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As the saying goes, “Out of sight, out of mind.” And for homeowners, there are too many aspects to keep all of them top-of-mind all the time. Roofing is one of them.

Fortunately, there’s a solution: the roof inspection. Generally, roof inspections can be divided into four components: structural, material, interior, and workmanship inspections.

Structural inspections entail checking for unevenness and sagging. This also includes ensuring a properly ventilated attic. Without proper ventilation this can rapidly contribute to moisture buildup and even mold growth.

Material inspections focus on the shingles and flashing. Curled shingles and missing flashing weaken your home’s protection against the elements. Even with these materials in place, there could still be previously unnoticed gaps.

Interior inspections are all about how your home has been impacted by the roof. Wet spots on the ceilings are a good indicator of roofing that needs to be replaced. Again, signs of prevalent moisture show that the roof hasn’t effectively prevented water from breaking through.

Workmanship inspections can help the inspector determine whether your home is future-proof. Areas that are considered roof penetrations (chimneys, skylights, vent pipes, etc.) need to be properly sealed. Incorrectly installed flashing increases the chances that water and other material can breach these points.

But without InterNACHI or ASHI certification, how can anyone determine when they need a roof inspection? Just ask yourself the following questions:

  • Are there tree limbs or other large debris on your roof?

  • Do you have any curling or missing shingles?

  • Is the flashing peeling?

  • Are there any gaps or penetrations in the roof?

  • Do your gutters sag?

  • Is moss spreading across your roof?

  • Have you noticed any wet spots in your attic or ceiling?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these items, we recommend contacting a roof inspector right away. Although homeowners can make minor repairs, mending a roof is a perilous job even for a certified and experienced professional.

But how frequently should you have a professional come out and examine your roof?

We recommend following the “twice-a-year” rule. Given that a roof is the top portion of a home’s exterior, it’s easily the most susceptible to changing weather conditions. Thus, roofs experience the majority of wear-and-tear over time.

Ideally, these two inspections should be in mild weather seasons, such as spring and fall. Not only does this allow for a safer inspection, it also makes it easier to accurately assess the roof’s condition.

To schedule a roof inspection, contact Illinois Property Inspections by phone at 224.585.7835 or by email at [email protected].