Snow coverings

[gmaher]

If the roof is covered with snow, as it usually is during the winter months in my area (ND and MN) I state in the report that the roof is snow covered and prevents close examination of the roofing and roof structures. So, I don't walk it and tell the realtor and buyer/seller why I won't walk it. Most folks understand. So, I always use the eight power binoculars from many angles.
Before becoming an inspector, I've seen roofers shingle right over holes in the roof sheathing just as if the hole was not there. Remembering that, I simply do not walk roofs - period. Oh, yeah! One more minor point; my liability insurance says that if I walk roofs, I am not insured. That alone, says a lot to me!!
George Maher
Home - Safe Home, LLC
Fargo, ND

[Russell J. Hensel]

I think of inspecting as if I am being sued. Never have (knock on wood). But I try to inspect consistently. Lets say you checked this one and then I hire you and you don't walk it and miss something big! What do you think a lawyer will do? Why did you walk on the 'smiths' and not the jones's! Just my point of view.

[jkormos]

Also if it is really cold the roofing material can be brittle and crack from you walking on it...

[Gary T. Heller]

I wish I would have put my post here instead of under exteriors.

[Peter C. Russell]

Sometimes I wish I didn't have to but OH well, do what ya got to do!

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by prussell

Sometimes I wish I didn't have to but OH well, do what ya got to do!

Peter,

Why do you have to clear snow from your roof?

[Peter C. Russell]

New metal roof being installed, nice week to start that!

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by prussell

New metal roof being installed, nice week to start that!

Ohhhh, great. You picked the perfect time.Attachment 9003

[Peter C. Russell]

Yeah, and next summer I'm planning on insulating the attic!!!!!!!!

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by prussell

Yeah, and next summer I'm planning on insulating the attic!!!!!!!!

Coool...

[klaybolt]

No, safety reasons

[Alan Senter]

Get on some roofs, do your job, you tired old DUFFS! Or, send your clients MY WAY.

I absolutely walk most of my snow covered roofs for inspection. What, YOU wanna come back to it in the spring, YOU go right ahead. We have most of our roofs covered with snow in the winter here (Montrose top Telluride, Colorado). If it's not too steep or dangerous (most are not bad, the snow keeps you from sliding) I'm on it. I clear a few penetrations, and still fiond quite a few torn/deteriorated boots on the jacks. Find lots more stuff too.
My clients want to know what's going on now, not three months from now when it's too late. Perhaps I should get paid more than I do.

Thanks for the question - Alan

[egarcia1]

LOL, you won't be alive long enought to steal any business from me... , too funny!

[sterrel]

I have a 13 year old to keep in skate boards, LOL

[John Cahill]

Originally Posted by asenter

I absolutely walk most of my snow covered roofs for inspection.

I know you are really trying to do a great job for the buyer but your health is more important. You WILL fall one day. I guarantee it.

You also set a standard that damages the industry. It leaves people thinking all inspectors should behave this way.

Think about yourself, your family and the industry before the consumer. If you want climbing risk go rock climbing.

JC
20 year inspector
40 year rock climber
55 year old goat who has never fallen off a roof nor more than 30 feet on a dynamic line.