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Roof Inspections & Leak Diagnostics

If you have been through more than a minor storm, it is important to contact a contractor as soon as possible if you think your roof could have storm damage. LOCAL contractors will be overwhlemed with inspection & repair calls. the longer you wait to call in a repair, the slimmer the chances are of getting a LOCAL contractor to do the work. Do you want to use an out of area service and rely on their good word? Roof Doctor, Inc. is not only local, but has been in your community since 1987.

Roof Doctor, Inc. recommends at least an annual inspection of your roof. Scroll down this page to see what factors are included in the process of your roof inspection. Also, keep up with our Roof Repair Blog to educate yourself and keep in touch with what you should be doing or preaparing for during the year to protect your investment and keep your repair costs at a minimum!

The basic indicators of a deteriorating composition roof are cupping, buckling, loose, missing, or cracking shingles, and loss of granules. Tar/patching marks or sections of different colored shingles indicate past repairs. There is not really a time frame on a composition roof in order to determine when repairs may be needed due to the many factors that can cause damage.

On wood cedar shake or shingle roofs, we inspect for large areas of exposed felt paper, missing shakes, they lay out of the shakes, as well as the condition of the pre-formed ridge cap. Generally, problems exist after 10-12 years on a wood cedars shake or shingle roof. 

For slate or tile roofs, a life expectancy can be endless, but there are factors that can trigger needs for repairs such as storm damage, debris collection, or faulty workmanship at roof penetrations.

There are many different types of flat roof products that all indicate their own life expectancy. Many times flat roofs can be resealed on seams and around roof penetrations. Roof coatings for flat roofs can be applies to certain products to greatly add to the life of the existing roof.

You can tell a lot about a roof by how it looks from the ground. If the shingles are in a straight row, this will show a good build and frame structure. However, almost every issue we have addressed daily for over 26 years regarding roof leaks, are not apparent in the large areas of the roof. Faulty installation of where shingles adjoin the flashings and roof penetrations is 90% of our repair business. Sad, but ABSOLUTELY true, leaks to the interior of your home are most often the fault of your installer or prior repair company.

So what does the typical roof inspection include?

1) Checking for major defects such as structural failure, missing shingles, and all types of roof flashings.

2) Identifying problems that can lead to major defects. Defective roof mounted structures, stopped up gutters, defective or damaged windows, excessive heat/moister build in attic (caused by inadequate ventilation which can lead to premature roof failure), and termite damage.

3) All types of chimney and skylight flashings are inspected for integrity and weakness.

4) Sewer vent pipes and furnace flues are checked for installation of their base flashings as well as the storm collars on furnace flues, and the rubber grommets that surround sewer vent pipes for splits. These generally lead to bathroom and kitchen leaks.

5) Flat roofs are checked for debris as well as condition, i.e., splits and penetrations at junctures. Condition of the existing decking and ponding water areas are reviewed.

6) Valleys and pan areas are reviewed for proper installation. The types of products used at these areas is very important. Debris build-up is also checked in these areas.

7) Air vents and turbines are checked for condition. Inspection for rodent evidence is closely evaluated in these areas. Most importantly, we check the installation of the type of roofing product that surrounds these items.

8) All types of adjacent walls are checked for the condition of the siding. Types of siding include stucco, brick, wood shingled, bat and board, flat board siding, vinyl and steel. Step flashing, counter flashing, and head wall flashing are all reviewed.

9) Soffit and eaves are checked for any open voids directly leading to the attic. These areas are major areas of rodent entry. Rain and snow can blow in through these areas causing interior damage and allowing for leaks.

10) We inspect for accumulating debris on the roof, as this is quite common around chimneys, skylights, valleys, and pan areas. Moisture is held in debris, causing back up and decay and further can produce leaks.

11) Moss is observed and the proper treatment is recommend if necessary. Moss can seriously decay the roof product.

12) Your roof is checked for any additional cosmetic issues, including missing ridge caps, blown off flashings, and evidence of rodent damage.

Take it from us You Want To Get A Thorough Roof Inspection from a company that knows exactly what to look for - Roof Doctor, Inc. is that company!

There are a number of clear signs that you may need to repair or replace your roof. The most obvious is water damage or water leakage that appears in the ceilings of rooms. Rain can be forced, or driven, by wind under the shingles and through damaged felt and decking below the shingles. Shingles that are damaged or missing can allow this water penetration.  

Damaged flashing around vents, chimneys, eaves, and skylights can also allow water seepage and roof damage. If you notice a dramatic change in heating and/or cooling bills, that could be another sign of serious roof problems.  

Over the years, your roof can be affected and damaged by all the elements like sun, ice, wind, rain, leaves, missing shingles, rotted wood, clogged gutters, and even condensation. Roof damage and leaks are annoying and expensive.  

Regularly inspecting and maintaining your roof over the years can help catch any minor problems and stop them before they become more advanced and cause major roof damage. In many cases, it may be a less expensive repair than more advanced damage requires. You should inspect your roof, or have Roof Doctor, Inc. inspect it for you regularly to keep it protecting your investment and family for many years to come!

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