Roofing Contractor Explains: What Happens During a Roof Inspection?

Every homeowner knows that owning a home comes with its own specific set of responsibilities. And what’s one of the bigger ones? Your roofing system.

The importance of your home’s roof cannot be overstated. Without a solid, fully-functioning roof over your head, your home could quickly turn into an unpleasant place to live – which is something no homeowner should ever have to endure.

So, how do you protect your most important investment, and in turn, your family’s safety and health? The answer is simple – preventative maintenance in the form of roof inspections.

When caught early on, almost any roofing issue – from missing or blown off shingles, broken tiles, to cracked or loose flashing – can be fixed quickly and successfully without jeopardizing the structure or the interior of your home.

It’s important to note, though, that under no circumstances should you get up on your roof and attempt to do this yourself – it’s simply not worth the risk. Instead, leave roof inspections to the professionals, such as your trusted crew at Fortified Roofing.

We take great pride in our detail-oriented approach, as we make sure to leave nothing to chance. Our roofers will detect any potential faults in your roof layout before they get a chance to cause more damage.

And to help you feel more comfortable and informed about what exactly you can expect from a roof inspection, we’ve prepared a detailed guide for you. Follow along to learn what every proper roof inspection should entail.

Checking for Visible Roof Leaks

As unusual as this might sound to our homeowners, a proper roof inspection should always start inside your home. This is especially the case when the problem you’re dealing with is leak-related, which is very common after severe rainstorms.

So, the first thing you can expect your roofer to do is check your ceilings and walls for water stains, as this is a dead giveaway that you are dealing with leaks that are coming from somewhere on your roof.

Since leaks can cause significant damage they should never be ignored, your roofers will now go up to your attic. This will give them a chance to take a closer look and determine the extent of the damage.

Inspecting Ventilation and Insulation

Improper roof ventilation and inadequate attic insulation are two of the most common causes for the majority of roofing problems homeowners face. 

Both of these can result in hot or cold air staying trapped inside your attic and causing severe structural issues that can shorten your roof’s life cycle. So, what exactly does this mean for you as a homeowner? Sometimes, costly repairs. Worst-case scenario? A complete roof replacement. Not on our watch, though.

Experts at Fortified Roofing always make sure to thoroughly inspect the ventilation and insulation for any signs of moisture or mold. We want to be certain that there is proper airflow so your attic can “breathe.”

Checking the Condition of the Roof Decking

Once your roofer has completed a detailed interior check of your home, pinpointed and addressed the issues, it’s time to climb on top of the roof.

Thanks to our extensive experience, it won’t take long for our crew to determine whether or not the decking is in good shape, and we will be able to do that just by walking on your roof. 

Since we are talking about the very base of your roof, we will make it a point to perform a detailed inspection of the decking, as any major or minor issues could compromise the entire structure of your roof.

Therefore, we will check whether the deck boards are rotted and in need of replacement or stable, healthy, and solid enough for shingles to be nailed on top of them.

Inspecting Roof Shingles and Other Parts of the Roofing System

To ensure that your shingles stay in excellent shape throughout their lifespan, the next thing your roofer will want to do is make sure they were installed correctly. A roof inspection is a great way to do that, as well as to detect any signs of cracking, buckling, or missing shingles.

If the roofers notice any signs of trouble that warrant repairs, they will report this to you immediately, as even minor issues could lead to major consequences if left unattended.

Next, your contractor will proceed to inspect the vents for signs of possible obstructions, as well as the overall condition of your flashing and chimney. This is an important step for leak prevention.

At Fortified Roofing, we always make sure that your flashing is sealed tightly and that you’re left with no damaged, rusty, or loose parts.

Lastly, we will take a closer look at your gutter system. Since gutters are another major part of your roofing system, their importance cannot be emphasized enough, especially during rainstorms. We will see to it that your gutters and downspouts are in working order and that water can flow off of your roof unobstructed. 

At the end of the inspection, we will provide you with a detailed written estimate about your roof’s condition and what types of repairs, if any, are necessary for it to stay in top shape.

Need a Roof Inspection in Edison, NJ?

At Fortified Roofing, we understand what a major investment your home is, which is why we conduct all our roof inspections with great care, dedication, and by the book. Our inspectors are thorough and meticulous in their approach, and no roofing issue ever gets by them.

Our customers always come first, and you can rest assured that we will leave you with nothing but a safe, durable, and fully-functioning roof. If you suspect that your roof might be showing signs of trouble, or you simply want to get ahead of potential issues, don’t hesitate to put your trust in our skilled and experienced crew.
We are confident that our team is your safest bet, and we’d love the chance to take a closer look at your roof. Get in touch with your #1 Edison roofing contractor today, and schedule your FREE roof inspection!