News Letter "THE INFORMANT"

For Peace of Mind, Rely On

                  THE INSPECTOR – HOME INSPECTION SERVICES


“The Inspector” recommends repairing roofs before leaks occur.



The Inspector” reports that there are two common techniques of evaluating roof serviceability. 1) inspection and evaluation of the overall physical condition of the materials, such as the shingles or tiles; or 2) simply answering the basic question” Does it leak?”


“The Inspector” wants homebuyers and home sellers to be aware that the preferred method employed by qualified home inspectors and by professional roofing contractors is the first technique of evaluation the physical condition of the roofing materials. If the roofing found to be damaged or decomposed, replacement is routinely recommended, regardless of whether there is evidence of leakage.


The alternate point of view, the “does-it-leak” approach, is a faulty form of wishful thinking. It assumes that because a roof that has not leaked in the past, it is not likely to do so in the future. This flawed reasoning is often practiced in desperate hope of avoiding the inevitable cost of replacing a roof.


Neither the home seller nor the homebuyer should ignore the warning signs of a failing roof. To do so could cause exposed walls, ceilings and furniture to needless damage in the future. Deferred maintenance is not a recommended course of action for something that could cause so much collateral damage to a home. 


If a qualified home inspectors and a professional roofing contractor recommend replacing worn out shingles or tile, these recommendation should serve as forewarning of impending roof failure. With such an important component of one’s house at stake, the conventional wisdom of proactive and preventative care for the roof is the wise course of action.