One thing that I have found while inspecting buildings and homes with almost flat roofing systems is the lack of adequate roof drainage. Particularly in homes that were constructed before nineteen twenty. Most of the homes that I inspect with these older flat roofs are in the urban areas of Bergen and Hudson county. When there is an almost flat roofing system installed on the home or building it is imperative that the roof drains remain be kept free from obstruction because water will accumulate on the roof surface and leak into the home or damage to the roof structure. In rare instances almost flat roofs have been known to collapse under snow and ice loads because the roof surface could not drain properly. It is very important that a home inspector inspect these flat roof drain systems and determine if they are sufficient to drain water from the roof surface. A single scupper drain and leader from the roof surface is insufficient to drain the volumes of water, snow and ice that usually collect there. I am amazed to see this defect time and time again. The corrective measure to take is to install additional scupper drains and leaders to direct water off the roof surface and away from the home or building. Having multiple drains also provides an auxiliary method of roof drainage in case one of the drains gets obstructed with debris. I see these drains obstructed often and I want owners of these homes to understand the importance of installing additional roof drains. For more information on new Jersey home inspections or the NJ home inspection process please visit my inspector web site at. http://www.LookSmartHomeInspections.com.
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