Why You Should Get Roof Inspections

At Dykstra Knight, we recommend that homeowners have their roof inspected on a regular basis. It’s like going to the doctor for an annual check-up. You may catch potential problems early and potentially prevent them from becoming more serious.

While we recognize that repairing your roof is never convenient, it pales in comparison to the cost and inconvenience of ignoring the impact of what your roof has endured over the years.

The older your roof, the more vulnerable it becomes. Even if your roof and its shingles appear to look fine, a careful inspection may reveal less obvious damage, so don’t let a superficial appearance lull you into a false sense of security.

Some contractors provide a basic roof inspection, which consists of examining the exterior of the roof (sometimes only from street level) and basic components such as flashings. While this is necessary, a more thorough inspection can help identify areas of concern and items that could potentially lead to further (and more costly) damage.

The checklist below provides a good summary of both exterior and interior inspection tips. Please consult a professional roof inspector to complete a proper roof inspection. Do not attempt to complete the checklist yourself.

Exterior Roof Inspection:

  • Severely blistered, curled or split shingles
  • Loose or missing shingles
  • Loose or exposed nails
  • Improperly seated nails that “popped”
  • Broken or loose shingles at the ridge and hip lines
  • Signs of missing caulk to seal flashing
  • Rusty or corroded metal flashing
  • Damaged or missing flashing
  • Sagging on the ridges
  • Broken seals on shingles
  • Excessive granule loss on shingles
  • Examine chimney for cracks
  • Rubber boots at top of pipes for dry rot
  • Review gutters and downspouts
  • Examine fascia board for any damage or rot
  • Survey the condition of siding above the roof
  • Gutters and eaves for proper shingle overhangs

Interior Roof Inspection

  • Cracks on roof sheathing
  • Measure and calculate proper attic ventilation
  • Sagging decking (between rafters)
  • Outside light coming through
  • Attic intake vents for proper ventilation
  • Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans for proper ventilation
  • Leaks around vents, chimneys and other holes to the outside
  • Signs of condensation, wet insulation, or mold