While performing home and commercial property inspections in Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas I often run into roofing problems. Today I will share a few roof problems that I may see during a Home Inspection.

In this picture we see an improperly installed ridge cap shingle. The shingles used on this roof are laminated shingles which are far superior to the older three tab asphalt shingles. These particular laminated shingles require a proprietary ridge cap. Or, another option is to use a matching three tab shingle that is approved by the manufacturer. These three tab shingles will be cut as is appropriate for the application. You should not use the field shingle for the cap as they are not designed for this application and the manufacturer will not stand behind it. What I have seen happen is reduced wind resistance, reduced life due to cracking and poor aesthetic appearance.

In this picture we see the first few courses of shingles on the roof have been “high nailed.” What this means is that the installer has changed the amount of recommended shingle exposure and by doing so has missed the manufacturer’s nailing strip altogether. This will certainly void any offered waranty and will dramatically reduce the shingles wind rating. This may be a difficult fix as it is the first courses that are high nailed which will throw off all the remaining courses on the roof. It is my job as your home inspection professional to point this out to you in your inspection report and to be able to explain why it is a problem. Having a long and diverse construction background enables me to do so in a manner that can be easily understood.

Finally we see an improperly installed and deteriorated plumbing vent boot flashing. This particular roof was 13 years old at the time of the inspection in Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids IA. On average, a lower end boot flashing (which most contractors use) may last up to 10 years depending on the roof exposure. A northern exposure may last longer than a southern exposure due to decreased UV damage. This should be replaced as soon as possible by a qualified roofing contractor as it is a sure pathway for water to get into the attic.

I hope you have enjoyed our short adventure into some of the roof problems I see as a home and commercial inspection professional and will continue to recommend Eastern Iowa Inspection Services to your friends, family and coworkers that have a need for any of the many services that we have to offer. Until next time…