I often get asked if inspecting the roof system from underneath is really necessary. I mean having a roofer come into your home to go up into your attic is not the most convenient thing to happen. For this reason many roofers don’t even ask.
The truth is that inspecting the roof system from underneath is a critical component of a roof inspection. The attic tells a very accurate story about the presence of leaks or potential leaks in your roof.
The following is a checklist of problem signs we look for when inspecting your roof from the inside:
- Sagging decking between the rafters. If the decking is sagging or deteriorating, the decking will also require replacement when a new roof is installed.
- Outside light that can be seen through the roof.
- Signs of leaking in the attic (dark spots in the wood, especially around vents, chimneys, and other holes to the roof). This could be due to an active leak in the roof or to condensation caused by poor roof ventilation.
- If you notice dark spots in the wood our experts can determine if they are old or current problems.
If you observe any of the signs listed above, you may need roof repairs, or a new roof. Depending on the degree of the problem, you can decide what is best for you and your home. Often the cost of fixing or replacing a roof is less than dealing with the damage an old roof can cause to your home. Additionally, we can assist you with any possible claims with your insurance company.
If you have a roofing contractor come to your home to give you an estimate on replacing your roof, make sure they go into the attic and see what is going on. If they don’t, they could miss something that could cause needless expense later. It only makes sense to inspect your roof system from on top and underneath. You just cannot get a true picture of what is going on without doing so.
I hope this information helps you with your roof repair or roof replacement needs. As always if Roofmasters can be of any assistance please contact us at www.leakproofroof.net or 301-252-5821.
Regards,
Howard
