What Is A Roof Inspection and Why It Is Important
Admin • July 30, 2018
What is a roof inspection and why it is important
Let’s be honest! When was the last time you did a roof inspection of your house? When it comes to home inspection, people tend to forget about the roof. However, the most common causes of house damage come from leaky roofs and flooded basements. For this reason, a roof inspection should be done at least twice a year, and of course, it would be much better if it was carried out by a certified roof inspector. A professional inspection will help to uncover any missing, cracked, or aging shingles, clogged gutters, loose roof seams, and other roof problems. It will also help you understand whether you need a new roof or some repair works will be enough to extend the life of your roof for years to come.
Roof inspection checklist
When you hire a roofing company for an inspection, its roofing experts usually use a checklist to ensure they never miss anything. Any commercial or residential roof inspection checklist includes the following items:
Broken or missing shingles
A great number of residential roofs in the USA are made from asphalt shingles that become brittle as they age. It happens because of extreme temperatures, exposure to direct sunlight and other unfavorable weather conditions. A sharp wind can easily crack, break and tear off brittle shingle pieces. In some cases, entire shingles get blown off the roofs. Though, it may also be caused by poor installation. If this happens to be your case, your warranty can be voided, and a roof replacement might be in order.
Mold, moss or mildew
Moss, mold, and mildew are the signs of an aging roof. They create patches on your roof and make it look ugly. These three need moisture to grow and thrive, and they also hold moisture. The raised masses that mildew, moss, and mold create, can hinder water runoff. Therefore, the moisture accumulated on your roof can severely damage or even destroy your roof shingles.
Buckles, blisters or ripples
Physical changes, blisters, or buckles can indicate various roof problems. Among them are improper installation, old shingles, inadequate ventilation, wet underlayment, damaged sheathing, and others. A deteriorating and old roof makes a roof deck vulnerable. In its term a damaged roof deck may lead to an expensive roof replacement.
Roofs with multiple shingle layers
If your roof has several layers of shingles, there is a high probability of roof damage that you can’t even see. Roofs with multiple shingle layers are not properly ventilated that’s why moisture and heat can be retained under the shingles. Also, the new shingles installed over the old ones can create uneven areas which later can result in premature failure of the new roof.
Interior leaks
If there are interior leaks, most likely your roof require repairing or replacement. Interior leaks indicate that water has penetrated your roofing materials which means that there is damage to the roof shingles, decking or both.
No drip edge
A roof without drip edge means that the wooden fascia always remains unprotected from water runoff or wind-driven rain. Thus, your roof may have rotten fascia because of penetrating water. That’s how you can get shingles curled at the edges.
Improper ventilation
Improper ventilation is a roof’s worst enemy. When hot air coming from inside a building heats the roof deck, the shingles age, and aging causes them to curl and brittle. Poorly ventilated attics can also lead to ice dams in gutters that might cause moisture to get underneath your roof shingles. That moisture can make the roof deck rot.
During your roof inspection, roofing experts will also check if there are eave vents, ridge vents, exhaust vents, and mechanical ventilation systems. They are all important as they help air to get through attic spaces.
Residential and commercial roof inspection in Louisville, KY
If you live in Kentucky and need roof inspection services for your commercial or residential property, contact Home Run Improvement. Our experts will thoroughly inspect your roof and find out what problems it might have. Having taken a good look at your property, we will come up with our roof maintenance recommendations. Give us a call at 502-888-1396 to schedule a consultation and find out how much a roof inspection cost.
A well-built deck creates an inviting outdoor living space that adds value, functionality, and curb appeal to your home. If you're looking for a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood, TimberTech composite decking is an excellent choice. Designed to resist moisture, fading, staining, and splintering, TimberTech products provide the appearance of natural wood with significantly less upkeep. This guide walks through the major stages of building a TimberTech deck, from planning to the final inspection. Home Run is an official TimberTech Gold installer with specialized TimberTech training and access to enhanced warranties. Planning the Project Every successful deck begins with careful planning. Determine how the deck will be used, whether for entertaining, outdoor dining, or simply relaxing. Consider the size, shape, and location of the deck while taking into account access points from your home and the surrounding landscape. Select the TimberTech decking collection and color that best complements your home's exterior. At this stage, establish a realistic budget that includes materials, hardware, permits, and any specialized tools you may need. Before construction begins, verify local building codes and obtain any required permits. Preparing the Site Once the design is complete, prepare the building site by clearing vegetation, removing obstacles, and marking the deck layout with stakes and string lines. Confirm that the area is level and that drainage directs water away from the home's foundation. Accurate measurements during site preparation help ensure the framing and decking install smoothly later in the project. Building a Strong Foundation The strength of any deck depends on its foundation. Install concrete footings below the local frost line according to building code requirements. Secure support posts to the footings before installing beams and floor joists. Carefully check that all framing members are square, level, and properly spaced. Solid framing provides the support needed for the composite decking and helps prevent movement over time. Installing TimberTech Deck Boards With the framing complete, begin installing the TimberTech deck boards according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Many TimberTech products use hidden fastener systems that create a clean, fastener-free surface while maintaining consistent spacing between boards. Work methodically across the deck, checking alignment frequently. If your design includes a picture-frame border or decorative patterns, install those features as you progress. Take extra care when constructing stairs to ensure uniform rise, run, and secure fastening. Installing Railings Railings enhance both safety and appearance. Install railing posts securely to the deck framing before attaching the top and bottom rails. Complete the system by installing balusters and any gates required for stairways or access points. Choose railing styles and colors that complement your decking for a cohesive finished look. Adding the Finishing Touches Complete the project by installing fascia boards to conceal the framing and create a polished appearance. Many homeowners also choose to add deck lighting, post cap lights, stair lighting, or under-rail illumination to improve safety and extend the enjoyment of the deck into the evening. After construction is complete, clean the deck surface and remove any remaining debris. Final Inspection Before putting the deck into regular use, perform a thorough inspection. Verify that all fasteners are secure, railings are solid, stairs are stable, and the structure complies with applicable building codes. A careful final inspection helps ensure the deck is safe, attractive, and built to last. Maintaining Your TimberTech Deck One of the biggest advantages of TimberTech decking is its minimal maintenance requirements. Unlike traditional wood, composite decking does not require annual sanding, staining, or sealing. Routine maintenance typically includes: Sweeping away leaves and debris. Washing the deck periodically with mild soap and water. Cleaning spills promptly to prevent staining. Inspecting railings and fasteners during seasonal maintenance. With proper care, a TimberTech deck can maintain its appearance for many years while requiring significantly less maintenance than a wood deck. Conclusion Building a TimberTech deck is an investment that enhances both your home and your outdoor lifestyle. By carefully planning the project, constructing a solid foundation, following proper installation techniques, and performing regular maintenance, you can create an outdoor space that is beautiful, durable, and enjoyable for years to come. Whether you're building the deck yourself or hiring a professional contractor, choosing quality materials and following best practices will help ensure a successful project and lasting results. Not sure how to proceed? Call to schedule a free Deck assessment with our team today.
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Metal roofing has gone from a niche product to one of the most talked-about options in residential roofing over the last decade. You've probably seen it on newer builds, heard it mentioned by a neighbor, or come across it while researching a roof replacement. And then you ran into the price tag. That sticker shock is usually where the research stops — or where homeowners start looking for reasons to justify it. This guide doesn't do either. It gives you the honest metal roofing pros and cons and a clear framework for deciding whether it makes sense for your specific home in Louisville. What Is Metal Roofing? Before getting into pros and cons, it helps to understand that "metal roofing" covers several different products that perform and cost very differently. The two most relevant for residential homes in Louisville: Standing seam metal roofing — panels run vertically from ridge to eave with raised seams that interlock. No exposed fasteners. This is the premium option you see on high-end custom homes. It's what most people picture when they hear "metal roof." Metal shingles / stone-coated steel — metal panels shaped and coated to look like traditional shingles or tiles. Lower profile than standing seam, easier to retrofit, and less expensive. There's also corrugated metal — the classic ribbed panels more common on agricultural buildings and outbuildings. You'll occasionally see it on residential homes for a specific aesthetic, but it's not what most Louisville homeowners are evaluating. Standing Seam vs. Corrugated Metal Roof Since both come up in residential conversations, here's a direct comparison:
