After all, it needs to stand up to the Atlantic hurricane season in June through November. So, plenty of attention is paid to the roof in both 4 point inspections and standard Florida home inspections.
What A Home Inspector Means By “Roofing System”
It’s easy to think of the roof as a single element – the top layer of shingles or metal.
The truth is a little bit more complex.
As a matter of fact, there are three main layers:
1. Shingle Layer
Although residential metal roofing is getting more popular, the top layer of the roof is still called the shingle layer for short. This is what you see and what bears the brunt of Florida weather. An inspector looks for signs that shingles are succumbing to age, including cracks and peeling. A roof with multiple peeling shingles can be suffering ventilation problems.
2. Underlayment
The underlayment is the waterproof membrane that sits between the shingle layer and decking. You’ll usually hear underlayment being referred to as rubberized asphalt. Underlayment can deteriorate without the homeowner knowing, so a home inspection pays plenty of attention to the roof. If holes develop in the underlayment, the decking beneath it can rot.
3. Decking
The decking is the last roof layer before the home’s structural elements. It is also the part of the roof least likely to be replaced over the years. A home inspection includes plenty of time in the attic, since attic issues can devastate decking. Various pests can infiltrate decking, too. Their presence might be noticeable in the attic even if they haven’t been seen anywhere else.
All in all, the roof on a Florida home is more complicated than it looks. Issues in one area affect the others, but problems aren’t always obvious from a quick glance. It takes an experienced inspector to really get to the bottom of things.
Roofing Issues Covered In A Home Inspection
Within the layers, plenty of elements work together. For example, both the roof and the attic need sufficient ventilation. When the roof isn’t properly ventilated, build-up of summer heat can “bake” the upper layers, leading to a widespread loss of shingles.
Your inspection will also note any issues with the roof flashing. Flashing is material used to reinforce structural weak points in the roof, like joints. Metal flashing rarely lasts longer than ten years, and it should be replaced if it becomes misshapen.
Remember, there are other ways your roof can affect insurance costs. To get credit for wind mitigation in Central Florida, a qualified inspector needs to verify how the roof is attached to the house. A wind mitigation inspection will give you all the details.
If you are getting ready to buy a Central Florida home, however, a thorough home inspection is the best place to start. At Super Inspection Pros, our team provides inspections with a 24 hour turnaround.
Don’t wonder about your roof – get the facts. Contact us to begin.
