Heimer Engineering Home Inspections and Building Inspections

 
Inspections of Homes, Buildings, Condos and Coops
Insight and Understanding Only an Engineer Can Provide

Mobile Users Click Here

Roofs and Roofing

Heimer Engineering evaluates the general condition of the roof and estimates the remaining life on the roofThe roof keeps rain and other weather elements out of the house or building.  The Licensed Professional Engineer (who is also a Licensed Home Inspector) from Heimer Engineering evaluates the general condition of the roof and estimates the remaining life on the roof.  Evidence of past or present roof leakage is also assessed.  The engineering report includes an expense analysis of any upcoming roof repair or replacement costs.  Click here for photographs of roofs

Most roofs are made of either asphalt, cedar, slate, or clay tile.  If a building has a pitched roof, the roof can be viewed from the site.  (It is not advisable to climb onto this type of roof as a means of checking it.  Climbing on the roof can damage roof shingles, especially older shingles.  A leakage problem can be created simply by walking on a pitched roof surface.)

When the Engineer finds that a roof leaks, needs repairs, or will soon need replacement, an expense analysis of the needed repairs and replacement is provided.  This helps you plan for any upcoming roof replacement.

Checking the attic insulation is especially important given today's high fuel prices.If the building has a pitched roof and an accessible attic, Heimer Engineering's The Licensed Professional Engineers (who are also a Licensed Home Inspectors) look for evidence of roof leakage or damage to the sheathing.  The Engineer also looks for problems in the attic such as the amount of insulation present, water damage, and insufficient attic ventilation.  The amount of attic ventilation can have a significant effect on air-conditioning costs.

The majority of houses in the greater New York area were built when fuel was much less expensive.  Given today's high cost of fuel, checking for attic insulation is especially important.

Storm and Earthquake Damage

Brick ChimneyThe major storms that occurred during the late summer of 2011, combined with the earthquake during the late summer of 2011, have caused roof and chimney problems to develop.  Roofs that were previously leak-free were damaged by the wind and falling branches.  Chimneys were displaced by the earthquake and strong winds.  Cracks developed in chimneys, or between the chimney and the house as a result of the earthquake.  Other damage both inside and outside the building may also have occurred.

 In some cases, problems may not show up until months and sometimes years after the damage occurred.  If your home or building has suffered such damage, contact your insurance company to see if the repairs are covered.  You can also contact Heimer Engineering PC if you need a consultation on storm or earthquake damage.

Flat Roofs

Because of our engineer’s experience, appropriate recommendations can be made even if there is no direct access to the roof.Some buildings have flat roofs, accessed by a hatch.  If a safe permanent ladder is provided (and it is not blocked), the ladder can be used to access the roof.  The coping and parapets are often a source of leakage, and they are examined.

Beware if you are told the roof has "had work done on it".  Often, a roof that has "had work done" will need upcoming replacement.

If there is no safe access, then evidence of leakage is examined.  Recommendations will also be made based upon the probable age of the roof.  Because of the Engineer's experience, appropriate recommendations can be made even if there is no direct access to the roof.  This is important, since many flat-roofed buildings have no roof access.

 
Home Inspections and Building Inspections
Click a button below

 Structure
StructureFoundationsBasement WaterLicensed Engineers

 Utilities and Appliances
Electric ServiceAluminum WiringHeating SystemsHot Water Heaters
Air ConditioningPlumbingAppliancesThink Green

 Insect Damage and Rotted Wood
Termites"Free" InspectionsCarpenter AntsRotted Wood

 Building Codes and Construction
Building CodesNew ConstructionConstruction DamageConsultations

 Inside and Outside the House or Building
The RoofLeaders and GuttersSidingTrim
EnvironmentWindows and DoorsInside the HomeOutside the Home

 Home Inspection Reports
Sample ReportInspection ReportsExpense AnalysisWhy an Engineer?