Bluewater Inspection

For the Real Estate professional, knowledge about roofs and being able talk about common roofing problems is important to both buyers and sellers.

• The roof is a primary structural system of the house. It’s primary job is keeping weather outside of the home. It gives the home stability and protection. Deficiencies in the roof or roof components are a major issue and pose potential financial liability.
• Manufactured wood trusses are the most common residential roof support system seen in this area. Trusses distribute the weight of roof sheathing and anticipated snow load as well as providing engineered stability to the roof.
• Roof coverings come in a variety of materials. The 3-tab asphalt fiberglass reinforced aggreate shingle is the most common roof covering in our area.
• Asphalt shingles can last 15 to 40 years or more. Any estimation of roof life included in the Inspection Report is a condition dependent on many factors – not a warranty.
• Roof life indicators – curled shingles, wavy appearance, missing shingles, loss of aggreate or exposed edges, and wear paths around roof mounted swamp coolers. These conditions should be identified in your Inspection Report.

Details to look for in the Inspection Report:

• Heat is the #1 enemy of asphalt shingles, making attic ventilation a critical component of the roof system. The condition of attic ventilation and any obstructions should be identified in the Inspection Report.
• Bowing walls at the roof eve indicates the truss or rafter may be no longer attached to the wall. Bowed walls should be identified.
• Roofs that sag across the top along the roof peak may indicate rafter load problems from too many layers of shingles, and are often seen in older homes and common with add-ons and remodels.
• Gutters are the primary method of getting moisture directed out and away from the roof. 
• Did you know that corrugated metal roofs designed for high snow load areas rarely will have gutters?

Bluewater Inspection provides professional inspection services, including roof condition estimates. Contact us at (970) 433-7796 or email at home.inspector@yahoo.com