Do you need to have a roof inspection performed at your home, but you're wondering what exactly is done? Here is what you can expect to be evaluated during a roof inspection.

Shingle Evaluation

Your inspector is going to look at the overall condition of your shingles. If you have asphalt shingles, they will look at the granules that are on the shingles and if they are still attached to the surface of the material. Older shingles may have lost those granules and not be doing a great job at protecting your roof. In addition, the shingles will be inspected to find roofing material that is cracked, curling, and brittle. 

Flashing Evaluation

Your roof has flashing that is placed around any place where something protrudes from the roof, such as a chimney or ventilation pipe. All of the flashing material will be inspected to make sure that it is in good shape. The inspector will look for material that is cracked and needs to be replaced, or no longer attached to the home and allowing water to get behind it. You'll receive a recommendation for flashing material that needs to be replaced.

Fascia and Soffit Evaluation

All of your fascias and soffits will need to be inspected to ensure that they have not been damaged over the years. Some signs that the need to be repaired is if there is visible mold or rot in the wood, which means the material is failing or will fail soon in the future. Fascias and soffits that are cracked or sagging will be identified, since those should be replaced as well. 

Ventilation Evaluation

Your roof needs proper ventilation for it to stay in great shape. If heat and moisture in your attic cannot escape, it is going to ruin the roof from underneath it. That's why the inspector will want to look in your attic to make sure that ventilation is not covered with insulation and that the air has a way to properly leave the space. 

Roof Deck Evaluation

It is also a good idea to look at the roof deck from within the house. This allows the inspector to see areas where the roof deck has water damage, mold growth, or is rotting. This is a clear sign that water is somehow getting underneath the roofing material, and helps pinpoint where the water is leaking through the shingles. 

Still have questions about what's evaluated? Be sure to ask your roof inspector before they begin.