algae or moss are signs that there could be trapped moisture that needs to be addressed.

2. Flashing and Sealants

metal flashing around a brick chimney

Part of a professional inspection is the flashing assessment. Flashing is the material responsible for keeping vulnerable corners in certain parts of your roof (e.g., chimneys, vents, and skylights) safe and sealed from water intrusion.

Even with proper installation by a roofing professional, flashing still needs to be regularly checked. Inspectors look for any rust, cracks, or gaps that might have developed. Any flaw here can be the start of a leak, and catching these issues early is what keeps a small problem from turning into more concerning issues like mold growth, water damage, damaged flashing, sagging rooflines, and so on.

3. Gutters and Downspouts

gutter clogged with dry leaves

Proper drainage keeps your roofing system intact and healthy, and thorough roof inspections help identify and address clogged gutters and downspouts. If these aren’t handled right away, sagging or clogged gutters can lead to water backing up and seeping under your shingles, eventually finding its way inside your home.

This is also part of preventative maintenance since keeping an eye on your gutters and downspouts can help you prepare them for the next big storm.

4. Chimneys and Vents

oof with a chimney and dormers

When you get your roof inspected, expect the roofer to pay close attention to chimneys and vents because these are often trouble spots for leaks. Inspectors check for any cracks or damage that could let water sneak through, making sure that these essential roof utilities are in top shape to be able to do their jobs right.

5. Roof Structure

To truly assess your roof’s health, it’s important to do a structural inspection. This is where roofers check roofing components beyond the surface, such as the roof deck and the structural framework that keeps your roof standing. Things like improper installation, poor joint assembly, or the usage of low-quality materials can weaken your roof’s integrity and lead to big issues.

Inspectors keep an eye out for any signs of sagging or uneven planes throughout the entire roof, which could point to issues with the roof deck, its supports, as well as external factors like continuous snow loads.

Interior Roof Inspection

attic interior

Interior inspection is the second part of regular roof inspections. When you get roofing inspections performed in your home, you can expect roofers to check your interior spaces to get a better understanding of your roof’s performance.

Attic Inspection

During a professional roofing inspection, inspectors check your attic to make sure there’s proper ventilation and insulation. Proper airflow prevents the build-up of heat and moisture, which can weaken your roof.

They also look for any signs of water damage or leaks that might not be visible from the outside. This can include checking for dark spots, mold, or damp insulation. The goal is to make sure that the underside of your roof is just as solid as the top side.

Advanced Techniques

Sometimes, inspectors bring out some high-tech tools like infrared cameras and drones. Infrared scans can show temperature variations caused by moisture or insulation issues, which can make it easier to pinpoint hidden problems. Drones, on the other hand, can provide a bird’s-eye view of areas that are hard to reach. This can help in making sure that every part of the roof actually gets checked.

Roof Inspection Report

After all is said and done, you’ll get a detailed report that goes over what the inspector found. It’s a comprehensive overview complete with photos, descriptions, and recommended repairs. It’ll have everything you need in terms of information on repairs and maintenance your roof might need.

Can You Do Your Own Roof Inspection?

gloved hand checking shingles

Regularly checking your roof’s health and addressing minor issues are something you can definitely do yourself. However, it’s still smart to have a professional roofer carry out routine inspections at least once or twice a year. This way, you can be sure that you don’t miss any glaring issues and that you’ve also got a different pair of eyes taking a look at your roof aside from yourself.

At Roof Pro Local, we’re familiar with the Oklahoma City metro area as we’ve been serving the community for over 20 years. So if you’re looking for a professional roofing contractor or professional to give your roof a meticulous evaluation, we’re your top choice in town!

Don’t Wait for Issues to Arise—Call Roof Pro Local Today!

Why wait for the first drip to drop from your ceiling? Get ahead of the weather with Roof Pro Local’s certified home inspectors and our residential roofing services. We provide regular inspections, repairs, and roof replacement services to help you keep your roof in its best condition.

Visit our website or fill out our online form to get started!

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