Anatomy of a roof, in eight clues
Know what is up there. Tap each part to see what an inspector looks for.
The first line of defense. We look for cracking, curling, bruising, missing tabs and lost granules.
The hidden layers. Soft spots, stains and dark nail rust underneath tell us what the top can't.
Sagging lines and cracked members are evidence of old leaks or heavy loads.
Where air escapes. Crooked caps, gaps or blocked vents wreck ventilation.
Metal that bridges two materials. Rust, lifted edges and dried sealant are prime suspects.
Rubber collars around plumbing pipes. They crack in the sun, then drip into your attic.
They move water away from the house. Clogs, sagging and rot send it behind the fascia instead.
Airflow and insulation. Damp insulation or stained wood is a confession.
Think something is hiding up there?
A quick quiz is a hunch, not a diagnosis. Only an inspection can tell you what is really on your roof.