Roof and Chimney Inspections: Essential Care for Your Home
October 2024
Most homeowners understand that maintenance is important, but with our busy lives, house issues often only get attention when there’s a problem. Two areas that are commonly “out of sight, out of mind” and go unnoticed until it’s too late are your roofing and chimneys. Both play a critical role in protecting your home from the elements, and neglecting them can lead to costly repairs down the road.
Roofing: What to Look For
One of the most frequent questions we get during home inspections is about the roof. “How old is it?” “Is it leaking?” Whether it’s an inspection for purchase or home maintenance, the roof inspection is essential to the home inspection process. The roof is one of many waterproofing components, often a small amount of maintenance can prevent leaking and increase roof life. At Tiger, our roof inspections cover several critical aspects of the roof system, including:
- Roof slope
- Drainage and gutters
- Flashing around roof penetrations and walls
- Number of roof layers
- Condition of the roof covering
These factors help us identify potential leaks, immediate repair needs, and the roof’s remaining service life. Common maintenance issues we find include:
- Cleaning algae and lichen growth
- Removing debris from the roof
- Clearing gutters or flat roof drainage systems
- Repairing flashing at roof penetrations or wall connections
- Fixing nail pops, lifted shingles, or cracked shingles
In many cases, a roof surface can outlast other parts of the system, but when components like plumbing vent flashing or ridge cap shingles wear out, they can cause leaks. Additionally, roofs exposed to more sunlight or in contact with trees may wear faster and need more frequent attention.
The key takeaway is that regular inspections and consistent roof maintenance are crucial for maximizing its lifespan and preventing leaks. At Tiger, we offer roof maintenance inspections tailored for buyers, sellers, and homeowners looking to keep their homes in top shape.
Chimney: Exterior and Interior Concerns
If a house has a fireplace, clients are usually concerned about whether it’s safe to use. However, the exterior condition of your chimney is just as important, and it’s often overlooked. Exterior conditions can have impacts on the interior performance. Chimney repairs can be expensive, especially if deterioration and water damage start at the top—an area most homeowners can’t easily see.
One simple preventive measure is installing a flue cap to keep moisture, debris, and animals out. The most common masonry issue we find is wear on the wash cap or crown at the top of the chimney. Once moisture enters, it can worsen over time, leading to mortar joint erosion and cracked or spalling brickwork.
Another crucial safety aspect is the chimney’s internal flue liner. In our region, many homes built before the 1920s have unlined chimneys, and others may have outdated or improperly built liners. Even those with modern liners can experience wear from gas, oil, or wood stove usage. As home inspectors our access options for the chimney flue liner vary by conditions, sometimes from the top of the chimney, from a fireplace, or the cleanout at the bottom of the chimney. Since chimney flue liners are often inaccessible to visual examination, we recommend having them cleaned and inspected annually by a certified chimney sweep.
Whether you’re purchasing a new home or maintaining your current one, a thorough chimney inspection is vital to ensure its safety and structural integrity.
Be Prepared for Fall and Winter
Now is the best time to inspect and maintain your roof and chimney before the winter weather sets in. Regular inspections and timely repairs can prevent larger, more expensive issues down the road, ensuring that your home stays safe and dry.
At Tiger, we offer comprehensive roof and chimney inspections for homeowners, buyers, and sellers. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and be prepared for the colder months ahead.