Residential Roof Inspection SOP

Purpose

Standardize the process for residential roof inspections so every tech delivers consistent findings + the customer gets a defensible written report. Most roof problems are catchable months before they become leaks if someone looks systematically.

Scope

Residential roofs (asphalt shingle, metal, tile, flat membrane). Excludes commercial low-slope built-up, EPDM commercial, + roofs taller than 2 stories (specialty access).

Responsibilities

• Lead tech runs the inspection + writes findings
• Helper / apprentice assists with ladder + safety
• Office delivers report to customer within 24 hours

Prerequisites

• Ladder + tie-off / harness + hardhat + non-slip footwear
• Camera / phone for documentation
• Inspection checklist + report template
• 60-90 minutes per residential roof
• Weather: dry roof, light wind, no recent rain
• Customer notified + at home (preferred)

Procedure

Step 1: Ground-level walk (10 min)

1. Walk perimeter of house
2. Note gutter condition, downspouts, drainage away from foundation
3. Photo any visible damage from ground (curling shingles, hail dimples, sagging)
4. Note tree overhangs, branch contact, abrasion zones
5. Check for granules in gutters / on ground (asphalt shingle wear indicator)

Step 2: Attic inspection (15 min, if accessible)

1. Look for water stains on rafters / decking - note location relative to roof surface
2. Check for daylight visible through roof deck (active hole)
3. Inspect insulation for compaction / wet spots
4. Check ventilation: ridge vent, soffit vents, gable vents - all clear?
5. Note any rodent / pest activity
6. Photo all findings

Step 3: Roof surface (30-45 min)

Set ladder safely. Use 3-points of contact climbing. Tie off if rooftop work > 6 ft.

1. Field of shingles: walk every plane systematically

• Curling, cupping, blistering
• Granule loss (smooth areas)
• Cracking
• Missing tabs / wind damage
• Hail impacts (round bruises, exposed mat)

1. Penetrations: every pipe, vent, chimney, skylight

• Flashing condition
• Sealant cracking
• Rust on metal flashings

1. Valleys: check for sealing, debris buildup, wear
2. Ridge + hip: cap shingle condition
3. Drip edge: present at eaves + rakes?
4. Eaves + soffits: rot, peeling paint, ice damming signs

Photo each problem area with reference shot (showing location on roof).

Step 4: Documentation (15 min)

For each finding, capture:

• Location (front/back/left/right slope, plane number)
• Severity (cosmetic / functional / urgent)
• Recommendation (monitor / minor repair / major repair / replace)
• Estimated cost range

Output a written report with photos within 24 hours.

Acceptance Criteria

• All planes inspected
• Penetrations + flashings inspected
• Attic inspected (when accessible)
• 15+ photos taken
• Written report delivered within 24 hours
• Each finding tagged with severity + recommendation

Common pitfalls

• Skipping the attic: half the diagnostic value is up there
• Walking on wet roof: dangerous; reschedule
• Missing hail damage: requires close inspection; soft-metal vents are the tell
• Not photographing reference shots: customer can't tell where the problem is
• Quoting on the roof: never; quote after office review

Safety notes

• Two-person team minimum if roof > 6/12 pitch
• Harness required on steep roofs
• Never inspect during/after rain or with frost
• Hot roofs (summer afternoons) cause heat exhaustion + shingle damage from foot traffic
• Wear sunscreen, hat, water bottle

References

• NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) inspection guidelines
• HAAG Engineering inspection certification
• Manuall internal: Identify Storm Damage on Asphalt Shingle Roofs, Asphalt Shingle Types + Ratings Reference