You’ve finally decided that it’s time to get your roof inspected, but are you curious about what to expect? Regular roof inspections help you catch any issues that may lead to larger ones if left ignored. They are important for preventing leaks, extending the life of your roof, and protecting your home investment. Unlike a DIY check, professional roof inspections uncover issues in hard-to-see places and are thorough, detailed, and safe. Let’s take a look at what to expect during a professional roof inspection.
Scheduling and Preparation
When looking to schedule a roof inspection with Peak Exteriors, you can contact us through our online form or give us a call. We’ll make sure to choose a date and time that is most convenient for you and get your roof inspected right away. Questions you should expect include:
- What is the age of your roof?
- Have you had any previous repairs or replacements?
- Has any bad weather hit your home?
To prepare your home for a roof inspection, be sure to clean your gutters, remove vehicles, outdoor furniture, or other obstacles around the house to give safe access to ladders and the roof perimeter. You should also make sure to keep pets away and secure during the inspection to prevent any harm or accidents.
Initial Walk-Around
Before we inspect the top of your roof, we will take a look around the ground level of your home’s exterior. This will help determine if there’s underlying damage that could be missed.
Things we will look for are:
- Shingle wear and tear – curled, missing, or cracked shingles can often be spotted from the ground.
- Flashing and chimney condition – loose or rusted flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights may cause water leaks.
- Gutter and downspout function – sagging, clogged, or detached gutters may show signs of poor drainage.
- Ventilation elements – roof or ridge vents are checked to ensure proper airflow, which helps prevent moisture buildup and prolongs roof life.
- Water damage – staining, pooling water, or soft spots near the base of the home can be linked to gutter or roof issues.
We will also take a look at your roofline and check for sagging or dips in the roof structure, which can result from poor construction, excess weight from snow and debris, or water damage. This initial walk-around sets the stage for the rest of the inspection. It helps our team determine which areas need closer attention once they climb onto the roof, ensuring nothing is missed.
Roof Climb and Close Inspection
Once the ground-level inspection is completed, we’ll climb up on the roof and do a further inspection. Here’s what we’ll look for:
- Shingles – They look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles, which can compromise the roof’s ability to protect your home from water and wind damage. Damaged shingles are often early signs that repairs or replacement may be needed.
- Flashing – The metal flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and roof edges is examined for rust, gaps, or loose sections. Damaged flashing is a common source of leaks and water infiltration.
- Underlayment – Inspectors check beneath shingles where visible, ensuring that the protective underlayment is intact and hasn’t deteriorated, which can lead to moisture problems.
- Moss, algae, and debris – Accumulation of moss, algae, or leaves can trap moisture and accelerate wear on shingles. Removing these can extend roof life and maintain proper drainage.
- Signs of leaks or water infiltration – Any discoloration, soft spots, or early-stage water damage are carefully noted. Detecting leaks early prevents more extensive damage to the roof and interior of the home.
Interior Inspection
Once the outdoor inspection is completed, we’ll take a look inside to check your attic, ceilings for water stains, mold, or structural damage. If you have any of these issues, it could mean that your roof is leaking or rotting. We will check to make sure your insulation is in good condition, and your ventilation system is circulating properly. They help maintain energy efficiency and help prevent trapped heat and moisture intrusion.
Documentation and Reporting
At the end of the inspection, you can expect a detailed record of your roof’s condition. We will also take photos and notes of our findings. You’ll be given a comprehensive report that will include immediate repairs needed, areas to monitor, your estimated roof lifespan, and maintenance recommendations.
Professional roof inspections in Hanover, PA, are necessary to prevent large, expensive issues that may occur if ignored. Peak Exteriors is happy to come out and take a look at your roof and guide you through each step of the process.