Beginning Practice Inspections

Hello,

I’m a newly licensed inspector in Florida and I want to begin practice inspections. It was mentioned in the training to go to your neighbors and friends to ask them to allow you to provide a free inspection with a report. I don’t know if I should walk on the roof or not. I want to but I do not yet have a ladder tall enough for my neighborhood’s townhouses. I know I can inspect from the eaves. I do not want to invest in a taller ladder yet because I’ve invested quite a bit of money into my business so far. I’m looking for a bit of feedback on what I should do. Should I go ahead and just invest in a taller ladder, buy a drone and work on my pilot’s license, or disclaim that I cannot inspect the roof for my neighbors?

Find a way to get ride alongs to see how it’s done in your area by an experienced inspector. To climb or not to had been discussed many times. Use the search tool to find older threads. Everyone does it “their” way, you need to find what works for you. For example, we don’t have many clay (terracotta) roofs here, but you guys do. If you walk those, you can easily damage them. Be prepared to pay for the damage you cause :slight_smile:

3 Likes

If you can see the roof, then you can inspect it. Disclose your method such as from the ground with binoculars and any limitations or areas not visible. This is common in real time inspections. Therefore, you should be able to proceed with your mock inspections.

As far as what to purchase next. I can tell you my “evolution”. I started with a ladder and binoculars. A drone was added years later.

Personally, I make a sincere effort to walk or view from the eaves as many roofs as possible, with my safety and comfort level as the limiting factor. From there, I move onto my other tools such as a drone or binoculars. It is not unusual for the roof inspection to be a combination of these methods.

1 Like

I did the same as Brian, though I do not use my drone too often. I mostly use it to see the top of chimneys. IMO, walking the roof is an important part of the inspections. I have these roof ladders that come in sections. I use them a lot now since I got older. I do not feel as steady as I used to be.

I have 4 of the 6’ roof ladder sections that cover most situations. I even use them when the roof is wet or lightly snow covered.
51WDLolFT7L.AC

3 Likes

I have been looking at these with a bit of skepticism. It is helpful to know you have success. Would you mind posting the manufacturer or site where purchased? Also, how is the dismount or transition from this to your ladder?

I had a commercial hardware store order these for me a few years back. The brand is ACRO. Now I think you can order from Home Depot. Mine has a wheel at the top. I assemble what I need and roll it up then flip it over. They are light weight so lifting is not a problem. Each section weighs about 15#.
The transition to the ladder can be tricky. I always try to tie my ladder to the gutter etc. if possible.

1 Like

I use a Multi-ladder, not to expensive at HD - Gorilla Ladders 18 ft. Reach MPXA Aluminum Multi-Position Ladder with 300 lbs. Load Capacity Type IA Duty Rating GLMPXA-18 - The Home Depot
Whatever you buy be sure it has a Type 1A rating.

I also use a really goof pair of binoculars and have a drone which I rarely use.

Camera poles are another option.

As Brian stated, alway put the mode of the roof inspection in your report.

Kevin,
the problem I have with the camera pole is you have to be steady with it especially if you have it extended, otherwise the pictures are blurry. My arms are not as steady as they were either. :rofl:
I guess I woke up one day and got old!

2 Likes

I’ve never used one but though about getting one back in the day, glad I didn’t because I wouldn’t be able to steady it either. :muscle:

1 Like

Yep, it’s a drawback. I did learn to use the roof edge/gutter to stabilize it. Then rotate as needed and zooming in on things of interest or importance. Really good for townhouses and such.

1 Like

Corey I have no Idea Your experience or comfort level on roofs but I have to say townhouses are not really the place to start. There is no shame in disclaiming something You are not comfortable with. There are plenty of low slope ranch roofs in florida to get You feet wet on.

1 Like

Great post and very helpful!