Issues with your roof are stressful. If you notice a roof leak or another warning sign, panic and stress can begin to set in. But truthfully, you won’t know the severity of an issue until a licensed, experienced roofing contractor checks out your issue. You may just have a small repairable item or require a full replacement.

Whatever the case, AIC Roofing and Construction is here to help. We’ve served the Nicholasville and Central Kentucky area since 2003. Since then, we’ve replaced over 10,000 roofs and have earned a reputation for quality and transparency from the community.

15 Things A Contractor Should Check During a Roof Inspection

The first step in repairing or replacing your roof is to contact a highly-rated Nicholasville roofing contractor. Your roofing contractor will inspect your entire roof, taking note of the condition and any damage. This article discusses the 12 main items a roofing contractor should inspect.

1) Improper Flashing on Your Roof

Flashing refers to metal placed in/along the valleys, walls, and chimneys on your roof. Flashing is an important defense against water and will prevent costly chimney and roof leaks. It guides water away from certain roof parts and into your gutter system. If your flashing is improperly installed, dented, or otherwise damaged, your roof is at risk for leaks.

2) Pipe Boots

Pipe boots are a protective seal around the plumbing vents in your roof. Over time, the elements can cause that seal to crack. Once the protective seal is compromised, your roof becomes susceptible to leaks. If a cracked pipe boot is the culprit behind your roof leak, you can expect an inexpensive roof leak repair.

3) Proper Ventilation

Your attic insulation and proper installation of your roofing ventilation are critical to regulating the temperature of your roof and home. Roofing ventilation is extremely important to ensure your roof does not experience dry rot that will compromise the structural integrity of your home and roof deck. During our inspections, we check the quality of your roof ventilation inside and out.

4) Algae Build-Up

Algae growth on your roof is fairly common and, if treated quickly, will not cause any major damage to your roof. However, if algae on your roof are neglected, it can cause leaks and damage to your roof. Algae growth is especially common in shaded areas or areas near trees. Keeping limbs off the roof and trees cut away from your roof will help curb the growth of algae.

5) Nail Pops

Your shingles are fastened to your roof deck using nails. Over time, these nails can become rusted or compromised to the point that they begin to pop out of the shingle. This needs to be repaired, as loose nails can give way to a roof leak.

6) Missing Shingles

As your roof ages, weather events such as hail and high winds can loosen and even blow shingles off your roof. Some homeowners may be inclined to replace missing shingles simply. This may be applicable in some instances, but if your shingles become loose, it could indicate a larger issue.

While one or two missing shingles may not seem like a major problem, they should be handled as soon as possible. Even small amounts of water can jeopardize the integrity of your roof. 

7) Severe Weather Damage

Your roof inspection will also consist of a thorough evaluation of your roof’s shingles and if there are any signs of storm damage. Common signs of storm damage include granule loss from hail or strong winds, penetrations in your roof from debris, and missing shingles.

9) Sagging Wood or Soft Decking

While your roofing contractor can’t fully gauge the condition of your decking from an inspection, they’ll be able to give you a very reasonable evaluation. If your decking feels spongy and soft or solid underneath their feet. Your roofing contractor will also check to see if your decking nails are firm.

10) Chimney Health

Your chimney is a roof penetration and a common cause of leaks. During an inspection, a roofer will check the flashing and condition of your mortar and chimney cap. They’ll also check for brick spalling. If your chimney is cracked and letting in moisture, you must have it repaired. Your roofer can complete some repairs, and some will require the expertise of a chimney company.

11) Roof Layers

Roof replacements are expensive. Understandably, some homeowners may explore less costly alternatives. A roof replacement is a complete tear-off (down to the decking) of a roof and installing new underlayment, deck protection, and roofing material (shingles, metal, tile, slate, etc.). An overlay is when new shingles are installed on the existing roof – old shingles are not removed. Some homes may have multiple layers on their roof. This makes repairing the roof difficult.

We strongly recommend total roof replacements. Most companies (AIC Roofing included) will not even work on roofs with multiple layers due to the inability to accurately diagnose all potential issues. If we give you a price and tell you we can fix your roof, we want to be confident that our recommended solution will resolve the leak.

14) Skylight Leaks

Improperly installed skylights are a common cause of roof leaks. Also, water can leak through a crack in the skylight’s glass or, more likely, around the material’s edges. Your skylight can leak even if it’s not raining outside! A skylight is a hole in your roof, so it’s important a roofing contractor inspect the integrity and quality of the window.

15) Gutter Condition

Your roofing contractor should inspect your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause damage to your fascia boards and roof. Further, if your shingles are experiencing granule loss (due to age or weather damage), there will be evidence in your downspouts. Your gutters are a critical piece of your roofing system.

Choosing a Roofing Contractor

Unfortunately, the roofing industry has earned a reputation for shoddy contractors and poor customer service. This, along with the time-sensitive nature of the repair, can make homeowners feel anxious and insecure about choosing a roofing contractor. We always recommend getting a few bids from reputable Nicholasville roofing companies so you can select the best one for your home.

Next Steps – Scheduling Your Free Roof Inspection

Roof issues are stressful. Whether you have a roof leak, hail damage to your roof, or need a roof replacement, let us take the stress out of the process. After reading this article, we hope you feel more confident tackling your issue.  

Whether your roof issue can be fixed with a simple repair or you need a full replacement, be sure to check out our Learning Center and YouTube Channel to find answers to all your roofing questions.

AIC Roofing and Construction has served homeowners in Louisville, Lexington, and Richmond since 2003. We are in North America’s top 2% of roofing contractors to obtain the GAF MasterElite certification.

We would love to see if we would fit your project well. If you’re ready to get a free estimate on your roof repair or replacement, contact us today!

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