Roof Inspections

[Dale Duffy]

Remember Tiles are on a roof to protect the underlayment from the sun and physical damage, their far from waterproof.

I walk most Concrete Tiles but NO Clay Tiles, I can see the underlayment from the eave and other areas lifting the Tiles upward looking at the underlayment.

If the underlayment is 20+ years old it could be shot or could be in normal condition with normal wear at edges, valleys, etc, a lot depends on the attic ventilation here anyway.

If the roof underlayment is more than 20 years old or there are numerous Tiles cracked missing sliding, etc, I tell the client to have a roofing contractor certify the roof.

I've seen vaulted roof-ceilings with no ventilation with the underlayment shot in 15 years too, so it depends a lot regarding framing methods-ventilation, etc; types of underlayment, 30 lb. 90 lb. etc.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by kshepard

How do you control the camera?

Set it on video.
Those are still shots off HD video from my Sony HXV5 which has amazing video res of 1850 x.
Well worth $399 and keeps all my other cameras at home.
The camera mounts have an adjustment stick that serves as a good aiming target.
Think about it and you will see there are usually only several main roof penetrations and and chimney sections you really need to get close to as you walk around the perimeter and you review with your client to see if you should get a closeup of a certain area.
Great way to teach how important flashing is.
The LCD screen is large for review.

[Dale Duffy]

Originally Posted by belliott

Set it on video.
Those are still shots off HD video from my Sony HXV5 which has amazing video res of 1850 x.
Well worth $399 and keeps all my other cameras at home.
The camera mounts have an adjustment stick that serves as a good aiming target.
Think about it and you will see there are usually only several main roof penetrations and and chimney sections you really need to get close to as you walk around the perimeter and you review with your client to see if you should get a closeup of a certain area.
Great way to teach how important flashing is.
The LCD screen is large for review.

Good idea Condo...you'd prolly have your Ladder stolen between the time you got on the roof and returned back down.

[Paul Pendley]

I use a licensed roofing contractor on all of my inspections.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by dduffy

Good idea Condo...you'd prolly have your Ladder stolen between the time you got on the roof and returned back down.

Ha ha
Dale I still use it but sloped roofs and fold out ladder combined with ice and snow do not mix.

If I was still carrying my old 28 foot Hook and claw fiberglass Warner I never would have thought to make this rig.
The thing will keep me working as I get older however so it all works out great.
Dale even on those commercial jobs you can take a nice look around.
Heck how much can you see through all that gravel on the flats anyway?
OK I know you still check out those commercial air handlers so have fun with the hatches.I hate climbing up those rungs and pushing the hatches up though.
How many times have you climbed up and found a padlock?

[Dale Duffy]

They don't have Tar & Gravel Roof coverings here, thing of the past, all have failed, they found out the sun cooking the rocks doesn't pan out.

You have to deal with Parking too...I couldn't imagine carrying a 24--40 foot ladder to a Row House (another thing we don't have), but you know the gig.

Its dangerous just setting a extension ladder up by yourself, and then when there is ice involved....NO THANKS...!

Great you found a safe way to inspect them...keep up the good work, most people haven't thought of that.

Stay safe my friend...!!

Happy Holidays to you too...!!!

Duffy

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by belliott

Set it on video.
Those are still shots off HD video from my Sony HXV5 which has amazing video res of 1850 x.
Well worth $399 and keeps all my other cameras at home.
The camera mounts have an adjustment stick that serves as a good aiming target.
Think about it and you will see there are usually only several main roof penetrations and and chimney sections you really need to get close to as you walk around the perimeter and you review with your client to see if you should get a closeup of a certain area.
Great way to teach how important flashing is.
The LCD screen is large for review.

So you push the start button before you raise the pole?

I have a 35-foot telescoping mast with a remote control head set up for videoing roofs that shouldn't be walked, but although I can tilt and pan the camera via the mounting head, I have no controls for the actual camera itself. I'll post some pictures tomorrow or Wednesday (traveled all day today).

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by dduffy

Remember Tiles are on a roof to protect the underlayment from the sun and physical damage, their far from waterproof.

I walk most Concrete Tiles but NO Clay Tiles, I can see the underlayment from the eave and other areas lifting the Tiles upward looking at the underlayment.

If the underlayment is 20+ years old it could be shot or could be in normal condition with normal wear at edges, valleys, etc, a lot depends on the attic ventilation here anyway.

If the roof underlayment is more than 20 years old or there are numerous Tiles cracked missing sliding, etc, I tell the client to have a roofing contractor certify the roof.

I've seen vaulted roof-ceilings with no ventilation with the underlayment shot in 15 years too, so it depends a lot regarding framing methods-ventilation, etc; types of underlayment, 30 lb. 90 lb. etc.

There's a big difference in underlayment quality too. There's lots of it out there that's not ASTM compliant and the lifespan can vary quite a bit according to the degree to which it's saturated and the quality of the asphalt with which it's saturated. You usually can't tell the quality of the underlayment by looking.

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

When I do walk on tile I use a 1/2 sheet of 4 by 8 ply with 1/2 inch Styrofoam glued to the rough surface, Its cut into 2 so you have 4/4 pieces. It acts as a cushion.
I advance one piece in-front of the other and voila " bobs your uncle ) you can get up close and personal with that area on the roof you can not see with binoculars but suspect it problematic and worthy of pictures and explanation. Yes I am a roofer and only do it when I see its necessary.
I was a designated a trouble shooter with most company's I worked with and developed my-own methods.

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

Originally Posted by mtimpani

tile: I refer to free roof company inspections
others : I walk

Mark
I am asking this because I own a facade restoration company and have had several agents and HI's ask the owner or themselves ask me to do an estimate because the buyer is interested in buying the home and I would be getting the job when they purchase the home.
RIGHT HA HA HA HA HA HA.
They never left me there names when I asked them to explain several simple question so I could read them and weed the freebies out.
One month of gas on average when it hit 6 gallon in Canada. $2500.00 dollars, plus hours on the road.
Just would like to point out my thoughts.
1; Are you not skilled enough to do this?
2; Not that much different than any other roof. Just a different material but the systems mechanics are the same. Its like a slate roof sort of.Make it water tight.
3; When the roofers come they know it a inspection for free?
4; Are you being truthful in your explain ation to the roofer. Transparent and forthcoming. Meaning he knows he is helping you FOR FREE!!!!
Please I am not being judgmental, I am hopefully making you think of the expense of running that business and if he asks you for a free-bee I hope you facilitate.

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

Originally Posted by rhensel

I personally walk 99% of the roofs I come across.

Loose fields, loose ridge cap, poor flashing in certain areas, cracked tiles, poor/deteriorated flashing, weather cap at electrical mast and other items cannot be found with Binoculars and a camera.

Its a business decision, but I walk almost every single roof. I want the buyer to get the best inspection possible. If they blame me, so what? They blame me for their water heater not working, the double tap in their panel, AC not working...It was all working yesterday, it must have been something I did. If I worried about that I could really inspect nothing.

If its not too steep, weather permitting I am on the roof with about 8 to 12 pictures in the report showing that I did in fact walk the roof.

Once again, its a business decision but not walking on the roof is like not taking the cover off the electrical panel. So many issues can be missed.

I am not saying I am right, it just works out for me.

I applaud you Russel. I will point out several points of safety.
If you are a rounded roofer, you would know them. Meaning you have done , slate, standing seam,copper tin galv, cement and ceramic tile, shake, etc.
1: Decking when spongy, walk on rafters only if posable.
2: Tie down your ladder to the roof or anything.
3:5 point harness Russell.
4:Running shoes and curling shoes in the winter of below freezing conditions.
5: Winds can catch you off guard when taking your pics so be well planted and stable.
6;Always have a plan in action when all hell breaks lose.
Meaning first thing I do when approaching the roof. Before I go up the ladder and as I am on the roof.
I have observed what I might fall on and try to stay away from that area.
If I slip how do I control my every move after.
Spread out like a snow angle ( spread eagle ), anything in close proximity to grab as you slip.
I plan every destination and route to get to that point of interest to snap photos when prepared.
So Russell please be safe and also protect your self from liability when you walk on that roof.
Have them sign a waver. OK
God bless mate.

[ROBERT V. YOUNG]

Just an idea BOB, but it could be a simple invention to put on the market place.
Canadian tire, wall mart, eyc.
I think you should patent it. No joke.
Take a picture of it, and describe it as best as you can down to the last detail.
Mail it to yourself ( certified ) do not open it and you have your patent started.
Tweak it after and then take the time to do a North American then world patent.
I would love to see it, but want you to think first and also think how you can improve it.
No joke BOB. You are a clever man, excellent with verbal skills and a talent for invention.
All that is needed to be a entrepreneurial based starter millionaire. ( If you are not already ) Just implying BOB.
Think about it.!!!!!