4 Things We Look For During a Roof Inspection

Posted by Four Seasons Roofing on January 30th, 2021

During a roof inspection, we look over every inch of your roof. But we’re not just examining the shingles. Read more about the signs of damage we’re searching for.  

How long has it been since you’ve scheduled a roof inspection? If you don’t know how to answer that question, a roof repair could be in your imminent future. 

While you can find out a lot about your roof by standing in your yard and looking up at your home, you’ll need a professional to do a thorough examination.

Here’s what we look for when our team at Four Seasons Roofing performs a roof inspection in the Baltimore area. 

2. Missing Shingles 

When your roof was applied, contractors gave you plenty of choices involving color, shape, and size. You also made choices based on wind ratings. 

If your roof was installed in the mid-1990s, the most durable shingles could withstand winds of 65 mph. Now, some shingles can take gusts of 150 mph. 

In Maryland, we face roof-ruining hurricanes about every 15 years. A storm like this can leave your yard littered with shingles. But even storms that don’t cause you alarm can really damage your roof.

We walk the length and breadth of your roof, and we make notes about each shingle that is missing, damaged, or loose.

2. Clogged or Broken Gutters 

The metal trays attached to the edge of your roof play a critical role, and they need ongoing maintenance to do their work properly. 

Gutters collect rainwater from your roof and push it to the ground. These systems can be damaged by:

• Leaves. A heavy wind followed by thick rain can leave your gutters packed tight with heavy organic material that traps water.

• Shingles. If winds pick up roofing materials, they can be deposited here. 

• Ice. Frozen water is incredibly heavy, and it can pull your gutters down.

We will look over your gutters carefully and make a note of any damaged portions. 

3. Water Intrusion 

Seepage is one of the main symptoms that leads to roof repair. But the damage can be subtle and hard to miss in the early stages. 

Your roof leak can cause:

• Staining. Small, brown speckles may appear on wet days and fade when the sun comes out. 

• Buckling. Ceilings may dip and pulse. 

• Noises. You may hear subtle tapping, even if you never see any water in your home.

• Mold. Household mold has been linked to respiratory illness. You may see colonies in the corners of rooms. 

Our internal and external roof inspections help us identify leaks. 

4. Damaged Flashing 

The metal bits that separate your chimneys, vents, and other items from your shingles can rust or rot. When they do, flashing problems let water in.

We inspect all flashing sources during our visit, so you can keep your home safe. 

Our Roof Repair Services

When our roof inspections are complete, you'll know what's wrong with your home. With our roof repair services, you can make it right again.

We'll give you a detailed estimate so you know what to expect. And we'll get to work quickly to help you get back on your feet again. Contact us to get started.