What to Expect From a Typical Roof Inspection Report

In the same way that people need to get checkups with a doctor and pets need checkups with a vet, roofs occasionally need to get checked out by a roof inspector. The goal is the same here; we want to assess the situation and find problems early to prevent more cumbersome problems, like a roofing emergency, down the road.

When a roofing company performs a typical roofing inspection, they will come to your home and inspect your roof inside and out and then present you with a report of their findings. There are some variations in how different companies go about this process, but these roof inspection reports should cover the same main points. Here, we’ll discuss what you’ll get out of a typical roof inspection report and how to interpret the results.

Common Terms in a Roof Inspection Report

It’s important to understand the terms presented in a roof inspection report. Many of these are different parts of a roof that someone who isn’t in the construction or roofing business might not have come across before. Below is a list of some of the most common terms on a roof inspection report.

Flashing - A material used to cover the creases or joints along lines where two sections of roof meet at an angle or along the edges where chimneys or other structures meet the roof. Flashing is usually made of metal and bent to fit into these creases and keep water out.

Sheathing/Decking - Sheathing and decking are both names for the wooden boards laid over the beams forming your roof. Shingles or other types of roofing are attached to the outer part of this layer.

Downspout - This is the pipe used to carry water from the gutters down and away from the building.

Blistering - A bubbling up of asphalt shingles that occurs when gas, air, or moisture gets trapped.

Buckling - An issue that occurs when an attached group of shingles curves upward due to expanded decking, water absorption, and poor ventilation.

Soffits - The boards covering the exposed underside of a roof overhang, or eave.

Fascia - The boards used to create a smooth appearance on a roof's edge where gutters are installed.

How is a Roof Inspected for Signs of Damage?

Generally, the inspector will have a list of potential signs of damage that they are looking for when performing an inspection. These lists include things like:

• Buckling, cracking, blistering, or curling of the shingles, which indicate aging or weathering of the roof
• Loose or missing shingles
• Missing granulation on shingles
• Loose or missing nails
• Sagging or clogged gutters
• Weak, stained, rotting, or sagging decking or joists
• Staining of interior walls or ceilings, indicating leakage
• Rusting or displaced metal components, like flashing
• Moss, lichen, or algae growth
• Poor attic ventilation
• Check for proper insulation

The inspector will take note of any damage they see and they will generally take photos of the visual signs of damage to include in the report.

Honest Abe’s 16 Point Inspection

While many roofing companies charge $150-$500 for a typical roof inspection, Honest Abe Roofing provides our 16-point roof inspection, a consult, and a quote, all at no charge to you. To keep our customers happy, we always honor the quotes that we give to our customers during our roof inspection. If we run into more damage than we found during the roof inspection, we will fix it at no additional charge to you. Our inspection checklist includes: 

• Examining the condition of the roof from the ground
• Determining the appropriate materials for your roof by examining the pitch
• Counting the number of roofing layers that will need to be removed
• Looking for nail pops
• Inspecting all skylights
• Checking for waviness in the roof
• Finding any weak areas in the decking
• Checking gutters for granular deterioration
• Noting any moss or algae growth
• Examining the ventilation system
• Checking flashing around chimneys or walls
• Inspecting the condition of any pipe boots
• Checking for buckled, blistered, or curled shingles
• Inspecting the attic for any damage to the decking or rafters
• Checking for mold on the decking
• Checking for moisture in the attic

What Areas Are Inspected During a Typical Roof Inspection?

During a roof inspection, the inspector will usually examine your roof from the outside and also inside of your home, particularly the attic. They will also need to examine the roof from inside the garage if it is attached to your home.

External Inspection

From outside of the house, the roof inspector will check over the shingles (tiles, panels, or seams for non-shingle roof types), along with flashing on the top of the roof, and check the number of layers that might need to be replaced. This may be done from the ground, on the roof, or even by drone. At this time they can also check that any attachments, such as satellite dishes, skylights, and chimneys, are properly secured.

They will also check the fascia and soffits at the bottom edges of the roof and check the gutters and downspouts for obstructions.

Internal Inspection

The roof inspector will need access to your attic to check for signs of moisture, like mold or water stains, in the decking and walls and for any sagging between the rafters. They will also check the ventilation from the inside. This will involve an inspection of bathroom fans and attic intake vents. They will also check to see if light is coming through in places it shouldn’t be to check for holes.

Some roofing companies may offer a very basic roof inspection which only consists of a visual inspection of the exterior part of the roof and gutters. However, an inspector is more likely to catch any important issues if they do a full inspection including the ceiling and attic space.

What Can a Typical Roof Inspection Report Tell Me About My Roof?

After the inspection, you’ll get a report detailing the findings. The roof inspection report can vary by company, but generally it will include photos taken during the inspection of areas of concern, along with a list of the issues they found, what can be done to fix them, and the estimated cost. The report can also tell you about the urgency of the repairs or replacements. Some repairs can wait awhile, while others should be fixed right away.

Parts of the Roof Need to be Replaced or Repaired

The report will detail any of the signs of damage mentioned earlier and what they indicate. Unfortunately, there are many things that can go wrong for a roof and its many components, and a roof inspection report can tell you what kind of repair you’ll need. 

For example, if your shingles are buckled, this could mean that they were not properly installed. If that is the case, they can be removed and re-installed properly. A typical roof inspection can also tell you if small things like nails, gaskets, or caulking need to be replaced in certain areas.

Gutters Need to be Replaced

Although gutters are not technically part of the roof, they are an important part of the drainage system. If they are bent, sagging, or rusted, they might hinder the flow of rain away from your home. In this case, they might need to be replaced, which is something that many roofing companies handle.

Ventilation Needs to be Improved

Ventilation is an incredibly important part of a properly functioning roof. Signs of excess moisture and mold found during a roofing inspection can indicate blockages in your ventilation system that need to be repaired.

Your Roof Needs to be Replaced

Nobody wants to hear that their roof needs to be replaced, but if your roof is older, heavily sagging, has multiple leaks or signs of deterioration, this is likely the case. Asphalt shingle roofs have an average life of about 15-30 years, depending on the climate. So, if your roof is somewhere in this range, it might be time to get an inspection. 

Get Your Free Roof Inspection 

At Honest Abe, we take the health of your roof seriously. Our industry experts excel in providing affordable and reliable roofing services, including inspections. Our free 16-point roof inspections allow us to thoroughly inspect every component of your roof and provide you with a comprehensive report.

Contact us today to get an inspection.