Roof Inspection Checklist
Roof Inspection Checklist
Why Do I Need A Roof Inspection?
At IKO, we recommend that homeowners have their roof inspected on a regular basis. It’s like going to the doctor for an annual check-up. You may catch potential problems early and potentially prevent them from becoming more serious.
We realize that making small repairs to your roof is hardly ever convenient but the time and effort you spend now are nothing compared to what you could be dealing with in future if you don’t attend to them. Your roof has been protecting your home, family and other valuables against the harmful effects of direct sunlight, hail, wind, acid rain, ice and snow for many years. Over time, these and other elements may compromise your roof’s ability to provide this protection.
The older your roof, the more vulnerable it becomes. Even if your roof and its shingles appear to look fine, a careful inspection may reveal less obvious damage, so don’t let a superficial appearance lull you into a false sense of security.
Some roofing contractors offer a very basic roof inspection that typically consists of examining the roof’s exterior and visible components such as metal flashings; however, a more thorough inspection can help identify areas of potential concern and alert the homeowner to problems that possibly might lead to further, and more costly, damage.
The roof inspection checklist below is by no means comprehensive but it does cover the basics. You should not try to complete the tasks on this checklist yourself. IKO recommends that homeowners and prospective home buyers consult with and engage a professional to perform a proper roof inspection.
Exterior Roof Inspection
- Severely blistered, curled or split shingles
- Loose or missing shingles
- Loose or exposed nails
- Improperly seated nails that “popped”
- Broken or loose shingles at the ridge and hip lines
- Signs of missing caulk used to seal flashing
- Rusty or corroded metal flashing
- Damaged or missing flashing
- Sagging on the ridges
- Broken seals on shingles
- Excessive granule loss on shingles
- Chimney cracks
- Rubber boots at top of pipes (indicating dry rot)
- Damaged gutters and downspouts
- Fascia board that’s damaged or rotted
- Siding above the roof
- Gutters and eaves for proper shingle overhangs
Interior Roof Inspection
- Cracks on roof sheathing
- Measure and calculate proper attic ventilation
- Sagging decking (between rafters)
- Outside light coming through
- Attic intake vents for proper ventilation
- Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans for proper ventilation
- Leaks around vents, chimneys and other holes to the outside