Roof Terms in a Dayton Home Inspection, Explained

Dayton has a lot of older homes with chimneys, dormers and flat-roofed porches, plus newer houses in the suburbs. Roof notes in an inspection report vary just as much. This page explains the common ones. The inspector who saw your roof is the authority; this is a translation.

Pitched roofs

Wind-lifted / creased shingles — Shingles bent back by wind. Once creased they don't reseal well.

Chimney flashing / counter-flashing — The metal layers sealing the chimney to the roof. Older chimneys are a common leak source.

Dormer and wall flashing — Joints where the roof meets a wall.

Granule loss / curling — Signs of aging shingles. See signs your roof is wearing out.

Flat and low-slope roofs

Membrane (EPDM / modified bitumen / TPO) — Sheet roofing used on flat areas. Notes may cover seams, blisters or cracks.

Ponding water — Water sitting on a flat roof for days, which speeds up wear. See flat and low-slope roofs.

Low slope with shingles — Shingles installed on a roof that's too flat for them. A leak risk.

Winter-related

Staining at eaves / ice-dam history — Marks near the roof edge or on interior walls below it. See ice dams and winter damage.

Attic ventilation inadequate — A warm attic melts snow that refreezes at the edge.

Gutters

Gutters loose / downspouts discharging at foundation — Water dumped next to the house can reach the basement. See gutters.

Priorities

• Before closing: active leaks, storm damage, ponding with membrane damage.
• Soon: chimney flashing, gutter repairs, ventilation.
• Plan: aging shingles.

For inspectors and agents

Clients are welcome to read this with your report. Related: hiring a roofer in Ohio · roof inspections · roof replacement