Home Inspections & Roof Access: Why Most Inspectors Miss Critical Issues
Introduction
A home inspection is one of the most critical steps when buying, selling, or maintaining a property. It helps identify hidden structural issues, safety hazards, and costly repairs before they become major problems. However, not all home inspections are created equal—one major factor that sets a thorough inspection apart is whether the inspector physically accesses the roof.
At Chimney Bear, we believe in comprehensive, top-to-bottom inspections, including detailed chimney and fireplace evaluations—something 99% of home inspectors in Illinois are not certified to do.
In This Guide, You’ll Learn:
✔ Why roof access is crucial during home inspections
✔ The dangers of missed roof and chimney issues
✔ Why most home inspectors fail to assess chimneys properly
✔ How Chimney Bear provides full home & chimney inspections in one visit
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand why hiring a home inspector who physically gets on the roof can save you thousands and why Chimney Bear is the best choice for complete home and chimney inspections
Why Home Inspections Are Essential
A professional home inspection assesses a property’s structure, systems, and components, ensuring buyers and homeowners make informed decisions. A detailed inspection can:
✔ Identify Structural Issues – Detect foundation problems, cracks, roof damage, and more.
✔ Expose Safety Hazards – Find electrical, plumbing, and ventilation issues that pose risks.
✔ Prevent Costly Repairs – Catch minor issues before they escalate into expensive problems.
✔ Ensure Proper Functionality – Verify that HVAC, water systems, and insulation work efficiently.
However, many home inspections fall short when inspectors fail to inspect the roof physically, where major hidden issues can be overlooked.
Why Home Inspectors Must Get on the Roof
A home’s roof is its first line of defense against the elements, and hidden damage can lead to significant structural and safety risks. That’s why a proper home inspection should always include a physical roof inspection—not just a glance from the ground or drone footage.
What a Thorough Roof Inspection Can Uncover:
✔ Shingle Damage & Wear – Missing, cracked, or curled shingles indicate leaks or potential roof failure.
✔ Flashing & Sealant Issues – Poorly sealed vents, skylights, and chimneys can cause costly water damage.
✔ Structural Weaknesses – Sagging or uneven rooflines may signal foundational issues.
✔ Moisture & Mold Growth – Hidden leaks lead to mold, rot, and compromised indoor air quality.
✔ Chimney Deterioration – Cracked masonry, loose bricks, or a damaged chimney cap can cause water intrusion and fire hazards.
However, most home inspectors lack the expertise to properly assess chimney and fireplace systems, which means serious issues could go undetected.
99% of Illinois Home Inspectors Are Not Certified for Chimney Inspections
Did you know that 99% of home inspectors in Illinois are NOT certified to conduct full chimney and fireplace inspections?
Why does this matter?
A chimney is one of a home's highest-risk components. Hidden cracks, blockages, creosote buildup, or improper venting can create fire hazards and carbon monoxide risks—issues that most home inspectors are not trained to identify.
Common Chimney Issues Missed by Standard Home Inspections:
✔ Creosote Buildup – A significant fire hazard that must be regularly inspected.
✔ Chimney Blockages – Bird nests, debris, or collapsed liners can cause carbon monoxide buildup.
✔ Cracked Flue Liners – This can lead to house fires or gas leaks if left unchecked.
✔ Improper Venting – Increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
✔ Chimney Cap & Crown Issues – Missing or damaged caps allow moisture intrusion, leading to chimney deterioration.
This means that many home buyers and sellers assume their chimneys are safe when, in reality, serious hazards could be lurking inside.
Chimney Bear: Your One-Stop Solution for Home & Chimney Inspections
At Chimney Bear, we do what most home inspectors can’t—we provide both complete home inspections and certified chimney inspections in a single visit.
Why Choose Chimney Bear?
✔ Certified Home & Chimney Inspectors – Our team is fully trained and certified in home and fireplace inspections, ensuring no critical issues are overlooked.
✔ Comprehensive Roof & Chimney Assessments – Unlike standard home inspectors, we physically inspect the roof and chimney structure, identifying hidden issues others miss.
✔ Fireplace & Venting Safety Checks – We assess chimney liners, creosote buildup, venting, and structural integrity and provide a detailed safety report.
✔ Save Time & Money – Instead of hiring two separate inspectors, you get one expert team to handle it all—saving you money and giving you complete peace of mind.
Schedule Your Home & Chimney Inspection Today!
Don’t risk hidden roof and chimney issues going undetected. Choose Chimney Bear for thorough, top-to-bottom inspections that keep your home safe and secure.
Call Chimney Bear today to schedule your inspection!
Call us today.
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