Asset owners, property managers, current tenants, or future buyers should spring into action by requesting a roofing inspection if they notice any the following:
- Interior Leaks: Once water has found an entry path into the structure, having penetrated the layers of material and skirted the drainage system, a roofing inspection and any subsequent action is imminent. Failure to do so can result in damage of property as well as unsafe conditions for tenants and visitors.
- Blistering, Buckling, Crosswise Distortion: Attributed to a number of causes including exposure to moisture, poorly ventilated roofs, expansion and contraction of the building, or unfortunately improper installation, asphalt shingles that show visible signs of distress should be monitored and replaced when necessary.
- Ponding Water: Water that “stands” for longer than 48 hours, or sometimes even shorter periods of time, add additional and undesirable weight that the structure needs to uphold. This may lead to leaks or even roof collapse.
- Bare Spots and/or Missing Granules: Caused by a variety of reasons, including but not limited to an insufficient use of eavestroughs, incorrectly placed downspouts or poorly designed valley drainage from multiple storied-buildings, granules may be washed away. Simple age and physical damage may also cause bare sports and sparse granules. Without these precious, seemingly insignificant materials, the roof materials may harden from sun exposure or heat, and water may find an entry point.
- Damaged Flashings:If the property’s roof has functional or aesthetic details such as a skylight, a chimney, eaves, rakes, roof valleys or other details, the flashing around it is subject to drying out, lifting and/or separating, whether due to weathering or simple expansion and contraction of the building. If not maintained and reinforced over time, this may be an entry point to the structure for water.