Maintaining Your Home
Roof coverings are important to homes for obvious reasons. It is vitally important that the roof covering of your home be routinely inspected. Water penetration from damaged roof covering materials or improperly installed roof coverings can lead to water damaged walls, ceilings, floors, and personal belongings. Defects in roof coverings may also result in issues with insurability when buying or selling a home.
During a home inspection, we are checking for any moisture penetration from defects in the roof covering including roof deck penetrations and flashings. Water damaged soffits, eaves, gables or decking are good indications that the roof is not performing as intended. When water damage is suspected, we use moisture meters or thermal imaging cameras to verify any suspicions.
Listed below are the most common defects we find on roof coverings. Some of these can be seen by homeowners. When any of these defects are present, the roof covering should be further evaluated by a roof covering specialist.
 |
| Improper flashing, Improper Shingles, Damaged Boot |
- Granules are warn off. Warn roof coverings will often loose granules which may appear on the ground or in rain gutters.
- Areas of previous roof repairs should be closely monitored.
- Discoloration in the roof covering is evidence of age and wear.
- Homes should only have one roof covering installed.
- Torn, damaged, perforated and missing shingles should be replaced.
- Wind, weather and impact damaged shingles should be replaced.
- Felt paper underlayment should extend over the top of the drip edge. Underlayment installed underneath the drip edge is improperly installed.
- Roof covering should have visible space between the roof covering and exterior siding to allow moisture to easily dry.
- Chimneys wider than 30 inches should have a "cricket" or saddle installed to direct run off around the chimney structure.
- Chimneys and walls should have both step flashing and counter flashing installed.
- Exposed nail heads at all flashings should be sealed with tar or silicone sealants.
- Tree branches should be trimmed so as not to contact the roof covering.
- Leaves and other debris should not be allowed to remain on the roof covering.
- The roof covering materials should be appropriate for the roof slope.
- Damaged roof penetration vents should be replaced.
Roof coverings should be inspected or repaired by certified, licensed professionals. Homeowners should inspect their roof coverings from the ground or with a camera with zoom lens for reasons of safety. Homeowners should visually inspect their roof covering monthly and immediately after any severe weather events.
If you have additional questions about your home's roof covering, contact your Professional Home Inspector.
David Selman, Certified Master Inspector #10299
www.selmanhomeinspections.com
469-371-3228
No comments:
Post a Comment