Roof Inspection Checklist

We’ll start by saying this: calling a Professional Roofer to inspect your roof is the best decision you can make. At Hi-Rise, we even offer a free roofing inspection.

Now that that’s out of the way, we’ll be realistic.  There are so many DIYers in the world including most (if not all) of the staff here at Hi-Rise roofing.  We understand that doing a project by yourself saves money and creates an unmatched sense of accomplishment. Here at Hi-Rise, we believe that people with a DIY mentality are go-getters, and their hard-working spirit is not only admirable but a trait that America seems to have lost over the years.

So, we thought we’d help out all of you DIYers and offer a roof inspection checklist for homeowners and commercial building owners alike:

Roof Inspection Checklist

• Interior Inspection – Always start a roof inspection with analyzing the inside of your home or building.
  1. Check the ceilings and walls for signs of leaks, including peeling paint, dark-spots, mildew, mold, and general rotting. Water stains on pipes venting the water heater or furnace are also signs of roof leaks.
  2. Look for damp spots around your vents and alongside fireplaces.
  3. You’ll need to access your attic for the majority of an interior inspection. Look for cracks on roof sheathing, sagging decking between the rafters, and outside light shining through.
  4. Proper attic ventilation is a critical component of your roof’s performance, so make sure all bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are properly ventilating.
• Exterior Inspection- Be careful when accessing your roof and approach all slopes and edges with caution. As you walk your roof, look for:
  1. Shingles that are curling, buckling or even missing.
  2. Cracks in the chimney.
  3. Loose or exposed nails.
  4. Cracked or damaged flashing/rubber boots around vent pipes, skylights, and chimney caps.
  5. Build-up of moss, algae, or other organic debris. This is common in Florida, and you can read here about how to mitigate organic growth on your roof.
  6. On flat roofs, look for sitting water or “ponding.” Check the condition of the coating or metal for punctures, blisters, and cracks.
  7. For sloped roofs, the source of a leak most often will not be directly above where it’s visible on the ceiling, as water always follows the path of least resistance.
• Gutter Inspection – The condition of your gutters will determine quite a few things about your roof.
  1. Shingle granules falling into your gutters is inevitable, but a copious amount is a sure sign that your shingles are corroding.
  2. Improper installation or natural forces can cause gutters to warp and guide rainwater to flow incorrectly.
  3. Missing sealant and holes will also disrupt the natural flow of rainwater and direct liquid to unwanted areas.

Call a Roofing Professional

Like we said, we value DIY attitudes and encourage you to learn about proper roofing conditions and how to fix things yourself.  However, the roofing industry is a specialized and dangerous trade, so do not attempt anything that is out of your realm of abilities.

Call the trusted professionals at Hi-Rise Commercial Roofing for any commercial or residential roof inspection.  So, stop on by or give us a call today to learn more about what we can do for your roof!