Home Roof Inspection

Part of the home inspection process is the inspection of the roof. A home roof inspection is important for many reasons. For new home buyers, it will make them feel more comfortable with their purchase. For real estate agents, they will know what the true value of the roofing is. For home owners, routine roofing inspections are important in preventing and fixing common leak issues.

Something important to note is that home inspectors, often, will not inspect the roof. Roof inspections are more often done by a roof inspection company. However, The Pearce Group completes a home roof inspection with every home inspection we do.

You may not know enough about the roof over your head. This article is here to educate you before you discuss the future of your roof with your local roofing inspection company.

Shingle Types

There are many different types of roof shingles, with each type made to suit different weather conditions. Our home roof inspection will identify your type of shingle. So what could happen to your roof shingles? Well, they may need repairs after a harsh winter. This is part of roofing maintenance.
Here are the most common types of roofing shingles:

  • Asphalt shingles: makes a strong and durable roof which lasts for 20-30 years.
  • Laminated shingles: they have more color and depth which is why its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years.
  • Slate shingles: they are more expensive but are guaranteed to last a lifetime if they are installed correctly. They are also aesthetically superior to other roof types.
  • Concrete shingles: versatile and diverse, as well as tough and durable.

Common Leak Issues

So what happens when your roof gets leaks? Well, many bad things, which is why it’s crucial to get annual roof inspections to fix and prevent any leaks.Home Roof Inspection - Jeff Pearce

  • Excessive moisture can create the conditions for mold to form – not good for allergy sufferers.
  • Moisture in the attic will make its way to insulation which will reduce its heat transfer value. This means higher heating bills.
  • Roof sheaths are the strength that holds the entire roof together. Persistent leaks will cause the sheaths to rot and deteriorate, and new roof sheaths will need to be installed. Otherwise…
  • The entire ceiling will get stained and eventually will come falling down on you

Life Expectancy – Home Roof Inspection

There have been some studies of which roofing systems last the longest. Here are the conclusions we have drawn from the studies so far:

  • Concrete roofing systems are one of the types requiring the least maintenance.
  • EPDM, aka rubber roofs, have one of the longest roof lifespans, and at an affordable price.
  • Metal roofs generally last 35-40 years (with some variability depending on the type of metal chosen) with regular maintenance.
  • SPF: spray foam roofing/sprayed polyurethane roofing has shown to last the longest so far at half a century. This is a younger type of roofing system that has so far been shown to stand the test of time the best.
  • Spray applied coatings are meant to be applied to an existing roofing system. These coatings can last up to 20 years. Depending on the roofing system, a coating can last much more or less than 20 years. Each successive coating is guaranteed to not last as long as the previous coating.

The Pearce Group has been inspecting homes and roofs for over 20 years. We are one of the few home inspection companies that carry 28ft ladders, climb roofs, and have special shoes to do the job. We identify things we find when climbing that can’t be seen from the ground, with drones, or with extended cameras.

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