Chapter 20 – Inspecting the RoofRoof

We will continue our inspection with the roof.

When you inspect the ceilings and walls at the interior of your home you may notice water stains. The stains could be due to a leaking roof. The roof is the first line of defense from inclement weather. If your roof leaks, the building below is in jeopardy.

HAZARD:

DO NOT GET ON YOUR ROOF.
ROOFERS FALL OFF ROOFS.
DO NOT GET ON YOUR ROOF!

What we found during our inspections were: damaged and leaking gutters; plugged, loose or missing downspouts; poorly installed, loose or missing flashings; warped and deteriorated fascia boards and rafter tails; cracked roofing Vent Stacktiles; worn and damaged shingles; cracked and loose vent boot collars; bent metal roofing; weathered paint; sagging roof fields; patched shingles; cracked caulking; tree branches rubbing on the roof surface and golf balls, shoes and other assorted items in the rain gutters.

A qualified and licensed roofing contractor should be contacted for a roof inspection. That inspection should include evaluation of the gutters and downspouts, over hanging trees or shrubs, the roof coverings, flashings and all roof membrane penetrations like plumbing and chimney vents. Do not get on your roof unless you are a qualified roofing contractor.

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ROOF FINDINGS: REMEDIES AND SOLUTIONSRoof Remedy

No matter what the age of the building or how new the roof looks the home inspector will inspect by either walking on it or looking at it with binoculars.

Having a new roof does not insure it is problem free. Roofs of any age can have issues. If the roof is over 10 years old you can expect the buyer’s Realtor to request a roof inspection.

Your goal is to eliminate potential notes before the home inspector arrives. Since I have insisted you not get on your roof and did not provide a photo gallery, I have a recommendation. If your roof is over 10 years old I suggest you look in any phone book under “Roofing.” Nearly every display ad will say “Free Estimates.” Call a couple of these companies and ask if they provide a written roof inspection and a bid for repairs. If you have to pay this is one time where a few dollars invested will allow you to make a wise decision on your own. Having the time to shop for the best deal on a new roof eliminates the hassle of having to make a quick, uninformed decision.

A reputable and qualified licensed roofing contractor will be able to tell you if the roof needs repair or replacement. He will also be able to provide you with a written estimate of costs. Get three bids.

As stated, even new roofs have problems. If your roof is relatively new, you will have to decide if the expense of a roof inspection is justified. I recommend it, but I have a tendency to ere on the side of caution.

HOW TO FIND A REPUTABLE ROOFER

This is a very scientific approach on how to avoid getting scammed by a shiftless roofing contractor. This tip alone is worth the cost of this book. You can use this process to find the best experts for any aspect of your home repair needs.

Call at least three real estate offices in your area. Call one that is a nationally recognized chain, another that is locally owned and operated with at least 5 agents and one that has some old guy or gal who sold property to Moses’ older brother.

At the first two offices, ask the receptionist which agent in the office has been working in the local market the longest. Ask to speak with that person. Simply say, “Hello, my name is … and I am looking for a reputable roofing contractor. If your home needed a roof inspected and repairs, who would you use?”

Call the old guy or gal and ask the same question. If the answer is the same two out of three times, you have found your roofer. If you get three different answers, select three more real estate offices and do it again. After six inquires, a good roofer will rise to the top.

Click here to move on to
Chapter 21 – Inspecting the Attic