Roofing Inspection Checklist

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Christopher Gaines
6 years ago
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2 Roofing Inspection Checklist Pitched Roofs Are there any visual signs of sagging, patched, uneven, wavy, or damaged sections? If there were signs of sagging or damaged sections did you inspect the attic area on the underside? Are there overhaning trees, branches, that have or could cause damage to the roof? Does the roof have any debris on it that needs to be cleaned? Did you visually inspect all slopes and area's of the roof? Are there any worn or missing roof flashings? Is the area below the roof deck ventilated? Asphalt Shingles Wood Shingles/Shakes Are there any curling, cracked, blistered, stained or missing shingles? Have the shingles detoriated to a point where they should be replaced? If they are asphalt shingles have any of the shingles lost their stone granules? Are there large amounts of stone granules in the gutters? A small amount is normal a large amount is not. Is there a difference between one side of the roof versus the other because of sun exposure? Are there any areas of the roof that have clearly been patched? How many layers of shingles are there? There should not be more then two layers in most areas. Do you know how old the roof shingles are? If the roof has recently been reshingled is there a guarantee/warranty available? Are there any rotting, loose, cracked, chipped or missing shingles? Is there a buildup of moss anywhere on the roof? Are there any parts of the roof that get a lot of shade?

3 Tile, Slate, Asbestos Cement Do you know how old the roof shingles are? Are there any cracked, chipped, flaking or missing sections? Are any of the slate shingles ribbon slate because those roofs often crack after 10 years? Are any of the areas of the roof patched with asphalt cement? Are the valley joints filled with asphalt cement? Are there snow guards along the edge of the roof to keep the snow from falling off? Flat Roofs Are there any cracked, split, blistered, eroded, or punctured areas of the roof? Are there any open joints or seams that water could leak through? If so they should be sealed. Are there any areas where the roof has been patched already? Are there any areas where there are wrinkled sections, blisters, in the membrane? Are there any areas with missing aggregate? Are there any areas of the roof where water has pooled or low areas where water could pool? Is the roof drainage system working? Attic or Top Is the area below roof deck properly ventilated? Have you checked the ceilings on the top floor for signs of water damage? Are there any signs of leaking or stains in the attic or the top floor if there is no attic? Are there any stains around the vent pipes? Are there any rafters that are warping, buckling, bowing, cracking, or rotting? Is there any leakage around the chimney that penetrates through to the roof decking? Is there any damage to the roof truss system? Is there any water damage in or around the skylights?

4 Gutters Exterior Mounted Gutters Built In Gutters Downspouts Have you identified the type of gutters on the home? Aluminum, copper, wood, vinyl, galvanized iron? Are there any missing sections of gutters? Are there any gutter sections sagging, incorrectly installed, or incorrectly pitched? Are there any holes anywhere in the gutters or areas where they are visibly leaking? Are there any gutters with loose spikes or support straps? If they are wood gutters are there any areas rotting? Are there any areas visibly leaking? Area there any areas with rotting trim? Are there any signs of seepage stains in the soffit trim below the gutters? Have you checked the condition of the gutter channel? Are there any missing downspouts? Are there in improper joint connections? Are there any loose spikes or support straps? Do the downspouts have elbows at the base and splash plates? Do the downspouts terminate in the ground? If so do you know where that drainage goes?

5 Siding Wood Aluminum or Vinyl Is the bottom of the siding is in contact with the ground? Are there any chipped or cracked boards or open joints that could allow for water intrusion? Can you see any discoloration or rotten boards? Is the paint faded and have signs of wear such as flaking or peeling? Do you see any obvious signs of incorrect insulation or nailing? Are there visible signs of vegetation or vines growing on the home? Do you see any bucking or waviness in the siding? Does the siding contain insulation backer boards? Are there any open joints or loose siding allowing for water intrusion? If there's aluminum siding are there electrical ground connections? Stucco-Cement & Synthetic Do you see dented, cracked or missing siding? Is the condition of the paint on the stucco adequate? Are there loose, missing, peeling, or bulging walls? Are the gaps between the windows, siding, and door frame sealed adequately? Do you see any general signs of water intrusion or moisture in those areas? Masonry and Veneer Are there loose or bulging sections? What is the condition of the mortor joints? Bonus Inspection Items Upon looking at the exterior are there any sings of water intrusion? Any signs of lead based paint?

6 Masonry Bricks Are all the bricks the same? Are there areas where the bricks are not evenly placed and give a wavy appearance? Do you see lentil plates holding up the masonry at window and/or door frames? Can you see flashing around the chimney, porches and decks? Are there cracked bricks anywhere around the home. Grout Is there missing grout anywhere? Chimney Bonus Material Do you see different colored grout throughout the exterior? Is there any separation from the bricks and the grout alluding to movement in the structure? Is the chimney seperating from the house or leaning? Are there open joints between the chimney and house/sidewall? (For flat roofs) does the chimney extend 3 ft above the roofline? (Pitched roof) 2 ft above the roofline? Is there a chimney damper cap located on the chimney top? Are there weep holes present?

7 Exterior Painting General Is the paint pealing, cracked or chipped? Does the paint look faded? Is it lead based paint? Power wash needed? Are nail heads exposed and rusted causing a need to prime? Will you need to caulk wood gaps and rodent holes prior to painting?

8 Windows Windows Are there any cracked or broken panes? If the windows look to be recently painted are they painted shut? Are the panes secured to sashes? Are panes and sashes properly secured to sashes? What condition are the sills? Are they cracked or wrotten? Do you see signs of condensation or discoloration behind the window panes? Seals broken? Screens Are the windows secure and have the proper caulking? Are the window frames square as they are intended to be? Are there any missing screens? Do you see holes in the screens or rips and tears?

9 Garage General Inspection Items Any signs of plumbing leaks or water stains in the ceiling? Are the water pipes insulated? What is the drainage like around the exterior of the garage? Do you see any signs of water intrusion or silt remnants? Does the floor have cracked or uneven sections? Is there a floor drain? Does the garage door opener work? Are there missing or broken springs, locks, restraining cable, or wheels on the garage door? Are there any broken windows or exterior doors that need replacing? Do the garage lights, outlets and switches all work? If the garage door is electric does it work in both directions? Do all the doors have a tight seal? If there is a furnace in the garage is the burner 18 inches high around the unit? Is the furnace on a raised slab? Is there an attic hatch access in the garage? Are there any signs of wood rot or termite damage at the wood sills? If there is a hot water heater is it properly vented? Are there any exposed electrical wires? Attached Garage If garage and basement areas are combined is there a fire rated wall separating them? Is the interior garage door a minimum of one step above the garage floor? Does it look to have a fire-resistant door

10 Detached Garage ***All they typical exterior home inspections*** Roof, windows, gutters, attic/framing, Does the flooring have cracked or broken sections (concrete or asphalt)? Is there a heating unit in the space? If so is it vented properly? If there is a heater is there any contact of wood to the exhaust stack causing a fire hazard? Are there any signs of foundation issues around the parimeter such as cracked, bowed, or sinking areas?

11 Landscaping Lawn Are there holes, dead spots, or areas with deep erosion? Find out if there are soft areas that may be because of drainage or shaded areas? Are the handrails up to code and securely affixed to the home? How do the steps look? Are they even, cracked, or missing sections? Drainage How level is the lot? Does water flow into the house? Where is the lot located in relation to its surrounding, is it at the bottom of a hill? Are there any signs of previously installed drainage such as catch basins or storm drains? Is the property located near any bodies of water that could cause issues? Is the property in a flood plain? When you look at all 4 sides of the home is the ground graded so appropriately sloping away from the home? Shrubs & Flower Beds Are there visible areas that could collect water on the lot? Do you see any footing drains and if you do can find the outlets for these? Are the shrubs overgrown and blocking sections of the property? Are there areas that need attention such as pruning or removing? Does the property have vines covering any part of it? Will we need to add flower beds to any areas? Trees Are there any dead trees that need to be removed? Do any of the trees have obvious signs of infection from insects and show signs of rot? Are the trees in contact with the house or overhanging the roof?

12 Retaining Walls Do you see loose or crumbling sections? If it's a wood constructed wall are there proper tie backs? Any signs of wood rot, termite damage, or loose wood structures? Is there proper drainage on the retaining wall? Are there any weap holes at the base of the wall, are they spaced correctly and large enough? Does the wall look to be leaning or look unstable?

13 Concrete Flatwork Sidewalks Are there uneven sections? Do you notice cracked or missing sections that would become a tripping hazard? Is it improperly pitched towards the house? Entry Steps Are there cracked, missing, or eroded sections? Are handrails missing or not secured properly? Is there rot anywhere on the rails or steps? Do you see evidence of rust or corrosion on the handrails? Does the front door open onto a step creating a tripping hazard? Does the front door or screened door scrape against the stairs? Do see any settling that may have occured due to drainage issues? Driveway Is the driveway sloping towards the house or the garage? For an inclined driveway is there an adequate drain at the base of it? Is the width of the driveway adequate? (9ft preferred) Are there any signs of settling, major cracks or erosion?

14 Deck General Deck Does the appearence of the deck look safe and secure? Are the railings and handrails secure? Do you see any signs of wood rot or termite damage? Did they use the proper lag bolts to secure the deck to the home or did they use nails? Where there permits pulled for the deck? Are the metal columns rusted and need replacement? Do you see issues with the joist supports? Under Deck Are the deck boards supported correctly by metal brackets or are they toe-nailed? Are there any missing, cracked, or rotting joist, ledger, and girder boards? Is there diagonal bracing for additional support? Are any of the columns loose? Are concrete piers cracked or loose? Are the stringers property supported by a concrete slab/pad or are they directly in contact with the ground?

15 Canopy Area Is the wood frame resting on a concrete slab or brick? Are there signs of wood rot or termite damage? Is the structure leaning or falling down? If affixed to the home were lag bolts used?

16 Fence Metal Are there rusty sections? Are they secure in the ground? Are the gates secure? Is there sagging anywhere? Is it leaning? Wood Do you see broken or bowed boards that need replacement? Are there signs of wood rot or termite damage? Is it painted/stained and do I need to re-paint/stain? Is it sturdy when you lean on it or touch it?

17 Pool General Where permits pulled? Does the pool currently have a fence and is it in good condition? Are the gates self closing or self latching? Pool Deck Are the grab rails and pool ladder or slide securly attached to the deck? Is the condition of the diving board safe? Are there any tripping hazards with the deck because of uneven boards or gaps in joists? Vinyl-Lined Is the lining in good condition or does it need to be replaced? Do you see any staining on the bottom of the liner? Has the lining pulled out of edge retainer? Concrete How do the tiles in the pool look? Are they cracked or chipped or missing? Do you see any visible cracks in the sidewalls? In what condition is the painted surface? Does it have chips or cracks? Does the skimmer and strainer basket look to be in good condition? Is the plaster weathered? Pool Equipment Do you see the water discharging bubbles? How does the pool pump sound, is it noisy? Is the pump hot and has it been running dry? Do you see signs of condensation around the pump? Inspect the pool cover does it have any rips or torn sections? When looking at the heater is there any scale buildup or rust around it? Is the heater cycling adequately? Does the pressure gauge work on the filter? Take note to the pool lights are they all working? Do all the outlets around the pool have a GFI?

18 Septic General Are there any foul odors around the septic? When was the last time it was cleaned or serviced? Do you see any obvious signs of a leak around the tank?

19 Framing Interior Closed Walls (Covered w/sheetrock for example) Are the walls the same height? Do the walls run flush to the ceiling or are there gaps? Are there signs of warped or bowing walls? Interior Exposed Walls Is the spacing between boards of equal distance between one another? Do the openings from one room to the next look completely square? Is the correct lumber used? IE: Pressure treated if it's in contact with ground or concrete Is there adequate bracing in wall corners? Are load bearing walls an adequate distance prior to catching a load or is the distance too far apart? Can you locate plates above or below the studs? Are any of the boards notched for plumbing or electrical? Exterior Walls Does the house have metal or wooden frame? Is the wood pressure treated?

20 Bathrooms General Shower Comode Vanity Is there an exhaust fan and is it working? Does the hot water work? Are there cracks or rot in the flooring? Are there loose, cracked or missing tiles? Does the faucet or shower head leak? Are there spongy or loose sections on the walls pointing to potential rot and/or plumbing issues? If there is a jetted tub is there an access hatch for the pump motor? Is the water pressure adequate? Is the drain clogged? Is there proper seal around the comode? Is it loose or adequately affixed to the floor? Does it flush properly or is it clogged? Are the sinks and bowls secured? Do you see any leaks? Is there a P Trap plumbing system? Is the sink draining properly?

21 Foundation Concrete & Brick Are there considerable cracks? Is it uneven and not level? Are there uneven, loose, or missing mortar joints? Do you see long sections that have shifted or don't line up correctly? Does the foundation wall have a bowing to it? Can you see any long horizontal cracks that could be a sign of settling? Wood Are there noticeable sag in the floor joists or girders? Do you see bridging, notching, blocking in the floor joists? Do the wood columns have any major cracks? Is the subflooring in good condition? (Below bathrooms if you're in a crawlspace or basement) General Are there signs of water seepage anywhere? Do you see sump pumps on the property? Is there standing water in the sump pit? Are the concrete pads sloped away from the home? Are there water stains on the basement walls? Is there a musky smell in the basement or crawl space?

22 Kitchen Appliances Refrigerator Does the refrigerator cool properly? Is the freezer working? Stove Is the seal tight on the door? Are there leaks with the water supply running to the refrigerator? If gas do the pilots light? Does the oven heat properly? Does the exhaust fan vent correctly? Microwave Is the clock working? If it's mounted does the mount seem secure? Does the microwave turn on when you attempt to turn it on? Dishwasher Is it properly secured and fastened to the countertop? Does the drain hose flow the water correctly? Does the seal work on the dishwasher?

23 Kitchen Repair General Does the garbage disposal function correctly? Is the sink draining? Is there a P trap under the sink? Does the range hood fan function properly? Counters If granite does it look like it's been sealed? Are laminate counters nicked, broken, or damaged? If the counter is tiled do you see missing grout? Is the grout on a tiled countertop miscolored? Cabinets Are any of the doors missing? Do you see any missing hardware? Are the hinges broken? Do all the cabinets have shelving?

24 Flooring Hardwood Are the floors bowing? Do they need to be re-stained? Are there any major stains? Do boards need to be replaced? Tile Are they asbestos based tiles? Do you see cracks or chips in the tile? Is there dis-colored grout? Are any tiles loose? Vinyl Do you see rips or tears? Is it pealing from the floor? Carpet Are there noticable stains? Do you see rips or tears? Is the carpet loose and bunched up?

25 HVAC Furnace AC Condenser Is the unit older than 8 years? Are there registers in each room or radiators? Do dampers work on the registers? Look at the radiators and see if there are broken shutoff valves? Is the ductwork adequately secure or is touching the ground? Is the thermostat functioning? Does the air handler work as intended? Are there any signs of rust or corrosion? When the unit is running does it shortcycle? Do you see any ice buildup on the coil? Is there adequate air supply for the system? During startup do you notice any puffback or kicking back of flames? If oil fired do you notice any water seepage in the firebox through joints? Does the smoke pipe have any corrosion holes, open joints, sagging etc? Do you hear any sounds upon startup? Is the unit short cycling? Do you see frosting on the refrigerant line? Does the unit sit on a concrete slab or blocks for support? Is it level? Is the main disconnect located near the unit?

26 Plumbing General Fixtures Where are the vent stacks located? Do they terminate near windows or go up the exterior of the house? What kind of piping is there throughout the home is there any poly b? Has the copper piping been removed? Are there any noticable odors? Do you see stains or signs of leaks anywhere? Is there any visible pipe corrosion or rust? Is there standing water anywhere in the house? Does the house have lead pipes anywhere? Are the sinks or toilets loose? Do the faucets leak either at the handle or spouts? Does everything drain properly or do they clog up quick? Does the sink of an S trap? Does the toilet fill up and empty correctly? Do you notice any makeshift patches on any of the plumbing? Is there a shutoff valve for the supply lines? Water Pressure Does the hot water work? Is there low water pressure?

27 Distribution Piping Any signs of leakage, rust or corrosion? Are there mineral deposits on the bottom of pipes? (Brass pipes) Are the pipes insulated in the crawl space and other non heated areas? Is there adequate distance between hot and cold pipes? Drainage Piping Are any of the pipe lines sagging or pitched incorrectly? Are they leaking? Is there a sewer ejector pump below the floor slab?

28 Electrical Exterior Are the inlet service wires securly fastened to the home? Are the inlet wires cracked, frayed, or missing wires? Do the trees touch the overhead wires? Is the proper wiring used? (UF-Sunlight Resistant) Are the outside outlets GFI outlets? Do you see any loose and exposed wires? Interior Is there a Federal Pacific Electrical Panel? Does the panel have a main disconnect? Is there evidence of leakage? Is there aluminum wiring? Do all the light switches work correctly? Are all circuits protected by fuses or circuit breakers? Are there burned out fuses? Do you have a minimum of 2 20 amp appliance circuits? Groundin g Do you see dated knob and tube wiring? Are there any 2 pronged outlets that are not grounded? Do the wet areas have GFI outlets?

Home Condition Checklist

Home Condition Checklist What to bring: 1. Flashlight 2. Pen 3. Paper 4. Gloves 5. Old Clothes/shoes 6. This list Start with the exterior of the home and work in one direction, with enough distance to