Hello all, taking the InterNACHIE courses. This question is on roof inspections:
When checking at the eaves, if there is only a starter course of asphalt shingle, and no ice barrier, in a climate that should have one, should this be noted in the report? As well if there is no actual starter course and only the first row of asphalt shingle, should this be noted in the report, along with a lack of a drip edge? Thanks.
A few questions. Do you think ice barrier is good building practice? What are the consequences of it is not present?
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Hi Brian thanks for the reply. Yes I do think ice barrier is a good practice. Without it water egress is very possible. I was wondering about how this should be noted in a report.
How do you verify that it is or is not present?
By lifting up the bottom row of shingles
Also you should be able to see the extra layer of ice barrier without even moving the shingles. I guess you have to look for no butt joints as you would see with a starter layer?
No drip edge and no starter course are definitely a defect. If I find gutters with the bent upper edge that goes slightly up the roof I’ll let that go as drip edge.
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Where are you located, and what is your local AHJ’s “opinion” on the subject?
My local (MInnesota) says this…
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Thanks Matt. Would no drip edge be noted as such in the report even if there is an overhang of the asphalt shingle toward the gutter?
I’m in Winnipeg Canada where it gets brutally cold in the winter. The Canadian building code states there should be an ice barrier. I’m wondering if I would include this in the report if missing and the best way to see if there is one present? Thank you.
Absolutely! That was the point for my post.
Your Local AHJ requires it, so you should be reporting if it is not present, or in a deficient method or condition.
Ice Barrier can be a royal PIA to inspect for (at best) and is not always observable even when present, so be careful how you word your narrative, such as “was not observed by the inspector” or “conditions prevented the inspector from determining”, or some other such comment. Just be honest without “stretching the truth”. If you can’t see it… SAY SO… without inferring it isn’t there… because it may be!!
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Thanks Jeffrey. I’m a newbie taking the courses toward certification and appreciate your answers to my question, especially about being careful about how to word the report in regards to components not readily visible. I haven’t done any mock inspections yet and not even sure ice barrier is something I would even need to comment on?
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Far northern Minnesota here, 75km south of the border. Yes, if I can determine it is missing, I report it. In the States it can be either a double layer of felt or more commonly commercial Ice & Water Shield or similar product.
If I cannot see it because shingles are well attached and sealed or because roof edge flashing (improperly) covered it at the eave, I always disclaim it. This is a common roof leakage area from ice dams.
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Definitely - overhanging the shingles at the drip edge is a hack maneuver often done by homeowners. That’s often the first sign of a lot of other problems as no reputable roofer I’ve encountered does it that way. The only “benefit” is bloody knuckles while attempting to clean the gutters 
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Thank you for the reply Michael.
Thanks for the reply Matt.
You are heading where I was. What can you see, what you can’t see!
For the OP. Lifting the shingles to take a peek is fine. But be careful. One location may have the barrier and another may not. In my narrative, I’m very careful not to make any assumptions and to describe exactly what I did, where I did it and what I observed.
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Absolutely! Was it run up the valleys? Did it go 24 inches up from the edge of the framed wall? All those are important details that you cannot see during an inspection. Like Brian said, include limitations and disclaimers. This is the roof, and unknown to you during an inspection, it can leak next winter.
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Thanks for your reply Brian.
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Great advice, thank you Michael.