The roof of a home protects everything else in the structure, which means it’s important to make sure it’s functioning properly.

Regular inspections will help catch minor issues before they become major ones and cause serious damage to the home. Keeping a close eye on the roof will also help you avoid costly repairs in the future.

Visual Observations

Visual observations are an important part of any roof inspection. They help a building manager spot potential problems so that they can be addressed as early as possible.

A well-planned visual observation will cover all aspects of the roof and gutters from ground level. It should also include a close look at shingles, as these can be a telltale sign of damage or aging.

The best way to perform a visual observation is by using binoculars or a tripod. This is safer than climbing a ladder and will allow you to see what’s on the roof from the comfort of your own home.

Another great way to do a visual observation is with thermal imaging. This uses infrared light to detect temperature differences between objects, which can be used to identify areas of concern in your roof. Afterward, you can use this information to make informed decisions regarding roof repairs and maintenance. Hopefully, you will be able to avoid costly repairs down the road.

Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging is a technique that can be used to locate water leaks, hidden moisture areas and insulation problems on low-slope or flat roof systems. This type of inspection is particularly useful during the evening, as it reveals temperature differences between dry areas and moist areas, which can indicate where moisture may be trapped in roofing materials.

Using thermal imaging to inspect roofs can save building owners and property managers a significant amount of money by pinpointing problem areas for repair rather than replacing whole sections of the roof membrane. This is a cost savings that is particularly important because the new International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requires building owners to replace insulation in areas where there are moisture suspects.

Thermography can also be used to find moisture and other anomalies in buildings, as well as for electrical and mechanical issues. It’s even been used to map blood flow in humans and animals, helping clinicians diagnose everything from panda pregnancies to muscle problems.

Structural Inspection

Your roof is one of the most vital parts of your home or commercial building, as it protects all of its contents and occupants. Without regular inspections, the roof can develop weak spots and cause major issues.

During the structural inspection, your inspector will look for uneven roof planes and sagging areas. They’ll also examine your soffit, fascia and gutter system to make sure they’re functioning correctly.

In addition, they’ll check your masonry chimneys for cracks and crumbling grout. They’ll also inspect your attic for proper venting to reduce heat and moisture buildup, which can reduce your roof’s lifespan.

They’ll also inspect your shingles and flashing for loose or curled shingles, stains and moss. They’ll also look for missing fasteners and rusted flashing or fasteners. They’ll also check rubber boots and seals around vent pipes for gaps or deterioration.

Penetration Inspection

When you have a chimney or other equipment that juts out of the roof, it’s known as a penetration. Those penetrating items (chimneys, vents, skylights) need to be protected by various flashings and other boots, seals, and sealants to prevent water from entering your home.

Inspectors will check your penetrations for damage or deficiencies that could lead to costly repairs later on, like cracking or failing seals around pipes and curbs that aren’t flashed per the manufacturer’s instructions or debris that is preventing proper drainage.

The inspector will also take a close look at your shingles to see if they’re straight and flat against the roof and free of stains, moss or other signs of wear and tear. They’ll also examine the rubber boots and seals around vent pipes for gaps or deterioration.