When you buy a house, one of the areas that will be inspected is the roof. But do you know what the inspector is looking for? In this article I’ll discuss seven components of the roof that the inspector will be inspecting.
1. Roof Style – The inspector will determine and report what type of roof system is installed on the home. There are many types like hip, gable, shed, etc.
2. Roof Covering – Roof covering come in a variety of materials and styles such as composition shingle, wood shake, standing metal seam, concrete tiles, etc. When looking at the roof coverings, the inspector will comment on the current condition of the materials and search for any areas that maybe leaking or susceptible to leaking.
3. Visible Flashing – The visible flashing is defined as the flashing material that is visible without having to remove the roof covering. Many times the flashing may not be visible. If it is not visible, the inspector will comment in the report that the flashing was not visible or not inspected.
4. Roof Penetrations – Roof penetrations are common sources for leaks. These areas include plumbing sacks, gas vents, and roof vents. As the flashing or rubber boot ages around these areas they tend to develop leaks that can be found from inside the attic.
5. Chimneys – If the home has a chimney, the inspector will determine if it is in good condition. In addition, the inspector will verify that the chimney has flashing and it is installed correctly. Finally, they will verify that the chimney meets the height requirements in relation to the slope of the roof.
6. Skylights – The inspector will document if the home has skylights installed. If skylights have been installed, the inspector will determine if there is evidence of any roof leaks around the skylights.
7. Gutters and Downspouts – The inspector will document as to the condition of the gutters and downspouts on the home and if they are in good condition. In addition they should be firmly secured to the house and clean allowing storm water to freely follow off the roof.
In Closing
How the roof is inspected is mostly determined based on how the roof is configured. A lot of inspectors examine the roof by using binoculars from the ground, by using a ladder at the eaves, or by viewing the roof from a window. Most inspectors do not walk on the roof due to insurance regulations and liability concerns.
|
|