Foreclosure Home Inspection - Inspection of Roof Material
Roof material type
-- Metal -- Built-up (single-ply, modified bitumen, foam, roll composition) -- Asphalt -- Wood shakes -- Clay tile -- Concrete
This is clay Spanish/Mexican type roof material. Spaces were filled with cement to prevent birds and other animals from entering and making nest. It is dangerous to walk on this type of roof that may easily break.
New asphalt and fiberglass shingles may bend and curl on the edges. These conditions affect the value of foreclosure home.
Number of roof layers: Inspect the roof from its sides to see the layers. More than two layers put too much weight and is a structural safety concern.
Adding a new layer rather than removing the old one puts too much weight on the roof especially if the new layer is made of asphalt. Roof may collapse when snow accumulates on the roof for extended period of time.
Additional layer will deteriorate faster and unevenly due to the old layer underneath.
Inspection of roof condition of foreclosure property
Any sagging? If yes, this is a serious structural problem.
Is sagging due to inadequate bracing and spacing of wood frame support? --> Consult licensed roofing contractor.
Do you feel excessive moisture? Check the moisture level if you have a moisture meter. Check ventilation: Poor ventilation causes moisture problem.
Inspection of roof elements - Clues for valuation of foreoclosure home
Composed of sheating (deck) and covering.
Is sheating even? -- Yes -- No (inspect while in the attic).
Any sagging or damaged sheating? If yes, check any potential damage to the covering.
Sagging roof: The ridge of the roof starts higher and goes lower to the middle (right)
Here, you can see the sagging of the roof.
Left picture: Damage on this roof is due to its orientation toward south. North side was fine. Electricity connection is an old type and almost touching the gutter. Right picture: Again, south-facing roof shingles are curled and damages under the bay window.