Inspecting Roofs

We Don’t Walk Roofs!

Inspect & Report  Roof coverings and type  Roof drainage system (gutters)  Flashing  Skylights, chimneys & roof penetrations

General Roof Reporting  Identify:  Type & approximate age (ask homeowner)  Number of layers  Condition:  Satisfactory = roof covering will last over 5 yrs  Marginal = less than 5 yrs life remaining  Poor = replace soon (major repairs required)

Roof Structure Terminology

Roof Types: Overview

Roof Types: Gambrel

Roof Types: Gable

Roof Types: Mansard

Roof Types: Hip

Components of asphalt shingle roof

Typical valley and roof detail of underlayment

Open-valley flashing: rolled roofing

Open-valley: Sheet metal flashing

Woven valley

Closed-cut valley

Ridge caps from standard shingle

Step flashing where sloped roof meets vertical wall

Flashing at chimney: step flashing at sidewalls

Flashing at chimney: Apron flashing at low side

Roofing Materials: Natural enemies  Sun – expansion contraction breaks down material  Rain – erosion of materials  Wind – lifts shingles  Trees -scrape and deposit sap  Moss – collects water & promotes rotting  Snow/Ice -causes uplift of roofing materials  Time -age and wear & tear

Roofing Materials: Life expectancy  Asphalt Shingles15-20 yr  Roll Roofing10 yr  Wood Shingles yr  Clay Tile 20+ yr  Slate yr  Asbestos Cement Shingles yr

Reporting on roof covering Report:  Condition of roofing material  Condition of ridges, valleys & interfaces  Loose or missing components  Signs of water penetration  Repaired areas

Eight Warning Signs of Roof Deterioration

Ceiling SpotsAlgae Growth Curling Buckling

Missing ShinglesShingles Deteriorating Damaged FlashingErosion of Granules

Example of Loss Of Granules (Erosion)

Example: Curling

Buckling and Cracking

Wood shingles & shakes Typical Problems: Rot and deterioration Loose or missing pieces Mildew/moss Water penetration