Professional Free Roof Inspection

Flat roofs need to be inspected for signs of ponding water, which often means the roof isn’t sloped properly for drainage. A slight slope is necessary to keep water flowing toward drains or scuppers. It’s also important to check the entire drainage system, including any interior drains, scuppers, or gutters, to make sure water has a clear path off the roof. Pitch-pockets, pipes, and flashing around AC units or other rooftop equipment should all be inspected for cracks or gaps.

Small penetrations can cause big problems if they’re not sealed properly. The most important part of the inspection is checking the seams. If the seams are aging or were poorly installed, they can separate and allow water to seep in. We also inspect the parapet walls and surrounding areas where the roofing material is terminated. That includes looking at the coping or edge metal to make sure everything is sealed and secure.

When inspecting a tile roof, it’s important to look for loose, cracked, or dislodged tiles, especially after a storm. Debris can collect in the valleys, blocking water flow and increasing the risk of leaks. Inspectors should also look for cracked or deteriorated mortar, along with the flashing around pipes, vents, and any other roof penetrations.

However, the most important thing to keep in mind is that the tiles themselves are not what keep water out. The real waterproofing comes from the underlayment hidden beneath the tiles. If that underlayment is damaged, worn out, or was poorly installed, water can sneak in through the seams. To properly check those seams, some of the tiles in the affected area need to be carefully removed.

Inspecting a metal roof starts with checking all the fasteners, especially on corrugated systems with exposed screws. Over time, fasteners can back out, rust, or wear down the washers, which leads to leaks. The seams between each metal panel should be inspected closely to make sure they’re still sealed and haven’t separated. Look for any signs of rust or corrosion, especially in areas where water tends to sit. It’s also important to check for loose panels that may be lifting or shifting out of place. Finally, take a close look at all penetrations, including pipes, vents, and skylights, to make sure the flashing is secure and watertight.

Shingle roofs should be checked for signs of damage caused by weather, aging, poor installation, or manufacturer defects. Key things to look for include missing or dislodged shingles, exposed or rusted fasteners, and old caulk around flashing or nails. It’s also important to look for granule loss, blistering from poor ventilation, and flashing that may be damaged from age. Any maintenance items, like caulk that needs to be reapplied should be taken care of to prevent future leaks.