Roof Inspection Defect Pictures
Roof defects are commonly found during home inspections and can lead to water intrusion, damaged roof sheathing and costly repairs. Proper installation and maintenance of shingles, flashing, vents and other roofing components are important for protecting your home from the elements. The following pictures show roofing defects found during home inspections in Barrie and surrounding areas.
Roof Covering Defects
Roof coverings are exposed to weather, sunlight, wind and temperature changes throughout the year. Missing, damaged, deteriorated or improperly installed roofing materials can allow water to enter the roof system and damage the sheathing, insulation and interior finishes.
Sloped Roof Defects
This sloped roof has missing shingles and two different types of asphalt shingles installed on the same roof surface. Missing or improperly matched roofing materials can reduce weather protection and may indicate previous repairs or improper installation. Areas with missing shingles are particularly vulnerable to water penetration and should be repaired.
These asphalt shingles are curling and the protective mineral granules are deteriorating. Loss of the mineral coating exposes the asphalt to sunlight and weather, accelerating deterioration and indicating that the roofing material may be approaching the end of its useful life. These shingles could allow water penetration at any time.
Flat Roof Defects
This flat roof has a patched area in the rolled asphalt roofing material. Patches may indicate a previous leak or damaged roofing and should be checked for proper adhesion and watertight installation. Deteriorated or poorly sealed patches can allow water to penetrate the roof system.
This tar and gravel flat roof shows alligatoring, where the asphalt surface has become brittle and cracked from age and weather exposure. As deterioration progresses, cracks can allow moisture into the roofing system and increase the potential for roof leakage.
Roof Structure & Sheathing Defects
This peaked roof has a visible sag in the ridge line. This condition is commonly found in older rafter-framed roofs and may result from undersized rafters, inadequate support, excessive loading or movement of the roof structure over time. The cause should be investigated to determine whether structural repairs are required.
This fascia board shows significant water damage and deterioration, and the gutter is pulling away from the roof edge. Deteriorated fascia may no longer provide adequate support for the gutter, allowing it to loosen or fall. The source of the moisture should be corrected and the damaged fascia and gutter repaired or replaced.
Additional Roof Defects
The caulking around this chimney flashing has cracked and deteriorated, creating a potential entry point for water. Chimney flashing should be properly installed and maintained to provide a watertight connection between the chimney and roof covering. Deteriorated sealant should be repaired before leakage and moisture damage occur.
Wire mesh has been installed at this soffit opening to prevent rodents, birds and other pests from entering the attic or roof space. Proper screening can help prevent re-entry after pests have been removed. This type of installation often indicates that professional pest or rodent removal work has previously been carried out.
Learn More About Home Inspections
Learn more about common home inspection defects and how the different systems of a home can affect its condition and performance. View our Electrical Defects, Structural Defects, Heating Defects, Insulation Defects and Thermal Imaging pages for more examples and information from actual home inspections.
Call or Email to Book a Home Inspection
The Barrie Home Inspector is available 7 Days a Week for your convenience.
Inspection Areas
Barrie • Alliston • Angus • Innisfil • Wasaga Beach • Orillia • Midland • Penetanguishene
