Roof Inspection

Question 1

What is expected of a home inspector to inspect on the roof?

Answer 1

From the ground level or eaves the inspector is to inspect:

• the roof covering
• flashings
• skylights for chimney and other roof penetrations and
• the general structure of the roof.

Question 2

What should the home inspector be able to verify upon inspecting the roof?

Answer 2

• the installation of the roof covering and underlayment complies with common building standards for the general recommendations of most shingle manufacturers and
• the installation as such that water intrusion will be prevented.

Question 3

Are home inspector is considered code inspectors?

Answer 3

No. Home inspectors do not enforce code merely report upon the state and condition of the components and systems of the home.

Question 4

What are the 10 steps for checking the roof?

Answer 4

One check the covering. 
Two check the fasteners. 
Three check the deck sheathing. Four check the slope and underlayment. 
Five check the ice barrier. 
Six check the drip edge. 
Seven check for an offset pattern. 
Eight check the roof valley flashing. 
Nine check the nail penetration into the deck sheathing. 
Ten check the flashing areas.

Question 5

What does the term top flat refer to

Answer 5

It is the lap of the underlayment that runs parallel to the eaves.

Question 6

What does the term end lap stand for?

Answer 6

It is the lap of the underlayment at the end of a roll.

Question 7

What does the term slope or pitch mean?

Answer 7

It can be written out as verticals units over horizontal units.

Question 8

What does self sealing strips refer to?

Answer 8

Refers to the self sealing adhesive on the back of a shingle to adhere to the lap of the other shingle. It helps resist wind from lifting the shingle up.

Question 9

With only a few exceptions a second layer should not be installed without first removing the existing roof coverings where any of the following conditions exist…

Answer 9

The existing roof is not in adequate condition. Where the existing roof is wood, clay, cement. Where the existing roof has
two layers.

Question 10

Does the flashing have to be redone when putting a second layer on the roof?

Answer 10

Yes

Question 11

What is the minimum diameter of a nail head to be driven into an asphalt shingle

Answer 11

3/8”

Question 12

What is the minimal nautical shank diameter of a roof fastening nail?

Answer 12

12 gauge.

Question 13

For full width shingles a standard of ___ nails is required.

Answer 13

4

Question 14

If the weather temperature in January is __ degrees or less what type of protection membrane is recommended?

Answer 14

30

Ice and water shield.

Question 15

Roof slopes of 4/12 or greater require a minimum ____ layer of underlayment.

Answer 15

Single layer

Question 16

For roof slopes between 2/12 and 4/12 a ____ layer what is required?

Answer 16

Single layer

Self adhering polymer modified bitumen.

Or a minimum double layer of underlayment is required.

Question 17

What are the four types of flashing?

Answer 17

1: penetration
2: vertical surface
3: skylight
4: steep to low slope transition.

Question 18

What are some examples of penetrations in the roof?

Answer 18

Vent pipes, exhaust Vents, exhaust fans, furnace or water heater flue pipes, electrical stand pipes, any and all other penetrations.

Question 19

What are the four types of vertical surface penetrations?

Answer 19

Apron flashing, step flashing, cricket or backer flashing, and counter flashing.

Question 20

Where is an apron flashing located at?

Answer 20

Where a roof intersects a head wall. Common locations of an apron flashing is on the front side of a dormer or on the down slope of a chimney

Question 21

If the chimney is more than 30 inches wide is it recommended to use a cricket or backer flashing?

Answer 21

A cricket is recommended for anything over 30 inches