It’s a good idea to have your roof inspected by a professional from time to time. Also, you can stand on the ground and give your roof a visual inspection. Find out more about the key differences between visual and structural roof inspections today.
Visual Roof Inspection
Many roofing professionals break their visual roof inspection into three segments. In the first segment, the inspector looks for any sort of damage on the roof. Damage or wear and tear can be signs that there’s another, unseen problem going on, such as a leak. This first phase tells the inspector how to proceed with the inspection.
In the second segment of the inspection, the professional enters the house. They may enter the attic to inspect the roof’s structures, such as its beams, rafters, and trusses. They’ll also look for stains, holes in the roof membrane, and other problems.
When this part of the inspection is completed, the inspector writes a report. This report notes all of the problems the inspector found, which can help a roofer find and repair them. Visual roof inspection is often done before a house is put on the market.
Structural Roof Inspection
Structural roof inspection is more kinetic than a visual inspection. It’s done to check the very structure of the roof. An inspector who’s doing a structural inspection would note if trusses, beams, and rafters are sagging, bowing, or showing cracks. The inspector will check to see whether the roof is securely fastened to these structures, especially if the house is in a windy area. A structural roof inspector might even walk on the roof itself to discover any soft or squishy spots. Soft spots can be a sign of rot beneath the roof deck.
A structural roof inspector would also note any wear on the roof shingles. One sign that asphalt shingles are failing is that they’re shedding granules. Curling or cracked shingles are also bad signs. If the roof is made of metal, there should be no areas of rust. The inspector should also inspect any fasteners to make sure they’re secure. They should clean debris out of the roof valleys. If they suspect a leak, they can even use a garden hose to spray the roof, then enter the house to see if there are leaks from the ceiling.
Call Us If You Need Your Roof Inspected
Professionals believe you should have your roof inspected once a year as a matter of course. It should also be checked after a storm. If you’re in need of an inspection, whether visual or structural, don’t hesitate to contact our professional roofers at Action Roofing of Santa Barbara, California.