Roof, Attic & Ventilation Inspections | Middle Tennessee

A roof is more than just a cover; it is a complex system of shedding water and managing heat. At Atchley Home Inspections LLC, I perform a "top-down" evaluation to ensure your home stays dry and energy-efficient.

• Shingle Integrity: We check for missing, broken, or "curled" shingles that indicate the end of the roof's functional life.
• Granule Loss: Identification of heavy shedding in gutters, which signals UV damage and advanced aging.
• Metal Roofing: Checking for backed-out fasteners, rusted panels, or failed rubber washers on metal systems.
• Chimney & Skylights: Inspecting the "critical joints" for cracked masonry, failing mortar, and clear drainage paths.

• Step & Counter Flashing: Verifying that metal "shields" are correctly installed where the roof meets vertical walls or chimneys.
• Valley Liners: Checking high-volume water paths for debris buildup or premature wear.
• Drip Edges: Ensuring water is directed into the gutters and not "wicking" back into the wooden fascia boards.
• Pipe Boots: Inspecting the rubber seals around plumbing vents—the #1 cause of "mystery" ceiling leaks.

• Underside Inspection: We enter the attic to look for "dark spots," water staining, or active drips that aren't visible from the outside.
• Rafters & Trusses: Checking for "cracked" or "split" framing members and signs of structural sagging.
• Roof Sheathing: Identifying "delaminated" plywood or OSB caused by excessive heat or moisture trapped in the attic.

• Airflow Analysis: Verifying that soffit vents are not "choked" by insulation and that ridge vents are actually exhausting hot air.
• Insulation Depth: Measuring the "R-Value" of your attic insulation to ensure it meets modern energy standards for Middle Tennessee.
• Bypass Detection: Looking for "air leaks" where conditioned house air is escaping into the attic, causing high utility bills.

• Pitch & Slope: Ensuring gutters aren't "holding water" which breeds mosquitoes and causes rust.
• Downspout Termination: Verifying that water is discharged at least 5-6 feet away from the foundation to prevent crawlspace flooding.
• Hidden Rot: Checking the wood behind the gutters (fascia) for softness or fungal growth.

Most roof leaks don't start on the shingles—they start at the flashings and vents. My inspection focuses on these high-risk areas to find the small problems before they become major interior ceiling repairs.Every Atchley Home Inspection includes this comprehensive roof and attic evaluation to ensure your overhead protection is watertight and gives you total peace of mind.