Roof and Gutter Inspections: The Key to Protecting Your Investment

Most homes in Southeast Detroit have gutters. When working effectively, gutters channel rainwater and snowmelt efficiently away from the house to a safe collection area or to absorb into the ground. At Tittle Brothers, we help homeowners by providing roof and gutter inspection services so their gutter systems maintain optimal performance. A compromised gutter will substantially increase the likelihood of moisture intrusion and water damage. Avoid that risk by routinely securing a professional roof and gutter inspection.

A homeowner is taking a chance by not addressing a problematic roof or gutter system. Consider the following risks:

Foundation cracks and structural problems typically result from moisture exposure. At worst, a home could suffer severe foundation and structural damage to the point where replacing the foundation or support frame becomes the only viable alternative.

Outdoor hard surfaces include driveways, walkways, retaining walls, and patios. Hardscapes typically do not respond well to persistent moisture exposure. Consequently, they may crack, crumble, flake, erode, discolor, stain, or shift due to poor drainage.

Southeast Michigan homeowners face the risk of ice dams during cold weather months. Clogged gutters or damaged roofing frequently contribute to ice dam formation. An ice dam may lead to structural problems and unchecked moisture intrusion. 

An inefficient roof or gutter system exposes the inside of a home to water penetration. The home’s insulation, ceilings, flooring, drywall, electrical components (including wiring and outlets), and HVAC units all face an increased risk of damage.

If gutters cannot channel water away from the home and surrounding landscaping, moisture will pool in inconvenient places, including the adjacent soil or mulch. Landscaped areas may experience unwelcome erosion and ruin plants or other vegetation.

Water or moisture penetrating dark, unvented spaces provide an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew, raising health concerns and remediation challenges. Unfortunately, many homeowners may not realize this issue until months or years later.

A roof and gutter inspection is the first step to addressing a leaky roof or faulty gutter system. Here is how that process works:

A comprehensive inspection of the current roof involves assessing all roofing components, including any surface material (e.g., shingles), flashing, fascia, soffit, chimney, ventilation, skylight, and underlayment. Vulnerabilities will determine what steps to take next.

The inspector will assess water flow through the gutters to ensure proper drainage. For example, if the pitch is inadequate or there are loose sections, water may not channel efficiently. An unresolved clog in the gutters or downspouts might prevent water from flowing through the gutter system.

A quality inspection report explains the condition of the roof and gutters. If existing or potential problems are found, the report will provide a detailed description of the issues and may include photographs or video evidence of findings.

The report should offer a list of recommendations for important or necessary repairs or replacements. It could also incorporate maintenance and upkeep suggestions to avoid future issues. Finally, it may include an estimated cost for repair or replacement work.

Don’t hire just any roofing contractor. Follow an organized process to identify an established professional with the knowledge and experience to handle your roof or gutter inspection or project capably. Verify the roofing company’s business and industry credentials and licensures.

Evaluate the contractor’s online reviews from platforms like Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Angi. Request a portfolio of the contractor’s previous work and references. Ask about any labor or material warranty coverage.