Your Essential Roof Inspection Checklist

A roof is perhaps the most important part of any home, providing shelter and protecting you from the elements. However, you probably don’t spend too much time thinking about or maintaining your roof until it’s glaringly obvious that there’s something wrong with it. By the time it becomes apparent that your roof needs some attention, it’s often too late and you’ll be on the hook for some pretty expensive repairs.

But what if there was a way you could identify issues with your roof at an early stage, before these problems have the chance to develop into something more serious? That’s where a roof inspection comes in. So what happens during a roof inspection? The team at TCK Roofing & Building is here to help with this comprehensive roof inspection checklist.

What is a roof inspection?

During a roof inspection, a qualified roofing contractor will visit your property and as the name suggests, complete a thorough inspection of both the interior and exterior of the roof. The purpose of this is to assess the condition of the roof, identify any areas of concern and ensure it’s still structurally sound.

When should I get a roof inspection?

Most homeowners won’t think to arrange a roof inspection until it’s too late. However, it’s generally recommended that you should have a roof inspection done at least once a year – perhaps, more frequently if you live in an older property. 

While you might think this seems excessive, identifying problems at an early stage can prevent expensive repairs and save you from the cost of a complete roof replacement further down the line. Generally speaking, the best time to carry out a roof inspection is before the winter, so you can ensure your roof can withstand the harsh weather.

There are also other circumstances where it’s a good idea to have a roof inspection, such as:

• Following severe weather: The UK can be subject to some pretty adverse weather during the winter months, so if there’s recently been a severe storm or gale then it may be best to schedule a roof inspection to make sure there’s nothing amiss.
  

• Before buying/selling: If you’re thinking of buying or selling a property, it’s best to get a roof inspection done before signing any documents. As the seller, this will inspire buyer confidence and make for a smoother sale process and, as the seller, this will ensure you’re aware of any potential problems and may even offer you room for some negotiations on price if a problem is identified.
  

• Signs of damage: If you’ve noticed any signs of damage to your roof – perhaps it’s sprung a leak or you can see a large area of missing tiles or damaged flashing – then a roof inspection can help to pinpoint the cause of the problem so that the necessary repairs can be quickly carried out.

Roof inspection checklist

As we’ve established, a professional roof inspection is incredibly thorough and the roofing contractor will create a meticulous report and take photos of any areas of concern. But what areas of your roof will be examined? We’ve put together this checklist to make you aware of the process.

Exterior of the roof: The roofing inspector will examine your roof, both from the ground and from the surface of the roof itself. They will be checking for the following things:

• Flashings: This is the waterproof material used to seal your roof against seepage. The inspector will examine the flashing around your chimney and skylights for any wear, gaps or signs of a leak.

• Roofing materials: The roofing tiles will be checked for any cracks, blistering or damage and any areas with missing tiles will be noted.

• Debris: Any leaves, moss or other debris that has built up will be removed.

• Guttering: The guttering, soffits and fascias will be examined to ensure they are still in good condition, securely attached and clear of debris.

• Visible damage: Your roofing contractor will be keeping an eye out for any area of visible damage, such as sagging or rot.

• Chimneys and vents: Your chimneys and vents will be checked for gaps and cracks, plus chimney caps should be in place to stop animals and debris from coming in.

Interior of the roof: Then, your roof will be inspected from inside the attic and checked for the following things:

• Ceiling and walls: Your roofing inspector will look for any signs of mould, stains or peeling paint that might indicate a leak.
• Insulation: There must be adequate insulation that is evenly distributed throughout the roof.

• Ventilation: Vents must be kept clear and they should be checked for any signs of moisture or condensation build-up.

Once the roof inspection is complete, your contractor will be able to give a detailed picture of the condition of your roof and advise on any work that is needed.

If your roof has seen better days and you’re concerned about its condition, get in touch with the team at TCK Roofing & Building for help. For more than 50 years, we’ve been carrying out roof inspections at homes across Watford, Hertfordshire, North and North West London and beyond – contact us to schedule an appointment.