What to Look For in a Roof Inspection
Before you get a roof inspection, it’s important to understand what to look for. Here are some things to look for: Bright white or red spots against a dark background. Hot spots indicate a leak or other problem. If you see one of these, you should have your roof checked by a professional. Read on to learn more. Listed below are other common problems and how you can spot them. You should also check for signs of water damage, including leaks.
Infrared roof inspections
The first thing to note when conducting an IR roof inspection is that the temperature of the materials that make up the roof will have a bearing on the results. For instance, the IR images of cellular glass and polystyrene are more difficult to interpret than those of cork or organic fibers. Further, an IR roof inspection should be performed at least one and a half hours after sundown to allow the IR images to be clearly read. In addition, the inspection must be conducted by two or more people.
IR images will also show if there is moisture in the roofing system. A higher moisture level indicates a greater potential for structural problems, and higher levels of condensation will be detected. IR roof inspections will reveal any areas where water or mold has collected. This can indicate structural problems, such as a weakening roof, and it will also alert you to problems with heat loss. Aside from identifying structural problems, an IR inspection will reveal any areas where the roof is leaking, thereby putting the health of employees at risk.
Visual observations
When performing a roof inspection, visual observations should be made. While standing on the surface of a roof, you should look for areas where the shingles are buckling or loose, or any signs of aging or damage. It is also wise to check for visible discoloration or signs of animal activity. These can indicate serious problems. When performing your inspection from a distance, you can also use binoculars to see problem spots that you might not notice from within the home.
During a roof inspection, visual observations are made of exterior and interior structures, drainage systems, and roof surface conditions. They are meant to identify obvious flaws that affect the structure’s function, its condition, and its life expectancy. As a result, this inspection focuses on identifying visible defects. These defects include ponding water, missing or open flashing, punctures, blisters, and cracks in the masonry walls adjacent to the roof. Learn more.
Structural inspections
During a structural inspection, a professional will examine the roof’s overall system. This includes inspecting the soffit, gutters, skylights, chimneys, and vents. They will also look for signs of a sagging roof. Regardless of their location, a structural inspection will highlight problems in these areas. The report will also provide options for repair. Here are some of the most common roofing problems.
If you suspect that your roof may have a problem, it’s important to hire a contractor to do a thorough inspection. Even if things seem fine, structural inspections of roofs are a good idea to prevent further damage from a leaking roof. A structural engineer will have a look at trusses and other structural components to determine if any work is necessary. A structural engineer can also assess if trusses are out of plumb. If you notice trusses that don’t lie flat, they’re out of alignment or resting in hangers. This could be a sign of a problem with the installation.
Attic inspections
Aside from a thorough inspection of the exterior of your home, an attic inspection is a crucial part of your home’s inspection process. Attic inspections can reveal major structural problems that a roof alone cannot tell. A thorough attic inspection can reveal cracks and stress points, and confirm that the roof’s lumber is the proper size. Often, homeowners fail to recognize these problems and neglect to take action.
During an attic inspection, the inspector will look for stains on the framing and roof sheathing. He will also look for cracks or crumbling grout on any vent pipes. Some stains may be a result of a previous leak, but damp stains indicate a leak that’s still active. While this type of leak is not visible from the exterior of the home, it is much more noticeable in the attic. Additional info.
