While I was driving I was asked to stop by a house and the voice asked, "Can you tell me if I need a new roof?"
Quickly I told this homeowner what to look for and suggested that the roof can be evaluated by looking at it, and seeing the presence of the signs I was going to give him.
"Signs?" I was asked.
"Sure. Severely curling, broken or generally damaged shingles. Shingles that break off every time the wind blows. Missing sections. Roof leaks in the house. Bad flashing around a chimney. Leaking through windows. Things like that. Does the roof look to be in bad condition?"
"Yes, but I would still feel more comfortable if you would stop by."
So I did.
Pulling up to the house this is view that greeted me from the street. ------>
In addition, there was leaking into the upstairs bedrooms.
There was leaking over and into each of the front bay windows. The ivy growing on the house was also introducing moisture into the structure.
The gutters were full and had not been cleaned in a long time. This was causing rot to the fascia boards and the roof sheathing just behind the gutters.
This is a classic case of the older, not-maintained roof!
Happily I noticed this homeowner is a proud purchaser of Billy Jays very popular product
That product will let homeowners select from various seeds to plant in the gutter, and grow the gutter garden most desired!
Billy Jays would be very proud!
I have to say, driving around town I do see lots of proud purchasers of this fine product!
And this homeowner had planted the seeds in both the front and rear gutters!
As you can see, Billy Jays sells a robust product!
Additionally, front and rear on this house, the perpetually full gutters have damaged, rotted and otherwise ruined fascia boards front and rear.
Showing up to his house I not only evaluated his roof, but his insulation, roof sheathing from inside the attic and a few other things he was having problems with.
Why not give him his money's worth for asking me to come by? As this was a verbal inspection the homeowner was diligent in taking notes.
Pointing out so many things he was most satisfied with my visit.
My recommendation: now this blog goes on line. Others will be able to see it. One great thing that blogs accomplish is to put educational information out there for people to see. I get calls all the time from people all over the country thanking me for my blog on this or that. And I get many calls from people, like this homeowner, who want to utilize my services. That is probably true for everyone who is so inclined to put instructive posts on the blogosphere. Blogging works.
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC 
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia.
Office (703) 330-6388 Cell (703) 585-7560
Age and condition of roofs are the trickiest part of getting a deal to close, especially when financing is involved.
This is not a house for sale David. And this roof is one of many things needing to be done. The house defines "deferred maintenance."
Good morning Jay,
It is amazing while driving in a neighborhood of 25+ year old homes the ones that have been taken care of and the ones that compare to the one above!
Make yourself a great day.
Good morning Jay... Duh! you think? I think we have seen this around here also...
You know, I think even the untrained eye could see there is a problem here. Ah yes, to deferred maintenance. And, now it's many things to repair.
Gutter garden.. I think that sums it up.
Good morning Jay. This is very telling and your eye is better than most.
Educating the readers is an important part of blogging, expert opinion and detailed photos can go a long way in making sense of things for the homeowner. I can see how you have built this trust Jay.
Most times a roof tune-up is sufficient to give more life to an existing roof than expensive replacement!
Raymond - this is an extreme example for sure, but home maintenance is sometimes a thing that is truly deferred.
I have seen it before James. But this is the first time I have been called out of the blue from a homeowner with one. He found me because of my blogs.
Debbie - there are issues all over this house - over, under, inside, and out.
Richard - it is one of Billy's best sellers!
Sheila - my kids hate driving through neighborhoods with me because I critique houses as I drive by. Is that a "drive-by inspection?"
Tom - trust is the key. Especially if there are more than one blog on a topic.
I had one of those on my roof two years ago Sham!
A person should never let their roof get this far out of control. I have to agree with Debbie Gartner even the untrained eye can see it is really bad. Those gutter gardens are the worst. See those all the time too.
Thanks Sussie. It is obvious, but people don't know what they don't know.
And Billy Jays would disagree with you about those gutter gardens...
When I read the title and saw the pics, it made me laugh really hard! He don't need no stinking roof... it's still standing and I have 4 buckets left! I get the untrained eye thing... but he does have eyes.... doesn't he?
Can you spell geek Fred? He is really smart about some things, but not about home maintenance. I gave him a list of seasonal chores.
I like that little forest nursery growing in the rain gutters, clearly these have been failing for a while.
thanks Jay!
That's what I call a Green Roof, Bob!
In New York City they call that a rooftop garden. They are all the rage!
Saving the planet one roof at a time Stephen.
For sure.