Roofs
Roof system consists of the structural deck, weathering surface, flashing, parapet, and drainage system. They may be flat or pitched.
This inspectable item can have the following deficiencies:
- Damaged/Clogged Drains
- Damaged Soffits/Fascia
- Damaged Vents
- Damaged/Torn Membrane/Missing Ballast
- Missing/Damaged Components from Downspout/Gutter
- Missing/Damaged Shingles
- Ponding (Roofs)
Comment:
Level 3: If you have any doubt about the severity of the condition, an inspection by a roofing specialist is recommended.
Damaged/Clogged Drains
Deficiency: The drainage system does not effectively remove water. Generally, this deficiency applies to flat roofs.
Note:
- This does not include gutters and downspouts.
- If there has been measurable precipitation (1/10 inch or more) during the previous 48 hours, consider the impact on the extent of the ponding. Determine that ponding has occurred only when there is clear evidence of a persistent or long-standing problem.
Level of Deficiency:
Level 1: N/A
Level 2: You see debris around or in a drain, but no evidence of ponding.
- OR The drain is damaged or partially clogged with debris, but the drain system still functions and you see no evidence of ponding.
Level 3: The drain is so damaged or clogged with debris that the drain no longer functions, as shown by ponding.
Damaged Soffits/Fascia/Soffit Vents
Deficiency: You see damage to soffit, fascia, soffit vents, or associated components that may provide opportunity for water penetration or other damage from natural elements.
Level of Deficiency:
Level 1: You see damage to soffits, fascia or soffit vents, but no obvious opportunities for water penetration.
Level 2: N/A
Level 3: Soffits, fascia or soffit vents that should be there are missing or so damaged that water penetration is visibly possible.
Damaged Vents
Deficiency: Damaged vents on or extending through the roof surface or components are damaged or missing. Vents include ridge vents, gable vents, plumbing vents, gas vents, and others.
Note: This does not include exhaust fans on the roof or soffit vents:
- Exhaust fans are covered under "Roof Exhaust System (Building Systems).”
- Soffit vents are covered under "Damaged Soffits/Fascia/Soffit Vents (Roofs – Building Exterior)."
Level of Deficiency:
Level 1: The vents are visibly damaged, but do not present an obvious risk to promote further roof damage.
Level 2: N/A
Level 3: Vents are missing or so visibly damaged that further roof damage is possible.
Damaged/Torn Membrane/Missing Ballast
Deficiency: In the membrane or flashing, you see damage that is a rip or tear, including punctures, holes, cracks, blistering, and separated seams. PVC, rubber, bitumen, and similar materials are all subject to tears and punctures.
Level of Deficiency:
Level 1: N/A
Level 2: Ballast has shifted and no longer functions as it should.
Level 3: You see signs of damage, as defined above, to the membrane that may result in water penetration.
Missing/Damaged Components from Downspout/Gutter
Deficiency: You see that components of the drainage system, including gutters, leaders, downspouts, splashblocks, and drain openings, are missing or damaged.
Note: This does not include clogged drains. For clogged drains, see "Damaged/Clogged Drains (Roofs – Building Exterior)."
Level of Deficiency:
Level 1: Splashblocks are missing or damaged.
Level 2: You see that drainage system components are missing or damaged, but there is no visible damage to the roof, structure, exterior wall surface, or interior.
Level 3: You see that drainage system components are missing or damaged, causing visible damage to the roof, structure, exterior wall surface, or interior.
Missing/Damaged Shingles
Deficiency: Shingles are missing or damaged, including cracking, warping, cupping, and other deterioration.
Note: A square is 100 square feet.
Level of Deficiency:
Level 1: Up to 1 square of surface material or shingles is missing or damaged from roof areas you survey.
Level 2: One to 2 squares of surface material or shingles are missing or damaged from surveyed roof areas.
Level 3: More than 2 squares of shingles are missing or damaged from surveyed roofing areas.
Ponding
Deficiency: You see evidence of areas of standing water, such as roof depression, mold ring, or effervescence water ring.
Note: If there has been measurable precipitation (1/10 inch or more) during the previous 48 hours, consider the impact on the extent of the ponding. Determine that ponding has occurred only when there is clear evidence of a persistent or long-standing problem.
Level of Deficiency:
Level 1: N/A
Level 2: N/A
Level 3: You see evidence of standing water on the roof, causing potential or visible damage to roof surface or underlying materials.