Nassau County has some really great neighborhoods , and features some of the best design homes around. Roof inspections for Nassau County home buyers is a very important part of a home inspection. Replacing the roof covering can be very expensive , so it is wise to have the roof inspected so that you will know if it should be replaced now , or later. Most of all knowing its condition before you buy can give you better negotiating power. There are many different parts of the roof system so it's good to be familiar with them. First let's get familiar with the purpose of the roof.
Purpose of the roof
The primary purpose of the roof is to keep the interior of the house and its occupants protected from the rain, snow, sun, wind, and all the combinations of these outside elements. Roofs also provide some mechanical protection against falling objects. Many people believe the roof covering also keeps out the cold, however this is not what its intended to do, in fact the majority of roofs are extremely poor insulators. Keep in mind that the roof coverings can add or detract from the appearance of the house. These factors alone shows the value of a home inspection.
Parts of the roof
The most common roof covering used on homes in Nassau County is asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles have a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Some last much longer depending on the manufacturer warranty. A home inspector looks for proper installation, worn shingles, missing shingles, cracks, and number of layers. Cracks for example lead to reduced shingle life, and could result in leaks. A home inspector will also look to see if tree branches are rubbing against the shingles. This is important because if the wind is blowing leaves or branches against the shingles this will lead to premature wear in that area and this too is a potential leak problem.
Flashings are made of galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, and in some cases lead to mention a few. The flashings job is to keep water out. They are used where dissimilar materials meet, where materials change direction, or at joints in materials. You will see flashings around chimneys, dormers, skylights, and plumbing stacks or pipes protruding through the roof. The condition of these flahings are important since it is these areas that are most vulnerable to leakage. Your inspector will look for rust, proper installation, loose, and missing flashing. The picture below shows loose flashing around the chimney. When inspected inside the attic this area was wet due to a leak.
These are just some of the conditions of the roof that a home inspection covers.
For more information on the value of a home inspection visit: www.closerlookpi.com
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