s010220 Should inspectors go on the roof to do roof system inspections?

Identifier: s010220

Date: 10/15/2001

Question

In order to do a thorough comprehensive inspection of the roof, drainage system, flashings, skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations, do you recommend whenever possible to do the inspection from the roof? What do you say about ASHI members who state openly "I never have, nor will I ever go on a roof to do an inspection?"

Response

1: Yes. Normally, walking on the roof is strongly recommended and is required if both (a) the roof is readily accessible and (b) walking the roof is the only way to inspect all exterior surfaces of roof coverings, flashings, skylights, chimneys, and other roof penetrations. If all such exterior surfaces can be inspected without walking on the roof or if the roof is not readily accessible (i.e. too high, too slippery, too steep, too fragile, etc.), then walking on the roof is not required. 

In either case, the method of inspecting the roof must be reported per SoP section 5.1.B and, in addition, if there are any exterior surfaces of roof coverings, flashings, skylights, chimneys, or other roof penetrations that were not visible, they must be reported, per SoP section 2.2.B.4, as not inspected and the reason they were not inspected. See the definition of Inspect in the SoP, repeated below. 

2: The second question is not a request for interpretation of the Standards. Inspect To examine readily accessible systems and components of a building in accordance with these Standards of Practice, using normal operating controls and opening readily openable access panels.