Home Inspection Checklist: Your Roof

When you think about it, your roof has to battle a lot of enemies…

• Ultraviolet rays
• Rain
• Wind
• Snow
• Ice​

You can extend the life of your roof, if you know the factors involved. They include environmental conditions, material quality, proper application and regular roof maintenance.

Warning signs indicating your roof is in trouble

Outside:

• Shingles that are warped, blistered, missing or torn
• Shingles covered in moss or algae, which hold moisture and encourage rot
• Loose material or wear around chimneys, pipes and other penetrations
• Overhanging tree branches that could gouge the roof in a strong wind
• Excessive debris (leaves, dirt, ice, roofing granules) in the gutters or downspouts, which block drainage

Inside:

• Ceiling spots or leaks
• Cracked paint
• Discolored plasterboard
• Peeling wallpaper
• Mold, mildew or rot in the walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems

In the attic:

• Infiltrating water stains
• Dampness
• Mold growing on insulation/sheathing/rafters
• A poorly ventilated attic that shows signs of moisture, which promotes the roof's decay
• You can achieve sufficient attic ventilation by installing larger or additional vents

Repairs Needed on your roof?

If repairs are needed, don’t skimp on quality to save a few bucks. Much of the damage associated with serious storms results from water entering the home when roof coverings or sidings are blown off.

This is why it is imperative that you have a secondary layer of waterproofing protection underneath the shingles and siding. If proper protection measures are not taken, the resulting leaks are the main cause of interior damage, as well as potential causes of rot and mold. Rot and mold can lead to major structural damage and even potential health problems for homeowners.

Use Underlayments on your roof

FEMA has published recommendations for the use of fully-adhered roofing underlayments, such as GCP Applied Technologies’ GRACE ICE & WATER SHIELD®, as an enhanced secondary water barrier for homes. In the event roof coverings are blown off or water manages to get underneath your shingles, these underlayments are the key to preventing water infiltration.

​