Building inspection requires considerable work. There are various forms of inspections which can be conducted at various stages in a building’s lifecycle.

Engineers dangling from ropes hundreds of feet above New York City inspect high-rise facades as part of Local Law 11 inspection cycles required of buildings six stories or taller every five years.

Exterior

Building inspection frequently inspect the exterior first when inspecting homes for sale or lease. They look out for wood rot, insect damage and flaky paint; as well as windows and doors, grading, garages/carports and the surrounding area.

Damaged caulking around windows and doors allows moisture into buildings and causes structural issues; regular caulking will extend its lifespan and help ensure its long-term stability.

As is essential, ensuring the gutters and downspouts are functioning as intended is also key to keeping water away from your house’s foundation. Clogged gutters may cause overflow, while non-functional downspouts could pose foundational challenges.

Townhouse or condo ownership requires that the owner’s association take responsibility for exterior walls and roof, so it is still essential to get an inspection of this area to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Interior

As previously discussed, building inspections provide a complete quality assessment of any construction project from start to finish. They do this in many ways – for instance examining blueprints and plans before work commences; or making visits throughout the course of construction to monitor progress while verifying compliance with building standards.

They will then examine the interior of the structure, such as offices, bathrooms, and kitchens, in order to detect any necessary renovations and potential safety-related concerns. This portion of an inspection should provide valuable insights.

Inspectors should have an overall knowledge of construction processes; however, some may specialise in specific trades. An electrical inspector’s primary function would be examining wiring in buildings to ensure compliance with safety standards and code requirements; while plumbing inspectors will examine faucets, water fixtures, drains, waste systems, sewage ejectors and piping to confirm they meet required standards.

Structural

A building inspection involves assessing the stability of a building and its components, looking out for any signs of rot or termite damage as well as cracks in the foundation or movement in crawl spaces and basements, moisture related problems. A structural inspector will also perform moisture checks during his visit.

Structural engineers specialise in making sure structures can safely withstand their intended loads as per design. This is particularly crucial when it comes to homes or buildings which could be susceptible to natural disasters.

If a structural inspection identifies any issues with your home before selling it, any repairs should be completed prior to listing. This will reassure potential buyers and may even lead to higher sale price negotiations depending on severity. Depending on severity, negotiations might include credits or repairs at closing with both parties being involved – ultimately making this investment worth your while!

Safety

Building inspectors conduct comprehensive property inspections that cover every aspect of a property – this may include wiring and any associated electrical equipment, HVAC systems, foundation, roof, siding, garage doors and plumbing among many others.

Building inspectors also will check for major issues, like large cracks in walls. If left unrepaired, these cracks could collapse or cause structural problems in the building. They will inspect ceilings to see if they exhibit parachute-like effects and signs of leakage, while cabinets will be checked for mildew, mould growth and dampness odour.

Building inspection inspectors also check to see that the occupants are adhering to fire safety codes in their building, such as not piling rubbish under stairs or blocking exit hallways – both practices that pose fire risks for all occupants of the structure. They will check for smoking areas clearly marked out as well as non-combustible trash bins being provided for safe disposal of waste products.

With regular maintenance your home’s roof can be a major asset, improving curb appeal, increasing property value, and protecting your loved ones from rain, snow, and other extreme weather.

The summer is the perfect time to conduct repairs and inspections thanks to the longer days and warmer weather making access and investigation a much easier task than would be the case in other seasons.

Identifying problems as soon as possible will help you prevent disasters such as flooding and other weather damage as well as saving you from facing much larger repair bills in the long term.

Here are the 8 most important things to remember when conducting roof maintenance:

1. Look out for common signs of repair

Your roof goes through a lot, being exposed 24 hours a day to whatever the Scottish weather can throw at it.

Rain, heat, ice, and snow all have the potential to increase the speed of deterioration, increasing the risk of leaks that could damage your home’s interior.

Some of the more obvious signs of a damaged roof that you will be able to spot through a simple visual inspection include missing/broken tiles, shingles that have collected in the gutters, or a discoloured roof.

It is recommended that you always use a professional to inspect your roof as they will be able to do so in the safest possible manner and will know exactly what to look for.

2. Protect your roof from harmful UV rays

Your roof can be damaged even on the calmest of summer days with UV rays and high heat causing a number of potentially serious issues.

Heat and heat fluctuations can cause your roof to decay, warp, and crack.

Consider applying a coating to your roof that protects it from UV rays, controls temperatures, and helps avoid corrosion.

3. Clean your gutters

Blocked gutters lead to a build-up of water that can seep through gaps and cracks in your roof, damaging property and instigating mould growth.

Some easy DIY ways to clean your guttering include using a leaf blower, power washer, or garden hose.

If you are concerned, hire a professional gutter cleaning company that will have all the debris and blockages removed in no time at all.

4. Remove vegetation

Moss and algae growing on your roof will absorb water over time, increasing in weight, and causing sagging.

It will also increase the likelihood of mould growth as there will be more moisture present on your property.

A professional roofing contractor will be able to get rid of moss and other harmful plants as part of a general roof clean, keeping your roof in great condition and maintaining a healthy and safe environment.

5. Inspect your attic

Inspections of your roof should not only be conducted on the exterior and assessing the attic space between your living space and the roof is just as important.

Keeping an eye out for problems in your loft can help you to deal with underlying problems before they reach your ceilings.

Some of the things to look out for when conducting an attic examination includes water leaks, stains, mould, rust, and damaged insulation.

Unlike exterior examinations, an attic check will not require you to use the services of a professional unless a serious problem is detected.

6. Keep tree branches trimmed

Any branches that are hanging close to your roof and may cause damage if they were to fall should be trimmed.

As doing this could bring about the very disaster that you are trying to avoid, you should get an expert in to complete this task.

Failing to deal with low hanging trees can result in a number of serious issues in the event of a storm including destroying tiles, clogging gutters with leave and trigs, and smashing windows.

7. Don’t forget the flashing

Metal flashing, installed between your roof and obstructions such as chimneys and skylights, is vital to keeping your home weatherproof.

Faults with flashing are often the cause of rook leaks and should be given specific attention during your roof inspection this summer.

Loose nails, holes, and broken seals are clear signs of flashing deterioration, and a roofing professional will be able to identify and repair such problems if they have developed.

8. Create a schedule for ongoing maintenance

Amongst all the busyness of everyday life, roof maintenance can be easily overlooked.

However, this isn’t something that should only be done once in a blue moon, and by creating a schedule, plus a maintenance checklist, you will be able to keep your roof functional and fresh for many years to come.

Your schedule should note all the specific areas of your roof that require the most attention and remind you to contact a professional at www.Vertex-roofing.co.uk when required.