Home Inspections by DHR Inc

If your roof is damaged or leaking and is less than 15 years old, a roof repair can be more practical than full replacement. Common repairs include replacement of shingles and/or fascia boards, patching leaks, and fixing improperly installed flashing.

A roof inspection may be required by your homeowner's insurance, or you may get an inspection to check for damage before deciding on roof repair or replacement. During a roof inspection, a professional will look at the shingles, flashing, gutters, and more to determine the condition of the roof and provide an estimate on how long it may be until you need replacement. Some inspectors will climb on the roof for a physical inspection, while others will make an assessment from the ground. Others will use more advanced drone or infrared technologies. Regular inspections may be included in the homeowner's routine roof maintenance.

Skylights can bring in natural light, improve ventilation, and add architectural interest to your home. However, if your skylight is leaking, cracked, fogging over, or showing signs of water damage, it's important to contact a professional to schedule skylight repair. Roofers can replace skylight flashing and seals, broken or damaged glass, or open/close mechanisms that no longer work.

During gutter installation, professional roofers will remove the old gutters and downspouts from the eaves and brackets and check for damage such as rotted or failing boards and facia. From there, they will measure for new gutters, install them, and put on new downspouts and elbows. Finally, they'll clean the area and leave your home ready for the next rainstorm!

Roof flashing is used to direct water away from areas of the roof where water might pool or penetrate. Flashing is made of metal, usually galvanized steel, and directs water down to the shingles and off the roof. Base flashing surrounds features like chimneys, step-flashing protects where the roof meets the wall, and drip edges help prevent leaks at the edge of the roof.

Soffits and facia are more than just nice trim -- they help protect your roof. The soffit is below the overhang at the edge of the roof and protects the home from water under the eaves while providing ventilation for the attic. The facia runs alongside the roof overhang and supports the shingles and gutter system. They are generally made of the same material as your home siding and need regular inspection to watch for deterioration.

Having a fireplace installed can be simple if you choose a gas insert, or more complex for a traditional wood-burning option. For a traditional fireplace, a professional mason builds the chimney and hearth, including the chimney foundation and stack. Then fireplace installers put in the firebox and liner. Maintaining the fireplace includes cleaning the firebox of ash and buildup, yearly professional chimney cleaning, and repair of any broken or damaged masonry. For gas fireplace installation, the contractor can cut out the area for the insert, run electric and gas lines, and build a vent. Then the insert can be installed. Maintaining a gas fireplace involves cleaning the glass front and trim, checking for damage around the fireplace or vent, and having a professional repair it if needed.