The roof of your home or building takes a beating from severe weather conditions and aging. If not properly maintained, even small problems can escalate into major issues that require expensive repairs.

A thorough inspection can identify these potential issues, saving you a lot of money in the long run. Here are some of the things your inspector will look for:
Attic Inspection

An attic inspection provides valuable information about the roof and home in general. As the name suggests, it involves a thorough evaluation of all components under a roof, including insulation and ventilation. This inspection enables homeowners to mitigate issues that affect indoor air quality, high energy bills, and mold growth.

If the attic is poorly insulated, it will cause your HVAC system to work harder and lead to higher energy bills. It also leads to a buildup of moisture, which is a breeding ground for mold and mildew. This can create a health hazard for all the people living in the house. Poor attic ventilation can also lead to condensation, which can result in the formation of ice dams on the roof and damage the roof structure.

Leaks are another common problem associated with an attic. Unless addressed immediately, they can cause extensive and costly damage to the roof and interior of the house. Home inspectors can spot leaks by checking for water spots, stains, wood rot, and mold. In addition, an attic inspection can reveal signs of a sagging or improperly installed roof.

In addition to identifying problems with the roof and home structure, an attic inspection can reveal clues about the history of the house. For example, black or sooty wood rafters may indicate a previous fire. Tunnels or wood shavings can indicate infestation by wood-destroying insects. roofing edinburgh

While it is possible to do attic inspections yourself, it is best to let a professional take care of it. Home inspectors are trained and experienced in identifying attic problems, which makes them better equipped to spot them. They also have access to specialized equipment like moisture meters and infrared cameras.

In addition to assessing the condition of the attic, a professional will inspect the vent stacks and exhaust ducts to ensure they are not blocked. They will also check for draftiness, sagging or incomplete insulation and pest invasion. An attic should always have enough vents to allow for adequate air flow. If your attic is too crowded with stuff, it can block the vents.
Gutter Inspection

Gutters keep rainwater from crashing down the sides of a building, helping to minimize damage to the roof and lessening moisture intrusion issues that can affect walls and foundations. It's important to regularly inspect gutters for signs of problems like clogs, broken sections and loose connections. These issues can quickly escalate into costly repairs that could have been avoided if they were addressed in the early stages.

A professional gutter inspection begins with a thorough cleaning to ensure the removal of debris that might be preventing water flow. This process also gives inspectors the chance to see if downspouts are properly draining water away from the house, as well as assessing the slope of the gutter system. Inspectors can put gutters to the test by pouring water into their highest points and examining them for inconsistencies that indicate water leaks.

During this process, inspectors should also look for bird's nests, animal droppings and other telltale signs of critters that may be settling in the area. Additionally, they should examine the areas where water pools after heavy rainfall to assess if the gutters are directing it where it's supposed to go.

If gutters aren't working, it can cause the soil around a building to wash away, which can lead to foundation and structural damage over time. In addition, it can lead to mold and mildew problems that require professional assistance. As part of a gutter inspection, professionals should also examine the troughs or "cups" that connect the gutters to the roof to make sure they are intact and free from cracking or damage.

While some people might think that gutters are a nuisance, they're a vital part of any roofing system. Without gutters, water will simply flow directly off the roof, wearing down the structure and washing dirt into the ground, which can cause erosion that will wear down landscaping and damage the foundation of a home or business. Moreover, gutters are designed to help direct water and precipitation from a roof into downspouts for drainage. This process protects a building from foundation and structural damage, mold and mildew, as well as the expense of costly roof repairs.
Soffit Inspection

A soffit inspection is an important part of any home inspection. This is because the soffit and fascia are where the roof meets the house’s walls, so they play an important role in keeping water out of the attic and helping to maintain a consistent temperature. In addition, a well-maintained soffit and fascia will also help keep pests from accessing the attic area.

An inspector will examine the soffit and look for any signs of mold, mildew or other staining. In addition, he will also look for any damage to the soffit and the condition of the soffit boards. In particular, an inspector will be looking for wood rot, which can occur due to factors like rain penetration, ice dams, and clogged gutters.

A home inspector will also check the soffit venting, which is critical to attic ventilation. Insufficient attic ventilation can lead to excess moisture, higher energy bills, and uncomfortable temperatures. An inspector will look for any gaps or rust on the soffit venting as well as any signs of animal nests (such as raccoon, squirrel or bat) or bird nests.

The inspector will also check the soffit at the chimney and the venting around skylights and other roof penetrations. In addition, he will determine if there are any areas of concern in the attic, such as insulation problems or water stains. Finally, an inspector will also check the gutters and downspouts to make sure they are free of debris and functioning properly.

A roof inspection is a good idea when a homeowner suspects storm damage, as it can identify and address any potential issues that may arise. However, it is always a good idea to have a professional inspect a home regularly as the life expectancy of roofing materials varies greatly and it’s important to catch issues early on before they turn into major repairs later on. A certified home inspector will be able to provide you with the best inspection service and advice. You can find a local home inspector by using the online resources provided by the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Skylight Inspection

Skylights bring natural light to a home and are a nice addition to any roof. However, like many other aspects of a roof, it’s important to have your skylights regularly inspected and repaired as needed to keep them functioning properly. A poorly functioning or damaged roof and/or skylight can result in leaks, water damage to the ceiling and walls, and poor insulation that affects your home’s energy efficiency.

A common cause of leaking roof skylights is a lack of proper installation. A professional should install your skylights and ensure that they’re fully sealed and waterproof. A leaky skylight can also be caused by improper attic ventilation or debris that can block the downhill flow of rainwater.

When a skylight leaks, it can lead to ceiling water stains and damage the insulation inside the attic. This can then lead to problems with your interior paint, wood and other fixtures in the home. If a wall is saturated with water for too long, the paint may begin to bubble and peel, and it could even lead to mold growth.

If you have a double-paned skylight, water may be entering the house from the outside and causing condensation on one of the panes. The condensation can then drip down onto the roofing material and enter the house through the drywall at the bottom of the ceiling. To avoid this, a reputable roofer can replace the glass or polycarbonate glazing and install a new drain pan, if necessary.

In addition to a regular maintenance schedule, it’s a good idea to have your roof and skylights inspected by a professional every year. These inspections will allow any minor issues to be addressed before they become larger problems that impact the integrity of the roof and the overall structure of your home.

If you’re interested in having a roof inspection for your Buffalo property, contact us today! We offer visual roof and skylight inspections, as well as repair services. We also offer gutter and soffit inspections, and can help you prepare for an upcoming roof replacement or roof installation project.