1. Objective of survey

1.1. Examine

Examine roof systems and products to evaluate and determine the cause and extent of natural aging, normal wear, or damage related to either wind, hail, fire, cold weather or other event.

1.2. Collect

Collect data and document conditions of the roof systems at that point in time.

1.2.1. Report on observed conditions

1.2.2. Compare to prior data and documentation, if available, to observe patterns of damage and weathering

2. Prepare for the survey

[expand title=”2.1. Pre-inspection research” tag=”h2″]
[expandsub1 title=”2.1.1. Recent and past storm reports”]
[expandsub2 title=”2.1.1.1. Public data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)”]

2.1.1.1.1. National Centers for Environmental Information (formerly NCDC) (www.ncdc.noaa.gov)

2.1.1.1.2. Storm Prediction Center (SPC) (www.spc.noaa.gov)

2.1.1.1.3. National Weather Service (NWS) (www.weather.gov)

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2.1.1.2. Proprietary storm data—available from several vendors

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2.1.2. Aerial roof measurements and photos—verify in field

2.1.3. Obtain previous building permit history, if available

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[expand title=”2.2. Pre-inspection interview with building owner or general contractor” tag=”h2″]
[expandsub1 title=”2.2.1. Determine:”]

2.2.1.1. Main site contact and obtain phone number

2.2.1.2. Steep slope or low slope

2.2.1.3. Approximate roof and eave heights

2.2.1.4. Roof escort, if needed

2.2.1.5. Is there existing roof access, internal building hatch, or external ladder?

2.2.1.6. Is there a parapet? If so, what is the height since it can alter access via extension ladder?

2.2.1.7. Locations of skylights or other roof openings, if any

2.2.1.8. Company policies including site/roof/safety requirements

2.2.1.9. Request desire to do closing conference on preliminary findings

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[expandsub1 title=”2.2.2. Request the following information:”]
[expandsub2 title=”2.2.2.1. Available roof and building documentation”]

2.2.2.1.1. Known issues, leaking, etc.

2.2.2.1.2. Age of roof covering

2.2.2.1.3. Reason for new roof install (if not original)

2.2.2.1.4. Roof type

2.2.2.1.5. Manufacturer of roof covering, installation requirements, system approvals

2.2.2.1.6. Building history

2.2.2.1.7. Maintenance history

2.2.2.1.8. Roof penetration and skylight locations

2.2.2.1.9. Warranty information

2.2.2.1.10. Previous weather event roof performance history

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2.2.2.2. Give notice to building occupants, tenants, and security personnel

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2.2.3. Obtain written permission from building owner for the date and time of site visit, and bring proof with you

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[expand title=”2.3. Equipment (not all-inclusive)” tag=”h2″]

2.3.1. Ladder or other access to the roof

2.3.2. Bag or tool belt

2.3.3. Digital camera

2.3.4. Notepad and pens

2.3.5. Gloves

2.3.6. Standard or laser tape measure

2.3.7. Small ruler or scale for photographs

2.3.8. Digital level or pitch gauge

2.3.9. Compass/GPS

2.3.10. Chalk, grease pen, or other device to mark on roof

2.3.11. Cell phone

2.3.12. Weather-appropriate and highly visible clothing, sunscreen

2.3.13. Steel toe, steel plate safety shoes, or other appropriate footwear as needed

2.3.14. Proper fall protection

2.3.15. Bug spray/hornet spray

2.3.16. Moisture meter

2.3.17. Thermal imaging camera

2.3.18. Spreader boards

2.3.19. Pads

2.3.20. Manlifts

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2.4. Know expected weather conditions before you arrive

3. At the site/Conducting the survey

[expand title=”3.1. Interview owner/representative” tag=”h2″ expanded=”true”]

3.1.1. Review documentation—roof info, as-built drawings

3.1.2. Identify areas of concern to owner/rep

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[expand title=”3.2. Site and building exterior examination” tag=”h2″]
[expandsub1 title=”3.2.1. Walk around buildings to identify safety issues related to your personal safety as it relates to the survey and if it will impede your investigation”]

3.2.1.1. Clearly state that purpose of the investigation is not a life safety survey, but report safety hazards to building owner/occupant/authority immediately as it relates to personal safety and if it will impede your investigation

3.2.1.2. Note any roof staining or discoloration on steep slope roofs that may be slick or hazardous to walk on

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3.2.2. Identify material types, unusual features

3.2.3. Take note of sheltering structures or other features (topography)

3.2.4. Collect photographic documentation with corresponding notes

[expandsub1 title=”3.2.5. View underside of deck from inside the building”]

3.2.5.1. Examine ceilings for water leaks and stains

3.2.5.2. Obtain access through hatch, mechanical/electrical/utility room, or through removable tiles in suspended ceilings, if available

3.2.5.3. Examine deck for water leaks or stains, paying close attention to roof penetrations, perimeters and corners

3.2.5.4. Examine insulation for water leaks or stains

3.2.5.5. Examine deck for diffuse sunlight

3.2.5.6. Identify areas of possible damage to structural support

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3.2.6. Occupied space examination for water leaks and stains

[expandsub1 title=”3.2.7. Roof-level examination”]
[expandsub2 title=”3.2.7.1. Overview of roof”]

3.2.7.1.1. Types of roofing materials

[expandsub3 title=”3.2.7.1.2. Roof topography and hazards”]

3.2.7.1.2.1. Roof edges

3.2.7.1.2.2. Drops, steps, changes in elevation or slope

3.2.7.1.2.3. Penetration locations, penetrations created by dislodged or missing roof-mounted equipment

3.2.7.1.2.4. Overhead obstructions, particularly electrical power lines

3.2.7.1.2.5. Trip and fall hazards (cables, plumbing lines, etc.)

3.2.7.1.2.6. Exhaust fumes

3.2.7.1.2.7. Hazardous materials or equipment

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[expandsub3 title=”3.2.7.1.3. Skylight locations”]

3.2.7.1.3.1. In-plane translucent panels without curbs

3.2.7.1.3.2. Curbed skylights

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3.2.7.1.4. Verify roof measurements from aerial report or draw field diagram

3.2.7.1.5. Document roof penetrations and drains and quantify

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[expandsub2 title=”3.2.7.2. Evaluate the roof system” ]
[expandsub3 title=”3.2.7.2.1. Roof assembly components, such as:”]

3.2.7.2.1.1. Coatings

3.2.7.2.1.2. Membranes

3.2.7.2.1.3. Perimeter edge flashing/fascia; step and valley flashing

3.2.7.2.1.4. Gutters

3.2.7.2.1.5. Transition flashing between cover and roof-mounted equipment or penetrations (AC units, roof hatches, skylights, chimneys, curb-mounted equipment, etc.)

3.2.7.2.1.6. Slip sheets

3.2.7.2.1.7. Insulation, base sheet, and cover boards

3.2.7.2.1.8. Air or vapor barriers

3.2.7.2.1.9. Ventilation

3.2.7.2.1.10. Decking

3.2.7.2.1.11. Cladding or roof covering

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3.2.7.2.2. Verify installation/attachment of roof components as able

3.2.7.2.3. Weathered condition—see individual roof material sections for information on typical weathering patterns

[expandsub3 title=”3.2.7.2.4. Physical conditions”]

3.2.7.2.4.1. Watertightness

3.2.7.2.4.2. Openings/gaps

3.2.7.2.4.3. Seams and seals

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3.2.7.3. Evaluate roof-mounted equipment (AC units, curb-mounted equipment, satellite dishes, photovoltaic panels, etc.) to determine if they were involved with any noted damage

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[expand title=”3.3. Wind effects” tag=”h2″]
[expandsub1 title=”3.3.1. External structural overview”]

3.3.1.1. Identify building materials used for walls and roof

3.3.1.2. Identify and document materials and systems that were damaged and those that were not damaged

[expandsub2 title=”3.3.1.3. Identify patterns of damage typical of wind, and document/quantify items”]

3.3.1.3.1. Displaced or missing facade materials (e.g., siding), or window screens

3.3.1.3.2. Broken windows or tree branches

3.3.1.3.3. Breached garage doors

3.3.1.3.4. Gouges, cuts or dents in materials

3.3.1.3.5. Missing, loose or deformed perimeter edge metal, fascia, parapet coping, gutters or downspouts

3.3.1.3.6. Missing or loose roof coverings, insulation and roof deck

3.3.1.3.7. Penetrations or other wall openings directly below areas of roof covering or edge metal/fascia failure where pressurization may have occurred

3.3.1.3.8. Attic ventilation or roof damage locations that may coincide with interior water damage

3.3.1.4. Identify patterns of damage atypical of wind, and document/quantify items (these could be indicative of man-made damage or improper maintenance or installation)

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[expandsub1 title=”3.3.2. Interior overview”]

3.3.2.1. Identify, quantify and document materials and systems that were damaged because of breaches or openings in the building envelope

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[/expand]
[expand title=”3.4. Hail effects” tag=”h2″]
[expandsub1 title=”3.4.1. Evaluate spatter marks, where oxidation film or coating has been removed”]

3.4.1.1. Size

3.4.1.2. Direction

3.4.1.3. Shape/splay

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[expandsub1 title=”3.4.2. Evaluate dents”]

3.4.2.1. Size

3.4.2.2. Direction

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[expandsub1 title=”3.4.3. External structural overview”]

3.4.3.1. Identify exposed surfaces

3.4.3.2. Identify, compare and document materials that were damaged and those that were not damaged

3.4.3.3. Identify patterns of damage typical of hail, and document items and quantity

3.4.3.4. Identify patterns of damage atypical of hail, and document items and quantity—these could be the result of natural aging and weathering, accidental or intentional mechanical damage, or due to poor maintenance

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[expandsub1 title=”3.4.4. Differentiating between hail damage and non-hail damage on the roof surface”]
[expandsub2 title=”3.4.4.1. Identify marks and anomalies with certain characteristics:”]

3.4.4.1.1. Indications of hail damage, weathering and aging will vary by roof type—see individual material sections for detailed descriptions

3.4.4.1.2. Indications of accidental mechanical damage may be the result of fallen trees or limbs on or near the home, footfall or dropped tools during the repair or installation process, golf balls, etc.

[expandsub3 title=”3.4.4.1.3. Indications of intentional mechanical damage may be in the form of repeated patterns of damage (same size, shape, or depth of mark, same location on pieces, same locations on roof, etc.)”]

3.4.4.1.3.1. Well-defined edges (possibly caused by tools)

3.4.4.1.3.2. Occur in areas that were not exposed to hail

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3.4.4.2. Examine anomalies under magnification to determine origin

3.4.4.3. Consider the anomalies in context of their surroundings (near roof-mounted equipment, along valleys or areas of expected foot traffic, in areas of expected maintenance activity)

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[expand title=”3.5. Fire effects” tag=”h2″]
[expandsub1 title=”3.5.1. External structural overview”]
[expandsub2 title=”3.5.1.1. Investigate exterior locations for evidence of fire. Areas to inspect include roof covering, exterior siding and materials in the under-eave and rake-end area.”]

3.5.1.1.1. Observed deposition of smoke and / or soot on exposed surfaces?

3.5.1.1.2. Evidence of charring on exposed wood or other members?

3.5.1.1.3. Do near-building trees or other landscaping vegetation show evidence of burning?

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3.5.1.2. Identify, evaluate, and document fire severity as a function of location.1

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[expandsub1 title=”3.5.2. Interior structural overview”]
[expandsub2 title=”3.5.2.1. Investigate interior locations, including attic and crawl space, if present, for evidence of fire.”]

3.5.2.1.1. Observed deposition of smoke and / or soot on exposed surfaces?

3.5.2.1.2. Smoke odor in building at time of inspection?

3.5.2.1.3. Evidence of charring on exposed wood members?

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3.5.2.2. Identify, evaluate, and document fire severity as a function of location (attic space, rooms, areas within or between room)1.

[expandsub2 title=”3.5.2.3. Investigate the presence and operation of a fire suppression system and/or smoke/fire detection system.”]
[expandsub3 title=”3.5.2.3.1. If there is a system, was it connected to a central monitoring station?”]

3.5.2.3.1.1. If yes, was the fire department properly notified?

3.5.2.3.1.2. Did it operate properly?

3.5.2.3.1.3. Was the fire suppression system adequately designed for the occupancy it is protecting?

3.5.2.3.1.4. Was there an improperly closed sprinkler control valve? Was there a significant decrease in the water supply?

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3.5.2.3.2. Were there other factors contributing to the severity of affected area?

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4. After the survey

4.1. Organize and label photographs

4.2. Review additional weather data as needed

4.3. Consult with design professional or component manufacturer as needed

4.4. Report on findings

4.4.1. Report safety hazards to building owner/occupant/authority immediately as it relates to survey personal safety and if it impeded your investigation

4.4.2. Clearly state that purpose of the investigation is not a life safety survey