Roof Inspections in Phoenix

Your roof is the first line of defense your home or business has against the Arizona elements. Gradually, every roof degrades and becomes more vulnerable. Sun and heat break down materials, monsoon winds loosen them, and small openings let water reach the layers underneath.

Payne Roofing contractors help you stay ahead of that process with routine roof inspections throughout Phoenix and the surrounding Valley. Our experts identify issues and offer options to resolve them, which can prevent further damage and reduce your repair costs. Since 1984, our roofers have focused on one goal: keeping our customers' roofs well maintained and long lasting.

Every roof is different, but a thorough inspection generally covers:

• Roofing surface – Cracked, broken, slipped or missing tiles; curled, cracked or missing shingles; granule loss; blisters, cracks or exposed foam on foam roofs.
• Underlayment – On tile roofs, signs that the underlayment is drying out, cracking or deteriorating. In Arizona, this layer often wears out long before the tiles.
• Flashing – Condition of the metal around chimneys, skylights, vents, walls and valleys, including loose, bent, cracked or rusted pieces.
• Penetrations – Pipe jacks, vents, rooftop equipment, solar mounts and skylights, which are frequent leak points.
• Drainage – Gutters, downspouts, scuppers and roof drains, and any areas where water ponds on flat roofs.
• Coatings – Wear and thinning of elastomeric and foam roof coatings that protect against UV.
• Interior signs – Where accessible, the attic and ceilings for water stains, daylight through the roof deck and ventilation problems.
• Pests – Signs of birds nesting under tiles or other pests affecting the roof.

We explain what we find in plain language. Customers often tell us they appreciate the photos and the time we take to walk through the results.

We recommend a professional inspection one to two times a year:

• Spring – Before summer heat and monsoon season, so repairs are finished before storms arrive. Monsoon season officially runs June 15 to September 30.
• Fall – After monsoon season, to find damage from wind, rain, dust and hail before winter rains.

You should also schedule an inspection:

• After a major storm, high winds or hail
• When you notice a ceiling stain, a musty attic or a new leak
• After work that involved the roof, such as solar panels, skylights or HVAC changes
• When buying or selling a home
• When your roof is approaching the end of its expected life

A roof can become a sticking point in a home sale. We handle roof inspections and repairs for real estate transactions. Sellers can address problems before listing, and buyers can get a clear picture of the roof's condition. If a home inspection lists roof concerns, we can provide an evaluation, a second opinion and an estimate for repairs. When you contact us, let us know the inspection is for a real estate transaction.

Much roof damage is hard to see from the ground. Cracked underlayment hides beneath tiles, flashing can loosen without looking different, and early foam damage can be subtle. A trained roofer knows where Arizona roofs typically fail and how to walk a roof without damaging it.

We discourage homeowners from climbing onto roofs. Falls are dangerous, roofs get extremely hot in summer, and tile cracks easily underfoot. Safer things you can do between inspections include scanning the roof with binoculars, checking gutters from a ladder at the edge only if you are comfortable, and looking in the attic for stains or light coming through.

Tile roofs

We look for cracked, broken and slipped tiles, check the underlayment where it can be seen, and pay close attention to valleys, eaves and areas where birds may be nesting. Because tile is brittle, we know where to step to avoid creating new damage.

Asphalt shingle roofs

We check for curling, cracking, blistering, missing shingles and granule loss, all common effects of Arizona heat and UV, as well as lifted tabs after wind.

Foam and coated roofs

We check coating thickness and wear, exposed or eroded foam, blisters, mechanical damage and ponding. Foam roofs depend on their coating for UV protection, so timely recoating is a key part of our recommendations.

Flat and low-slope roofs

We look closely at drains and scuppers, seams, parapet walls and any areas where water collects after rain.

We also provide routine inspections for commercial properties, and we have the experience to evaluate large, complex roofs. Regular commercial inspections help property owners plan maintenance budgets, extend the life of coatings and roofing systems, and avoid interruptions to business. Learn more about our commercial roofing services.

Routine inspections are one of the best ways to get full value from your roof. Most major roof repairs begin as small, inexpensive problems: a cracked tile, a loose piece of flashing, a clogged drain or a thin spot in a coating. Left alone through a summer of heat and a monsoon season of wind and rain, those small problems can turn into wet insulation, stained ceilings, damaged decking and, in some cases, an early replacement. An inspection gives you time to plan repairs on your schedule instead of reacting to an emergency.

After the inspection, we review the results with you and lay out your options. If everything looks good, you will know your roof is ready for the season ahead. If we find problems, we will explain which repairs are urgent, which can be planned and, if the roof is near the end of its life, whether replacement may be the better value. Repairs include a 2 to 5 year warranty. Call 480-988-9250 or contact us to schedule.