Walking the roof for inspection

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1

Originally Posted By: mroe
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I just lost another inspection today,because the client stated that on the NACHI web site,it stated that we do not walk on the roof to inspect. Can any on shed any light on this problem? When I first talked to her,I told her that if she had any questions to please feel free to call me. I did a follow up call this morning and she hit me with this statement. And that she and her husband went with another inspector. It has been suggested to me that I have a wavier for the client to sign to release me from any and all possible damages to the roof if I would indeed to a walk of the roof? Any help that I can get on this issue will greatly be appreciated.


Mark H Roe
BeSure Home Inspection Service
www.besurehomeinspectionservice.com

2

Originally Posted By: bking
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You may already have that waiver in your agreement if you have the 3rd party language present. This is very important since you could be accused of breaking many things during an inspection, not just a roof.


Hopefully the NACHI site will be changed to state that we are not required to walk on roofs but some HI's may offer this service when the roof is not too steep or too high. ![icon_biggrin.gif](upload://iKNGSw3qcRIEmXySa8gItY6Gczg.gif)

--
www.BAKingHomeInspections.com

3

Originally Posted By: mroe
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Thanks for the info. By no means did I tell her that I would not walk the roof ! She did not even ask about it when she called. I found this out when I did my follow up this morning. I checked out my web site,and no where does it state that I do not walk the roof… But on NACHI as state,we are not required to walk the roof. So maybe the clients took that as meaning we do not walk the roof? Oh well,NEXT… icon_biggrin.gif

4

Originally Posted By: rcooke
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mroe wrote:
Thanks for the info. By no means did I tell her that I would not walk the roof ! She did not even ask about it when she called. I found this out when I did my follow up this morning. I checked out my web site,and no where does it state that I do not walk the roof.. But on NACHI as state,we are not required to walk the roof. So maybe the clients took that as meaning we do not walk the roof? Oh well,NEXT.... ![icon_biggrin.gif](upload://iKNGSw3qcRIEmXySa8gItY6Gczg.gif)

Great thinks come to good people.
I expect you are very fortunate to have lost this inspection.
She sounds like a person who will never be happy no matter how much time and energy you spend on her .
Sleep well tonight knowing you might have just dodged a moaner.

--
Roy Cooke Sr.

http://Royshomeinspection.com
5

Originally Posted By: gporter
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I bet the realtor recommended her guy.

–
Gary Porter


GLP’s Home and Mold Inspections LLC


Orlando, Fl 32828


321-239-0621


www.homeandmoldinspections.com

6

Originally Posted By: mroe
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Gary, Sad to say but no so… A realtor that I had only met at a Open House a week ago recommended me for the job. But after she saw the NACHI SOP, she went else where. I did ask if it was another NACHI inspector? She stated no,that she had called one from the local yellow pages icon_cry.gif


Mark H Roe
www.besurehomeinspectionservice.com

7

Originally Posted By: pehrenpreis
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Hmmm…



From ASHI's SOP:

5.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the roof covering.
2. the roof drainage systems.
3. the flashings.
4. the skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations.
B. describe the roof covering and report the methods used to inspect the roof.


5.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. antennae.
2. interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily accessible.
3. other installed accessories.


From our (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.

8

Originally Posted By: escanlan
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Quote:
Hmmm....

From ASHI's SOP:

5.1 The inspector shall:
A. inspect:
1. the roof covering.
2. the roof drainage systems.
3. the flashings.
4. the skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations.
B. describe the roof covering and report the methods used to inspect the roof.


5.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. inspect:
1. antennae.
2. interiors of flues or chimneys which are not readily accessible.
3. other installed accessories.


From our (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.


It is a part of the SOP that could use review and rewording. I do see how a potential client could interpret it as we do not walk on roofs. A rewording, if nothing else, would help prevent this type event in the future.

--
Manny (Emmanuel) Scanlan

Knowledge is power, but sharing knowledge brings peace!
9

Originally Posted By: bkelly2
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Quote:
SYSTEM: ROOFING
6.1 The inspector shall observe:

A. roof coverings.

B. roof drainage systems.

C. flashings.

D. skylights, chimneys and roof penetrations.

E. signs of leaks or abnormal condensation on building components.

6.2 The inspector shall:

A. describe the type of roof covering materials.

B. report the methods used to inspect roofing.

6.3 The inspector is NOT required to:

A. walk on the roofing.
B. observe attached accessories including but not limited to solar systems, antennae, and lightning arresters.


--
"I used to be disgusted, Now I try to Be amused"-Elvis Costello
10

Originally Posted By: jtroth
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I agree with rewording the language of the SOP re: roof inspection. I would like to reflect more what will be inspected instead of how it may or maynot be inspected.


I try to walk all the roofs but if it is not safe for me or will result in damage to the roof, then I am not on it. My job is to inspect, not to risk my wellbeing or to damage things.

--
Habitation Investigation LLC
Providing Home Inspections in Ohio
http://www.homeinspectionsinohio.com

11

Originally Posted By: dandersen
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There is very little need to walk on a roof.


If the roof has ever leaked, or is leaking, it can be detected from the attic.

In my opinion, walking on the roof is an intrusive inspection and should not be a standard practice unless there are other observations which would require further inspection which cannot be observed from the ground.

As posted, you are likely fortunate not to have obtained this job.

12

Originally Posted By: rcooke
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I walk the roof where possible .


I need to look at the Chimney Cap ,the Chimney tile,


the back side of the chimney, the Chimney flashing ,


how are the vents., The plumbing stack.


I also like to get to see condition of the valley,


some parts of the roof can not be seen well from the ground.

–
Roy Cooke Sr.


http://Royshomeinspection.com

13

Originally Posted By: mgeorge
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Mark,


I have fought this battle many times. I explain to the client that it is not good for any type of roof covering to be walked on. Educate your client on the properties of a shingle or any type of roof covering. (the purpose of the gravel - refraction, and that any one walking on the shingle will remove the gravel therefore shortening the life of the shingle.) Also another concern is the warranty.


You can work around this. This is one of the lowest hurdles we have in our obstacle course.


Good luck and like someone said earlier, not getting the job was probably for your best interest. I have people challenge me all the time on our SOP. I don’t deviate and if they don’t hire me I keep on moving and don’t let them slow me down.

–
Scott George


Quality Assurance Inspections, Inc.

14

Originally Posted By: rfrancis
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Mark I use the NACHI specoscope for most roofs and then play show the client the video on the camera screen.



See www.nachi.org/spectoscope.htm

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

15

Originally Posted By: lclark
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I have to agree with Roy, there are to many thing to miss. Just today I found a plumbing stack vent boot that was split on the back side. It would have been impossible to see from the ground or from a ladder. There were no signs of leakage in the attic. Thirty days from now when the clients take possession of the house and it starts to leak, my butts covered because I wrote it up.


If the roof is to steep, or the shingles are curled and brittle, then I won't walk on it.
Larry

--
" Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going."

16

Originally Posted By: pehrenpreis
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There was a discussion on this awhile ago.


http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/viewtopic.php?t=15269

17

Originally Posted By: rspriggs
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ROOF and EXTERIOR
See Supplemental Inspection Notes, page 30
Have a licensed contractor evaluate all deficiencies

NOTE: Walking on a roof voids some manufacturer?s warranties! Properly installed, asphalt shingle life is usually at least 20 years. Adequate attic ventilation, solar / wind exposure, and organic debris all affect the life expectancy of a roof (see www.gaf.com for roof info). Be sure to have asphalt roof tar applied on all exposed nail heads, around flashing, and wear areas.

NOTE: Some insurance companies are refusing to insure homes with wood shake roofs!
If this home has a wood shake roof installed (see COVERING, below), be sure to check with your insurance company!,

ROOF INSPECTION METHOD: With 16x binoculars ? Not inspected ____________
COVERING: Composition ? shakes ? Metal ? Roll ? Rubber Membrane ? Concrete / Clay tile ? Slate ? Tarred ? Other

--
Exploring Planet NACHI . . . One house at a time.

Russ Spriggs,
Idaho Chapter Pres.
Coeur d'Alene, ID Home Inspectors
Coeur d'Alene Home Inspectors

18

Originally Posted By: dduffy
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We must have it made in Phoenix, 50-50 shingle-tile with 75% of them needing repairs on 90%, 4/12 pitches. Walk the safe shingle roofs and view the tiles from a ladder.


You will be hard pressed not to find something wrong with 90% of all tile roofs here.

Then you have the flat ones....guaranteed issues, whether it's built-up or urethane, the sun and monsoon storms raise havoc.

19

Originally Posted By: dbowers
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Guys, you’re dreaming up excuses you didn’t get a job rather than just admitting you weren’t strong enough closers.


At least once a week I get a call from someone asking if I WALK ALL ROOFS, because the other inspector says he does. I laugh and tell them whoever else they talked to was a liar - then - I go on to explain wet rainy roofs, snow or ice covered roofs, old brittle shake roofs, VERY steep roofs, etc. By the time I'm done, they know full well the other guy is a bad liar AND that if its safe and I NEED TO - I will climb the roof.

Get On With Life!

20

Originally Posted By: dkeogh
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I will speak about asphalt shingles since they make up the vast majority of roofing in my area. Obviously nobody should walk on a roof if they don’t feel it safe to. However with the proper footwear and proper ladders most roofs can be walked on or at least viewed from the gutter edge. I would like to dispel some miss leading and incorrect information giving in given in some of the prior posts.


First, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association the condition of roof material can not be ascertained from a ground-level. My 20 years of roofing experience has confirmed this to be so.

Not all leaks and roof deficiencies can be found by inspecting the attic. However, an attic inspection is important to a comprehensive roof inspection.


I know of no asphalt shingle manufactures warranty that would be void simply because it was was walked on. Of course you can't be careless and damage the roof but that shouldn't happen by trained professional.

Asphalt shingles are not slippery when they are wet.

Asphalt roof cement should not be left exposed to the sun it becomes dry and brittle and cracks in a very short time. There are much better sealants that can be used on exposed nail heads and flashing edges. Asphalt roof cement is designed to be used more as a glue. The solvents in the roof cement dissolves the asphalt in the shingles allowing them to bond together.

Asphalt roof cement should never be used as a flashing or substitute for metal flashing.

Again it is OK not to walk on the roof provided your client knows that. however, it could be very misleading to make positive comments about the roof if you were only inspecting it from the ground.

Before I am crucified for my comments I would just like to add that I hold five certifications from four different manufacturers ranging from asphalt shingles, EPDM, metal roofing, and BUR roofing.

Okay I may have it