Exterior Roof Inspection (from Outside):
Get up on low pitch 'walkable' roofs. On very steep pitched roofs either using binoculars and/or standing on a ladder at roof level, look at overall appearance of the roof. If necessary, staging can be attached to the roof and this work to install and remove the staging will be charged on an hourly basis. In particular, look for the following indicators of potential roof problems:

• Are there any blistered, curled or split shingles? A few can be repaired, but if the general appearance is poor, it may be time for a new roof.
• Are there loose or missing shingles, shakes, or tiles?
• Are there any exposed nails? They are a source of leaks.
• If your roof is covered with composition shingles, look for dark patches which will indicate the surfacing material has worn away.
• Look for significant accumulation of granules in your gutters. Some minor granule loss should be expected after about 12-15 years of life.When dark patches start to appear on your shingles, this is a sign of a failing roof.
• Look for sagging along the ridges or in the middle of the roof.
• Look for 'cupping' of shingles, which can detour water sideways instead of toward the gutters.
• Check where ridges and hips meet. Shingles may break or work loose at these spots.
• Any rusty metal or displaced shingles along the valley are sure signs of roof weaknesses.
• Inspect the flashing around the pipes and chimneys. Loose shingles or rusty, loose chimney step flashing is another sign of trouble. Chimney counter flashing should be well embedded in mortar joints between the bricks.
• Check overhangs for sagging and signs of dryrot such as peeling paint or cracks in the wood. Look for water staining.
• Where a vertical side of the house meets the roof, such as along dormer walls, flashing should be firmly in place or it is a potential leak.
• Check siding, soffitts, fascia boards, and window casings for water marks and leak stains.
• Check the gutters closely for sagging, pulling away from fascia or rafter tails, and signs of leaks between sections. Are the downspouts firmly in place and directing water away from the foundation?
• If you have a wood shake or shingle roof, inspect the flashing around the chimneys and at the vertical walls carefully because the acid in the wood can eat away at the metal flashing over the years. In consistently moist areas, prevent mildew by regularly removing the wet leaves that collect at certain parts of the roof. Keeping wood roofs clear of debris is crucial. Also note that wood roofs get increasingly brittle with age and the rate of deterioration increases with age as well.

Interior Roof Inspection (from Inside):

• In the attic, look for signs of leaks. Dark stains on the rafters or the underside of the roof decking material generally indicate water trails. Look for signs of water around plumbing vent pipes and along chimneys, skylights, and valleys.
• If dark spots are found, see if they are still wet or old. Push a sharp screwdriver into the wood. If it is soft, it is a sign of rot. If the wood is stained but still dry and firm during the rainy season, it may be an old leak that has been repaired.
• Look up through the roof for any pinpoints of light. If one is found, run a thin length of wire up through it so it can be found on the roof. Do not widen the hole. Shake roofs in particular may may show daylight during the summer months, but the wood will swell shut with the first rains.
• Look for sagging sheathing between the rafters. This is but one sign of an old roof in need of repair or replacement. Sagging or cracked rafters will certainly require repair or replacement as part of a new roof installation.
• Check ceilings for water stains. Look around bathroom and kitchen vents, fireplaces and / or woodstoves especially. Check window casings and light fixtures.

Flat Roof Inspection:

• Look for any blisters or bubbles on the roof surface. If not already broken, they will eventually break, which may allow water to enter the roof. If any blisters are found, they can be sliced with a knife and patched with roofing mastic/cement.
• Look for depressions around vent pipes where water can collect and begin leaking through cracks in the roof surface. These also can be filled with patching compounds.
• Check all flashing for any separations by the parapet that rings the flat roof.
• Note: Keep drains cleaned at the low end of the roof so water can run off without interruption.