Many inspectors are no longer getting on roofs due to the possibility of a fall, or damage due to poor sheathing that cannot be seen from atop the roof. I still get on the roof whenever possible, but if its wet or icy, I do not risk it. Many times the roof can be checked adequately with a good pair of binoculars, or a ladder, or both.
Recently, one of my fellow inspectors fell off his own ladder while inspecting his own roof in Queens. He almost landed on a sharp picket fence and would have been impaled. Luckily he only missed two weeks od work, but he got injured, and saw how easy it is to lose it all. He could have been killed.
I often see homes with newer shingles on top of older wavy shingles. This not only looks lousy, but it decreases the lifespan of the new shingles. People tend to cheap out sometimes, but this is not the time to cheap out. Removing previous layers is the way to go, and if any problems exist with the sheathing, it can easily be fixed.
Roll roofing, also known as flat roofing, is supposed to be used when the pitch (angle) of the roof is less than 3 in 12 (thats 3 inches in height for each 12 inches in length). Roll roofing only lasts 10 or so years before it needs replacement. Many people are opting for the rubberized membrane roofing for flat and nearly flat roofs. It is more expensive, but it lasts much longer. The seams are the most important areas for inspectors, as they tend to lift over time. This is where water can enter and cause damage underneath the sheathing. Flashing and edge trim are also areas that inspectors check. I see poorly installed edge trim and drip edge trim on roofs all the time. It tends to decrease my faith in the quality of the contractors of today.
Slate roofs are beautiful, but require annual maintenance. Many times I see loose and damaged slates on these older homes in areas like Great Neck and Cold Spring Harbor. A qualified slate roofing contractor should be called to peform maintenance on these somewhat delicate roofs.
Rarely do I find a homeowner who has a roofer check the roof regularly. I constantly see gouges, loose and damaged shingles, and debris like branches that can cause damage. If damage causes a leak, the results can be quite expensive. If a leak occurs and damages furniture, carpeting, or worse - a family heirloom - this can be a near tragedy.
If you take care of your home, your home will take care of you. -Ray
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