Walking Roofs

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#1

Originally Posted By: ekartal
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Anyone inspect from the eaves instead of walking the roof? I’m seriously considering doing this as a safety concern. I realize that I can’t see all possible defects from a ladder, but I like coming home to my family too.


Erol Kartal
ProInspect

#2

Originally Posted By: jhagarty
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Erol:


From the NACHI SOP.

2.1. Roof

I. The inspector shall inspect from ground level or eaves:

A. The roof covering.
B. The gutters.
C. The downspouts.
D. The vents, flashings, skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations.
E. The general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.

II. The inspector is not required to:

A. Walk on any roof surface.
B. Predict the service life expectancy.
C. Inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
D. Remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof surfaces.
E. Inspect antennae, lightning arresters, or similar attachments.

--
Joseph Hagarty

HouseMaster / Main Line, PA
joseph.hagarty@housemaster.com
www.householdinspector.com

Phone: 610-399-9864
Fax : 610-399-9865

HouseMaster. Home inspections. Done right.

#3

Originally Posted By: ekartal
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Thanks. It isn’t the roof walking that bothers me, it’s the transition from roof to ladder that I’m not too fond of. I get kind of a weird anxious feeling.


Erol Kartal
ProInspect

#4

Originally Posted By: dbowers
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If anyone ever told you they walk every roof, they lied. In most Northern climates we have 2 months of snow where its not possible. On a rainy day its not feasible to walk them. If the pitch is over 9/12, or its clay tile, or slate, or a 16 year old BRITTLE wood shake or shingle roof its not safe or often feasible to walk them.


In short, after 26 years I walk what I can and look at the rest at the eaves or through binoculars. I probably walk 50% to 60% of the roofs on the homes I inspect. I've never had a roof complaint yet.

Final thought - If you can see damage or missing shingles, slates, tiles or shakes from the ground - your portion of the inspection is over. Report what you can see and recommend having a competent roofing contractor repair or replace as needed prior to closing and get on to something else.

Dan Bowers

#5

Originally Posted By: rfrancis
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Earl


Give the spectoscope a thought or two. Most know by now that I love the gizmo. If you would like more info please ask me.

--
Bob Francis
Shamrock Home Inspections Inc
Toronto, Ontario Canada

#6

Originally Posted By: George Moomaw
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Erol,


It could also be a legal issue someday too. If we walk some roofs, the others did not get a "full" inspection. Then the lawyer will ask "Why didn't you give them a discount?" The thought here is that if we walk one, we better walk them all. If we don't walk them all, we better not walk any.

That spectoscope may well be the answer to our dilemma.

George

#7

Originally Posted By: Scott Patterson
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If you can get you ladder to stick up above the roof line about 2-3 feet it will help you in the transition from ladder to roof and roof to ladder.


I have found that my 17' Little Giant is just about perfect for most roofs.

#8

Originally Posted By: ekartal
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Thanks guys for the response. Silly as it may sound, my Doctor friend thinks it may be my large consumption of caffeiene giving me the jitters! icon_eek.gif And no I don’t drink…


Erol Kartal
ProInspect

#9

Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley
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Erol,


You've just innocently mentioned the entire problem. You don't drink ![icon_question.gif](upload://t2zemjDOQRADd4xSC3xOot86t0m.gif) ![icon_question.gif](upload://t2zemjDOQRADd4xSC3xOot86t0m.gif)

You can not be a home inspector without drinking

#10

Originally Posted By: ekartal
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


I have had enough beer in my life to light up New York City. eusa_dance.gif


Erol Kartal
ProInspect

#11

Originally Posted By: jrooff
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I see your problem Erol “BEER” you should try Captian Morgan for smooth sailing. icon_lol.gif

#12

Originally Posted By: Ronald Reedy
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As for roof walking I found ladder supports that hook over the rungs of a ladder and extend out maybe two foot in each direction sure helps with the jitters … but I jump out of aircraft (skydiver) I do not get the jitters icon_confused.gif


http://skydiveseb.com

--
The best place to start your real estate transaction is with the home inspection

#13

Originally Posted By: dvalley
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Ron,


Now that you've mentioned Skydiving, I haven't jumped in over 21 years. I started out as an Airborne Ranger in the 2nd/75th battalion and brought it to reality in the civilian world.

Man, Do I miss leaping from that door!![](upload://vO8YnZ2gw8lxVwEneSO1ATvD5DN.gif)

Sorry, now we can get back on topic

--
David Valley
MAB Member

Massachusetts Certified Home Inspections
http://www.masscertified.com

"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go."

#14

Originally Posted By: jremas
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Although not required, I do walk most roofs if it is walkable. I have discovered many defects that I would never have had a chance to see if I was limited from the ground, the eaves or a spectoscope. There are many areas around chimneys and dormers that are not accessible any other way. This is a personal/business decision and I will not go on any roof that I feel unsafe on, and unfortunately I am limited to an inspection from the eaves at the very least but I move my ladders several times to get several angles. I have been on plenty of roofs when i did construction and I am comfortable with myself. Do not go on roofs if you are not comfortable or have never been on them before. We are not required to for safety and liability reasons. I feel as though I give a more thorough an better inspection because i do make every attempt to get on the roof and it is part of my marketing that keeps clients from making any more calls after they talk to me.

–



Jeff Remas
REMAS Inspections, Inc.
Northeastern PA & the Poconos
www.NEPAinspector.com

570-362-1598
#15

Originally Posted By: adeerey
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If you can walk it you should! People are paying you to inspect the home and if you can get up there safely then you should.


But
I live in area of mostly ranches and tile with low pitches so I can sit here and say that.

What the heck is a spectrascope gizmo?


If you are uneasy about doing it you have to stay off the roof. As a former property adjuster for allstate Catastrophe team. If you have fear it is not a good idea to go up there. They make some really great products to help
1. Special roof shoes - GRip from hell
2. Ladder top build outs - They put kinda like a handrail at the top
3. Throw a tie off rope over the roof and tie to a tree. Maybe a pain in the a$% to do but it my get you more comfortable.


Just my view if I was to hire someone I would want the roof checked fully. Big money in roof damage and or replacement.

--
This signature thing at the bottom is for what real purpose?

#16

Originally Posted By: lwilliams
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Who’s to say you didn’t do damage to the roof when you walked on it? I think you set yourself up for a new roof bill every time you step on it. You would be better to crawl an attic and look for defects on the underside of a roof than risk life, limb, and pocket book. I am not saying don’t walk on any but be very selective. In my experience, only after using binoculars from every side of the home and you can see a reason to investigate further would you consider walking the shingles.

#17

Originally Posted By: adeerey
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I would love to see how you check the flashing on the cuts and in the little areas around the top of the skylights and around the other openings of the roof without going on it!


I agree don't put yourself at risk by no means - If it is too steep or ice or whatever then no go!

The attic has nothing to do with the roof that is why it is under the Attic area of a report. If you have water damage yes that is reflected in the attic section, but where did it come from? Without walking the roof you can never tell me that the water is from a slit in the flashing by the upper part of the chiminey?
Ok so we have water damage? Was it old? Is the roof been repaired? You may find on the roof a new set of skylight flashing out of view from the ground and you just hammered the seller for a problem they fixed 3 years ago.

Just my view - I understand the saftety issue, but you will not damage a roof if you inspect it correctly - We walk tile roofs all day long and never crack a tile.

Roofs are made to hold a person - If they don't it was not your issue and you surely are not going to pay for it

Aj

--
This signature thing at the bottom is for what real purpose?