Do I Need a Professional Roof Inspection?
While it may blend into the background of your daily life, your roof is a vital component of keeping your home, and your investment, safe. To protect that key component of your home, a roof inspection is a must — not only as part of the home buying process, but also as an annual practice for seasoned homeowners.
What is a roof inspection?
Roof inspections are simply inspections that determine the integrity of a roof, how long it may last, and when it will need to be replaced. Typically, this is done as part of an overall home inspection during a real estate transaction, but some homeowners schedule a “peace of mind” roof inspection every year or two to catch potential problems before they become bigger, and costlier.
Can I do it myself?
Roger Smith, inspector with Kingdom Homes, says if you’re going to check things out yourself, safety is of the utmost importance.
“Start by looking things over from the ground, and if you do go up on the roof, make sure you’re taking the proper precautions,” he said. “For starters, make sure weather conditions are safe, that you have a good ladder, and never work on the roof alone.”
As you walk around your exterior, look for the following issues:
● Cracked caulk
● Rusted flashing.
● Buckling, curling, or blistering shingles.
● Broken or missing shingles.
● Cracked and worn rubber boots around vent pipes.
● Missing or damaged chimney cap.
● Masses of moss and lichen, which could signal the roof is decaying underneath.
What are inspectors looking for?
Remember, this checklist is just a starting point. When Smith inspects a roof, he also looks at the flashing and counterflashing to make sure it’s been done properly, and that any valleys — areas where two roofs come together — have been installed properly to carry water off the roof.
“Ventilation is also very important,” he said. “If you don’t have proper ventilation in the attic, the space will get warmer than it should in the summer, which will affect the effectiveness and lifespan of your shingles.”
The number of layers on your roof is also something to look into. The State of Michigan only allows two layers on any roof so, if you have three or four layers, it will need to be rectified. When shingles are laid over top of existing layers, it’s harder to detect leaks or other damage, it adds weight to the structure, and it increases the temperature, which again, can cause premature aging of the shingles.
Smith says homeowners should also keep gutters cleaned and make sure surrounding trees are trimmed back.
“You want to keep the roof free of leaves and limbs as much as possible,” he said. “This time of year, it’s important to keep an eye on that. If debris is left to pile up, it will remain wet underneath causing the shingles to deteriorate.”
Long story short, yes, you can inspect your roof yourself. But, if you don’t truly know what you’re doing, it can be a dangerous job. Roof repair or replacement takes precision, so if you suspect a major problem, it’s best to leave it in the hands of a professional roof inspector or roofing contractor.
And, if you’re starting out on your home buying journey, do not skip the home inspection. Even the strongest and most durable roof can have weaknesses, and a reliable roof is key in preventing structural damage to your home.
“I would never advise buying a home without a professional inspection,” said Smith. “When it comes to one of the most important structural parts of your home, spending a few hundred dollars on a home inspection could potentially save you from a $10,000 problem.”
For more home maintenance tips, follow the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® on Facebook.