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Home inspectors may look briefly at your roof, but certified roof experts will be more thorough. Hiring a roof inspector can give you a better sense of any underlying concerns as well as longevity. That said, a roof inspector won’t look at the rest of your home. The inspection may or may not include the attic, where problems can be hidden if they aren’t already visible on the surface of your roof. It’s important to clarify exactly what you’re getting with your inspector so there are no surprises.

In most cases, a roof inspection will include a visual inspection of the exterior roofing materials, an interior inspection for signs of leaking or roof damage, and an assessment of the structural stability of your roof and the materials supporting it. Some things your roof inspector will look for include the following:

• Missing or damaged shingles, flashing, or sealant

• Signs of old age

• Signs of leaks, including mold growth and water stains

• Potential issues, like tree branches touching your roof

• Signs of a loss of structural integrity

Yes, installing snow guards is highly recommended for metal roofs, especially if you live in an area with moderate to heavy snowfall. Metal roofs have smooth, slick surfaces that offer little traction, which can cause large, heavy loads of snow and ice to slide off all at once in a dangerous "rooftop avalanche."

This sudden release of snow can cause serious injury to anyone below and damage personal property, such as cars or landscaping.

Snow guards act as a barrier, holding the snow on the roof so it can melt and slide off in smaller, more controlled amounts. While low-slope metal roofs in areas with very little snow might not strictly require them, installing snow guards is a valuable safety measure to protect your family and property.

A porch roof will be prone to leaking if it suffers damage from extreme weather events, or if it was improperly installed and waterproofed from the get-go. In some cases, a porch roof will be leaky simply because it's at the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. Proper maintenance and promptly repairing damage from high winds and hail will help keep your porch roof from leaking.