Roofs do a lot for your building. Beyond keeping you dry they also are an important structural element. Damage or deterioration of the building roof can lead to significant interior damage, structural damage from rot and decay and loss of ability to carry loads such as snow or equipment.
Routine roof inspections are a key element to preventing loss. You can engage a roofing contractor for this purpose, or you can do the inspection yourself and call for assistance if issues are identified.
Shingle Roof Inspection
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 or between trusses
Broken seals on shingles
Excessive granule loss on shingles
Examine chimney for cracks
Rubber boots at top of pipes for dry rot – these have an expected life that is shorter than the roof itself
Review gutters and downspouts – are they properly attached, sloped and clear
Examine fascia board for any damage or rot
Survey the condition of siding above the roof – also check flashing at this joint
Gutters and eaves for proper shingle overhangs to direct water to the gutter
Commercial Roof Inspections
A commercial roof has different inspection and evaluation points to consider. A good roof inspection will inspect the following:
Evaluate decking for rot or surface staining
Check roof vents for proper flashing and seals
Inspect flashing at any intersection with another surface
Look for tears or damage to the roofing field
Check equipment curbs and any utility penetrations for leaks
Inspect for ponding Water – this may indicate drainage or roof slope issues
Look at the Flashing – cracks and crevices that may be open to water infiltration.
Look for debris that could damage the roof including accumulated material in corners
Inspect terminations in parapet walls and roof edges – check the bottom of the wall for any cracks or opening and the top of the wall that the roofing is securely attached
Check the drains, gutters and downspouts to see that they are clean, open, and properly attached
Interior Roof Inspection
It does not require equipment more complicated than a flashlight to inspect the roof from inside your building. Obvious signs such as stained ceilings and stained walls indicate a leaking roof. Discoloration on the underside of the roof deck can be observed from inside the building. Wet insulation in the attic is also a clear sign of a roof leak. If you can see the interior signs of a roof problem, so it is obvious to anyone who is inspecting your property
Remote Roof Inspection
Roof losses are a driver for property insurers loss reports. Many insurance companies are now using overhead imagery to inspect roof and determine your insurability. You should look at Google Earth images and other internet sites that have an overhead image of your property. If you can see discoloration, overhanging trees, and evidence of ponding from these images, it is possible that your insurer is seeing the same pictures. New software applies an evaluation algorithm to “score” roof conditions. This can impact rates and renewal terms.
The Driehaus Difference
We understand the tools used by insurers to remotely evaluate roof conditions. This allows us to help our clients use these reports to improve their property insurance program. Helping our clients understand the importance of roof inspection and maintenance positions our clients for success in the property insurance marketplace. Call us at 513-977-6860 or contact us on the internet at www.driehausins.com
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