5 Signs Your Roof Needs To Be Inspected by a Professional

A roof inspection is critical to understanding the health of a roof because let’s face it, a roof is very much out of sight, out of mind. Consistently checking the state of a roof can be the difference between a minor repair and needing a complete roof replacement. A roof inspection can be the difference between a small drip and an entirely flooded room.

We have identified five key reasons your roof needs a professional roof inspection as soon as possible.

You’ll need a roof inspection if:

1.  Your roof has never had a professional inspection

Do you know just how healthy and stable your roof is? Even if you were to venture up into and onto your roof, you might not know what to look out for unless you’re a builder. You could be one storm away from seeing the whole roof cave in!

Roof inspections tend to be one thing that always seems to be put into the ‘I’ll do it later’ basket. When you contact a building inspector, an expert inspects without hesitation, covering all angles on foot or via drone. A building inspector is better equipped with both knowledge and tools.

2.  Your roof is over ten years old

If you received your last roofing inspection over a decade ago, your roof is due for a new one. Roofs are designed to last, but regular maintenance is essential to keep them going. Over the course of 10 years, many things can happen to make a roof weaker or in need of some TLC.

Regular inspections are essential in areas that experience heavy rain, storms and hail to ensure the roof is structurally sound to withstand cyclonic conditions common in Queensland during the storm season. Homes in bushy areas benefit from regular inspections where gutters can become easily blocked, and tree branches can cause damage.

Why is a regular roof inspection necessary? It’s to ensure minor problems are discovered before they become massively expensive. Minor problems could be something as small as a few cracked tiles that could let a substantial amount of water into the roof space during a destructive storm.

3.  Your roof has missing roof tiles

Did you hear a crashing sound one night? You went outside in the morning and discovered some broken roof tiles outside your home. This could indicate structural issues and wear and tear, causing the tiles to loosen and fall.

When there’s evidence of loose roof tiles, it’s best to stay safe and on the ground. Engage a building inspector to carry out a roof inspection instead. They know where to look and what to look for. Suppose they cannot carry out an inspection safely. In that case, they can carry out an aerial inspection instead, using a state of the art drone. Drone inspections are the best and safest way to see how many roof tiles are missing or identify any other problems with the structural integrity of your roof.

4.  You have water damage inside your roof

You’ve taken a look in your roof space and noticed clear signs of water damage. There are a couple of small puddles on the roof space floor, and the walls have damp stains. The moisture could affect the property structure and a collapsed ceiling if left untreated. The issue here is obvious, but you’ll need to find out where the water is entering and how to fix it. That’s where a professional roof inspection comes in.

5.  Your roof lets in much light

While you are in your roof space, it makes sense to check for any beams of light coming through the roof. Go up there on a sunny day and cover any windows in the space. Ideally, you should be in a pitch-black roof space.

But, if you notice beams of light shining through the roof, that’s a cause for concern. These beams indicate tiny holes or cracks in the roof. These cracks might be small now, so they can easily be filled in and fixed. But, if left without an inspection, you won’t know the true extent of the damage over time. Small cracks could develop into larger ones that demand a complete roof replacement and other potential repairs from water damage. Roof inspections are a smart preventative measure for homeowners and home buyers.

What to Expect from Professional Roof Inspections?

The signs are apparent; your roof needs inspecting, pronto! But is there a big difference between homeowner inspections vs professional inspections?

The answer is yes; there’s a huge difference. For starters, homeowner inspections are nowhere near as thorough as professional ones. The chances are you can only inspect your roof from the inside, and even if you have a ladder to look at your roof from the outside, you will never be able to see the whole picture.

One of the benefits of professional roof inspection services is that they use drones. Using a drone for a roof inspection means crystal clear video imaging of your property can be seen from above. The drone can also get close to the roof, showing every individual roof tile. It provides a far more thorough look at the roof and any associated problems. You see way more details than you ever would if you just used an inspection on foot.

Furthermore, a roof inspection with a drone will provide the inspectors with video footage that they can review repeatedly. It makes roofing analysis more accurate. They can go over the footage, zoom in on things, and come to a definitive conclusion. For a homeowner, this means you get a fantastic roof inspection report that tells you everything you need to know about the state of your roof. Any issues are pinpointed, along with all the possible solutions.

Overall roof health

Several key indicators can reveal the overall health of your roof and its expected lifespan. An inspector will look for leaks, discolouration, curling, and other visible problems that can indicate a more significant issue that needs attention. An experienced inspector will also evaluate the pitch of your roof, its age, and other factors to determine the overall condition of your roof and its expected lifespan. Whether you’re a homeowner or a buyer, having this knowledge is essential in appropriately managing your home maintenance budget and enjoying your home without the headache.

Lachlan Pascoe is a Founder, Director and renowned provider of building and pest inspection services at Admired Building & Pest Inspections. His extensive work in the construction industry has earned him his place as one of the most trusted contractors for building inspections in Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast and Ipswich.