Roof Inspection Calgary

Here are some steps that a professional inspector may take when inspecting a roof’s condition:

1. Walk around the exterior of the building to look for any visible signs of damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, or debris on the roof.
2. Access the roof using a ladder or other equipment and take a closer look at the condition of the shingles or other roofing material. The inspector will check for any signs of curling, cracking, or other wear and tear, and will note any areas that appear to be in poor condition.
3. Check the condition of the flashing and seals around penetrations, such as vents, skylights, and chimneys. The inspector will look for any signs of damage or leaks, such as bent, corroded, or missing flashing.
4. Check the condition of the gutters and downspouts, and make sure they are free of debris and functioning properly.
5. Check the attic or other spaces below the roof for any signs of water infiltration or leaks. The inspector will look for any stains on the ceiling or walls, or any mold growth, and will note any issues that are found.
6. Take note of the age of the roofing material, and the overall wear and tear of the roof.
7. During the inspection, the inspector may use tools such as binoculars, moisture meter or infrared cameras to help with the inspection
8. Take photos during the inspection as evidence for the report, specially if there is an issue.After the inspection, the inspector will produce a report that highlights the findings, any issues found and recommendations for repairs or replacement if necessary.

Keep in mind that the inspector should be Haag Engineering certified or from another similar organization, that has its own guidelines, procedures and standards.

When inspecting a roof, some of the most important items to check include:

• Shingles or other roofing material: Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracking, curling, or missing shingles. Check the condition of the flashing, this material is the one that seals around the penetrations, such as vents, chimneys, and skylights. If the flashing is damaged or missing, it can allow water to penetrate the roof and cause damage.
• Gutters and downspouts: Ensure that the gutters and downspouts are free of debris and functioning properly to prevent water from pooling on the roof.
• Roof penetrations: Inspect the areas around penetrations such as vents, skylights and chimneys. The flashing and seals around these areas must be in good condition to prevent water infiltration
• Check for any signs of water damage, leaks, or other potential problems such as stains on the ceiling or walls, or mold growth.
• Age of the roofing material and the overall wear and tear of the roof, specially if the roof is reaching the end of its expected life
• Look for any signs of wind or storm damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, or debris on the roof
• Take note of any missing or broken tiles or any other signs of damage

It’s important to remember that preventative maintenance is key to ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible. A regular roof inspection can help to identify problems early on and to prevent them from getting worse over time.

The frequency of roof inspections can vary depending on a variety of factors such as the age and type of roof, the local weather conditions, and the overall condition of the roof.

Here are some general guidelines for how often a roof should be inspected:

• New roofs: It is recommended to have an inspection done within the first year, and then every 3 to 5 years after that.
• Older roofs: that are in good condition, an inspection every 3-5 years is usually sufficient.
• Roofs that are nearing the end of their expected lifespan, or that show signs of wear and tear: It is a good idea to have them inspected more frequently, ideally every 1-2 years.
• Homes in an area where the weather conditions can be harsh, or have a history of severe storms: An inspection should be done right after a major event, as well as more often than the general recommendations

It’s also worth noting that if you’re planning to sell your home, or if you’re having a new roof installed, an inspection may be required by the buyer or by the insurance company before proceeding.

Regular roof inspections can help identify potential problems early on, allowing for repairs or replacement before they become bigger and more costly issues. It also can help you to maintain the value of your home.