SPOTLIGHT:

Don’t Ignore a Leaky Roof

Roof leaks are one of the major types of property damage caused by storms, flooding and high winds. A leaking roof is disruptive, costly and can eventually cause mold, damage to interior finishes, and structural damage. Any of these can adversely affect a home’s value.

Older roofs or those in disrepair are at greater risk for leaks, but one of the most common causes of roof failure is faulty workmanship during installation. This isn’t always readily apparent because it often takes a few years for a poor installation to manifest itself as a leak. Using a licensed, qualified roofing contractor for any installations or repairs is always recommended.

What causes leaks? Wind and rain in just the wrong combination can cause a roof to leak by compromising critical components. Many roof leaks can be traced to poorly installed or worn flashing. Flashing usually consists of pieces of metal that cover gaps between the roofing material and items that penetrate through the roof such as chimneys, skylights, dormers, and roof/wall intersections. In cold climates, ice damming can cause a perfectly good roof surface to leak. In this situation, ice blocks the flow of water to the edge of the roof or to the drain. The water can then back up under the shingles and leak into the house.

Leaks can have interior causes as well. Condensation in the attic due to leaking household air or heating and/or air conditioning ducts can cause damage to the roof decking and structural framing. In severe cases it can cause water to drip back into the house. This can lead to mold and even structural damage if not corrected. 

Proper installation and maintenance of roofs are key to preventing problems down the road. After the storm, reach out to your Pillar To Post home inspector to make sure everything is okay.

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Are You Legally Protected When You Refer a Home Inspector?

When you refer your clients to Pillar To Post, you are. Unlike some other home inspection companies and many independent home inspectors, all Pillar To Post home inspectors must carry E&O insurance. We take seriously our responsibility and our accountability to provide to your clients – and therefore to you – a home inspection experience that does not put you at legal risk for wrongful referral.

If the home inspector you refer doesn’t carry E&O insurance, you could be at risk if a client includes you in a legal claim against the inspector. To us, that is an unacceptable and avoidable occurrence. You can always refer Pillar To Post with confidence that you will be protected from such legal claims.