Shingles, Nails, and Beyond

There are many reasons to hire a roofing inspector for your home. Perhaps you want to sell your house, or you simply want a report on the condition of your roof. In some cases, you may need little or no repairs, but it may be the case that you need a new roof. When you hire someone to inspect your roof, you want them to do a complete job. The following are a few questions you should ask.

Do they have experience with the material of your roof? 

There are many materials used to make roofs, so it may be possible that an inspector doesn't have much experience with your particular roof. This may not be important in the area where you live because there may be a common design throughout the residential community. However, there are places in the country where there are a variety of roof designs and materials. This is especially true in warmer climates. Spanish tiles, for example, can break easily, so it is crucial they understand how to walk on these tiles without breaking them. In addition, materials often wear differently than others and at different speeds. An inspector should understand which areas of your roof to focus their attention on.

How will they inspect the roof?

Although it may not be necessary to walk on your roof, at the very least, you want to see someone climbing a ladder. If you have a single-floor home, and a small square area, a ladder may be all an inspector needs. The last thing you want is somebody who's standing on the ground looking at your roof with the clipboard.

Will they inspect your gutters?

This is critical for several reasons. A gutter system in poor condition can contribute to your roof's condition. But even when the gutter system is fine, it is often possible to detect a deteriorating asphalt shingle covering by looking at the granules accumulating in the gutters. Downspouts should also be looked at, as they are a part of the gutter system.

Will they do a complete inspection of roof penetrations?

This includes things such as drain vents, a chimney, or a skylight. There are many methods of sealing penetrations on your roof, and these methods depend upon the type of material used for your roof. It is critical to have these penetrations inspected because this is usually an area that will produce leaks when it rains.

Before you hire someone to inspect your roof, you need to ask the right questions. An inspector should have experience with the materials used for your roof. They should explain exactly how they will inspect your roof, and whether they do so using a ladder, walking on your roof, or doing so from the ground. They should explain how they will inspect your roof's penetrations, and they should inspect your gutter system as well.

To find out more, contact a company like Allcon Roofing.