Roofing system Inspection

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – ROOFING SYSTEM – CASCAIS

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QUESTION: WHAT DOES A ROOFING SYSTEM INSPECTION INCLUDE?

ANSWER: A roofing system inspection evaluates roof coverings, tiles, membrane layers, waterproofing, flashing, ridges, valleys, gutters, downpipes, roof structure, ventilation, and signs of leaks or damp. It also checks for broken tiles, worn waterproofing, clogged gutters, and wind or storm damage. Drone photography and thermal imaging help identify hidden defects not visible from the ground.

 

QUESTION: WHY DOES MY ROOF LEAK DURING HEAVY RAIN IN CASCAIS?ANSWER: Roof leaks often happen due to cracked tiles, worn waterproofing membranes, blocked gutters, poor flashing installation, or wind-driven rain entering gaps. Because Cascais is coastal, strong winds and horizontal rain increase the risk. A detailed inspection identifies the exact entry point so repairs can be accurately planned.

 

QUESTION: WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON ROOFING PROBLEMS IN CASCAIS?ANSWER: Common issues include cracked tiles, loose ridge tiles, deteriorated waterproofing, corrosion of metal elements, blocked gutters, poor drainage, moisture intrusion, and UV damage. Coastal environments also cause salt-related corrosion over time. Inspections detect these early before major leaks occur.

 

QUESTION: HOW CAN THERMAL IMAGING HELP WITH ROOF INSPECTIONS?ANSWER: Thermal imaging detects temperature differences that reveal moisture, damp, insulation gaps, and concealed leaks under tiles or membranes. It can locate water intrusion spreading beneath the surface, even when the leak point isn’t visible. This allows more accurate repair recommendations.

 

QUESTION: CAN A DRONE INSPECTION HELP IDENTIFY ROOF PROBLEMS?ANSWER: Yes. Drone inspections provide high-resolution images of tiles, flashing, chimneys, roof edges, gutters, and hard-to-reach areas. This avoids walking on the roof and risking damage. Drone photos help reveal cracked tiles, structural shifts, and early deterioration.

 

QUESTION: WHY DO ROOF TILES CRACK OR SHIFT?ANSWER: Tiles may crack due to UV exposure, age, storms, foot traffic, thermal expansion, or manufacturing defects. Movement often occurs from strong winds or poor installation. Cracked or shifted tiles allow water intrusion, especially during winter or coastal storms.

 

QUESTION: WHAT CAUSES MOISTURE STAINS ON MY CEILING?ANSWER: Ceiling stains usually indicate a roof leak, failed waterproofing membrane, cracked tile, or condensation buildup. Moisture meters and thermal imaging help determine if the source is active water intrusion or old moisture that has dried.

 

QUESTION: HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SERVICE OR CHECK MY ROOF?ANSWER: In Cascais, roofs should be inspected every 1–2 years due to coastal conditions, wind, and humidity. Annual gutter cleaning is also important to prevent overflow and hidden damp.

 

QUESTION: WHAT ARE SIGNS THAT MY ROOF MAY BE FAILING?ANSWER: Warning signs include ceiling stains, flaking paint, mold, damp smells, cracked or loose tiles, sagging roof sections, blocked gutters, rust, and visible gaps in flashing. Early inspection prevents larger structural or damp issues.

 

QUESTION: WHY IS MY GUTTER OVERFLOWING EVEN WHEN IT ISN’T RAINING HEAVILY?ANSWER: Gutters overflow when they are clogged with leaves, debris, bird nests, or broken tiles. A blocked gutter forces water back into the roof structure, sometimes causing damp or leaks. Regular cleaning helps prevent this.

 

QUESTION: CAN WIND DAMAGE MY ROOF IN CASCAIS?ANSWER: Yes. Cascais often experiences strong Atlantic winds that can lift tiles, dislodge ridge tiles, or force rain under the roofing layers. Inspections after major storms are recommended to identify hidden damage.

 

QUESTION: DO FLAT ROOFS REQUIRE SPECIAL INSPECTION?ANSWER: Yes. Flat roofs rely heavily on waterproofing membranes and drainage systems. Common problems include ponding water, membrane cracks, poor slope, blocked outlets, and UV deterioration. Regular thermal imaging helps detect trapped moisture beneath the membrane.

 

QUESTION: HOW CAN I PREVENT ROOF LEAKS IN THE FUTURE?ANSWER: Preventative steps include annual roof inspections, cleaning gutters, replacing cracked tiles, maintaining flashing, ensuring proper ventilation, and repairing worn membranes early. Drone checks and thermal imaging help identify small issues before they become leaks.