Roof Inspection Services

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, acting as the first line of defense against the elements. But while everything might look fine from the ground, there could be underlying issues you aren’t aware of. That’s why regular roof inspection services are essential, whether you’re a homeowner, a buyer, or planning to sell.

Even minor roof problems can lead to significant water intrusion and damage, or costly roof or even structural repairs if left unaddressed. At 45th Parallel Home Inspection, we provide thorough, professional roof inspection services for homeowners in Vancouver, WA, and the surrounding areas. Whether you're buying a home or staying put, our expert inspectors help you identify potential roofing issues early on, saving you from future headaches.

Why Get a Roof Inspection?

Roofs are exposed to a variety of harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow, wind, and sun, which can all cause wear and tear. Periodic roof inspection is essential for catching potential problems before they become more significant, costly repairs. Here are some of the common issues we look for during an inspection:

• Leaks: Even a small leak can cause water damage to your roof, attic, and even inside your home. Leaks can be tricky to detect without a proper inspection.
• Roofing material damage: Shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials can crack, curl, or be blown off over time. We check for signs of damage or wear.
• Age of the roof: As your roof ages, it becomes more susceptible to damage. Older roofs may need extra attention, especially if they haven’t been inspected in a while.
• Ventilation issues: Proper ventilation is key to the longevity of your roof. Poor ventilation can lead to moisture buildup, mold, and higher energy bills.
• Attic concerns: The condition of your attic can directly affect your roof. In addition to a roof inspection, we recommend an attic inspection as well, where we inspect for signs of moisture, insulation issues, and structural problems that can indicate trouble with your roof.

The Roof Inspection Process at 45th Parallel Home Inspection

At 45th Parallel Home Inspection, we take a detailed approach to inspecting your roof. Our goal is to thoroughly assess the condition of your roof and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about repairs or replacements.

Our inspector will start by doing a visual inspection of your roof’s exterior (top side). We walk every roof that we can physically walk safely, and if not safe to do so, will inspect it with high-resolution drone photos. We’ll check the roofing materials—shingles, tiles, or metal—looking for any signs of damage, wear, or potential areas for water intrusion to occur.

This includes gaps in roofing materials, missing or damaged shingles, flashings, chimneys, or anything that might be a potential issue with water intrusion or that has obvious damage that could compromise the overall integrity of the roof.

We inspect the flashing around chimneys, vents, roof/wall intersections, and other roof penetrations to look for gaps or damage that could lead to leaks. Proper drainage is crucial for preventing water intrusion and damage to the structure, so we’ll also check the gutters and downspouts to look for drainage issues.

In the attic, we look for signs of water intrusion or damage that are due to roof leakage. Ventilation is also evaluated because roof ventilation plays a big role in keeping your roof in good condition.

What's Included in a Roof Inspection Report?

Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a detailed report–and plenty of pictures–outlining the condition of your roof. Here’s what you can expect in the report:

• Roofing material condition: We’ll provide a summary of the health of your roofing materials, whether they’re shingles, tiles, or metal, and any areas that may need repair.
• Water damage risks: If we find signs of water damage or leaks, we’ll highlight these areas and recommend further action.
• Ventilation and attic findings: We’ll report on the ventilation and attic condition, reporting any issues that could indicate roof leakage or other potential issues with the health of the roof.
• Repair recommendations: We provide a list of recommended roof repairs, including urgency, so you can plan accordingly.

If you’re a homebuyer, this report gives you the power to negotiate repairs or make an informed decision about your purchase. If this is a pre-listing inspection, you can address any issues before putting your home on the market, giving potential buyers confidence in the good condition of your roof.

5 FAQs About Roof Inspections

Why do I need a roof inspection?
A roof inspection helps identify issues that aren’t always visible to the untrained eye or from the ground. It can save you from costly repairs by catching problems early.

How often should I have my roof inspected?
We recommend having a roof inspection every one to two years, or after a major storm, to ensure your roof is still in good condition and find potential developing issues.

What happens if you find problems during the inspection?
If we find any issues, we’ll detail them in the report and recommend repair. You can then consult roofing contractors for the necessary repairs.

Can I get a roof inspection before selling my home?
Absolutely! A pre-listing roof inspection can help identify and fix any problems before you put your home on the market, increasing its value. Also, having a pre-listing inspection can allow you to solicit bids from roofing contractors on your own terms and timeline, not in a rush situation during a contingency period, which may save you thousands of dollars.

How long does a roof inspection take?
A typical roof inspection takes up to an hour, depending on the size and complexity of your roof, and is usually done as part of a general home inspection. However, we can do specialty partial inspections of just the roof or roof plus the attic.

Contact 45th Parallel Home Inspection for a Roof Inspection

Whether you're buying, selling, or just want to ensure your roof is in good condition, a professional roof inspection from 45th Parallel Home Inspection can help. Our thorough process will give you peace of mind and help you avoid costly problems down the road. Don’t wait until it’s too late—reach out to us today to schedule your roof inspection!