The Best Roof Inspection Methods Revealed: Unlocking Quality Assurance
Home sales in Phoenix aren’t quite as rapid as they were last year.
Still, many new homebuyers are feeling rushed into making purchases due to low inventory and high competition.
As a result, first-time homeowners in Phoenix may not get the thorough inspections they deserve.
Your roof is one of the most important structures in your home and it has a big role to play.
If it was built poorly or with low-quality materials or it has sustained damage, it’s better to find out sooner than later.
What are the best roof inspection methods and why do we practice them at AZ Roofing Works?
Read on to find out.
Interior Roof Inspection
While it may seem counterintuitive to look at your home’s interior to assess the state of your roof, the best roofing professionals will conduct an interior inspection.
They’ll want to check the attic or ceiling of your uppermost floor as well as the walls, looking for:
- Cracks or holes
- Sunlight coming through the ceiling or roof
- Signs of water damage like mold, mildew, stains, or rotting wood
- Pests
Roofs consist of multiple layers and not all damage is as noticeable from the outside as it is from the inside.
Material Inspection
The two primary layers of your roof include the shingles, which are visible from the outside, and the flashing.
Flashing adds a protective barrier to keep out rain, pests, and other elements.
The state and quality of your shingles and flashing will make a big difference in the overall condition of your roof.
In cities like Phoenix with extreme temperatures, certain roofing materials hold up better than others.
Your professional inspector can determine if your current roofing materials are getting the job done or if you’d be better off with a replacement.
They’ll also check the integrity of the materials, looking for cracks, warping, rust, moss, breakage, and water infiltration.
Structural Inspection
The structural inspection is one of the most important parts of a thorough roofing inspection.
Structural inspections require a working knowledge of how roofs are constructed, something that most homeowners and general home inspectors don’t possess.
During the structural inspection, a roof inspector will check for:
- Damaged or missing collar ties
- Damaged or missing rafter ties
- Deterioration or fracturing in trusses or rafters
- Leaning or sagging in walls
- Sagging in the ceiling
If your roof has been repaired but not replaced in several decades, there may be structural damage hidden beneath otherwise sound roofing materials.
Workmanship Inspection
To truly guarantee quality assurance, roofing inspectors should also assess the workmanship that went into your roof.
If the previous owner of your home hired an under-qualified or unprofessional contractor to build your roof, you may be dealing with problems without knowing it.
Anything from incorrect flashing to a miscalculated pitch can put your property at risk of flooding and other damage.
At AZ Roofing Works, we’ll always evaluate our own workmanship and the workmanship of other contractors to ensure that your roof is safe and sound.
When to Invest in a Roof Inspection
As a rule of thumb, it’s important to get a professional roof inspection at least once every few years.
Your roof will sustain damage over time as materials start to break, loosen, or degrade.
Roof inspections can help you catch and address problems early to prevent the need for premature roof replacement.
Outside of this regular maintenance schedule, there are other signs and circumstances that call for a roof inspection as soon as possible.
After Purchasing a Home
Most buyers don’t close on a property without hiring a home inspector.
Home inspectors can tell you a lot about the general condition of a property, spotting major structural issues in the foundation, electrical wiring, and even the roof.
However, home inspectors don’t have thorough training when it comes to roofing.
Roof inspections are far more thorough than general home inspections and can reveal a lot more about the state a roof is in.
After Severe Weather Events
A high-quality roof is designed to protect your home from severe weather like heavy rain and wind.
In the process of keeping your interior safe, your roof can sustain a lot of damage.
Even small problems like broken shingles can weaken your roof, leading to faster wear and tear over time.
Phoenix has experienced several notable weather events in the last few years, including supercell storms and land spout tornadoes.
If your roof hasn’t been inspected since any of these storms have swept through the city, now is the time to hire roofers.
When Wear and Tear Is Visible
There are a lot of things you can do to keep roof damage at bay.
For example, maintaining clean gutters will help divert water away from the roof to prevent pooling.
Once wear and tear is visible, it’s time to call for professional help.
If you notice any missing or broken shingles, sagging, or suspect holes in your roof, schedule a roof inspection right away.
When Water Damage Isn’t Coming From Pipes
Water damage is one of the most frustrating and expensive issues a homeowner can deal with.
Not only do you have to replace damaged beams and other structural materials, but the constant presence of moisture can lead to mold growth that spreads like wildfire.
If you start to notice signs of water damage in the upper floors of your home but can’t track down a leaking pipe, turn your attention to the roof.
Even small cracks or holes in your roofing materials can lead to leaks and excess moisture.
Get the Best Roof Inspection in Phoenix With AZ Roofing Works
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a long-time homeowner, you can’t underestimate the value of a good roofing contractor.
Now that you know what to expect from the best roof inspection, it’s time to schedule one for your property.
AZ Roofing Works has been serving Phoenix and surrounding cities since 2013.
Whether you need a new roof constructed or an old roof repaired, we’re here to help.
Contact us to schedule your next professional roofing appointment.
Considering help from a trusted Phoenix roof inspection company? AZ Roofing Works is ready to help you! Contact us today, either online or call our office directly, our friendly staff members are standing by at (602) 283-3383.
