While shingles and tiles are what most people think of when they picture a roof, there are actually many more components that could need repair and require regular inspection. The roof has a structure made up of trusses or rafters that give it support. On top of this is a sheathing material, often made of sheet metal or boards, which cover the rafters and complete the roof’s structure. On top of that is an underlayment, or the base layer, on which the shingles or tiles are laid. This layer may be the most difficult for a homeowner to inspect on their own, and it is the part that will degrade the most quickly, often needing repair much more often than the roof coverings themselves. The flashing and gutters can also wear over time and need to be in good shape to keep the roof in its best condition.
