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Should home inspectors inspect a roof from the ground or should the inspector climb onto the roof?

The roof is typically inspected from the ground
22%
The roof is inspected from the roof
73%
A separate roof inspector should complete the inspection
0%
A roof inspection is not typically included in a normal home inspection
0%
Not sure
2%
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Question: Should home inspectors inspect a roof from the ground or should the inspector climb onto the roof?
Top Answer (73% of 282 votes): The roof is inspected from the roof.

Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Home inspectors are not required to walk on a roof and should do so at their discretion. However, it is not possible to thoroughly inspect a roof from the ground. Only gross defects such as missing shingles can be seen from such a distance. Some inspectors use a drone to inspect roofs they feel are too unsafe to walk upon. This is a viable option but some inspectors feel drone inspection should be a last resort.
Integra Inspection Services, LLC
Answer: The roof is typically inspected from the ground
Explanation: Through the use of drones and ladders a roof can be better inspected from the ground, it minimizes the chance of damage to the roof, especially for certain types of roofing, plus it lowers risk and liability
Structsure Pro Home Inspections
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: And on the ground and always check the attic
CERTIFIED PROPERTY FIELD INSPECTOR LLC
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Walking the roof is always the best method. Although, home inspectors are not required to walk roofs. It's incredibly unsafe without fall reduction equipment. Only the best will take the extra initiative and do it right.
The Home Inspectors
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Unless unsafe too steep or raining I will walk upon the roof surface. I use drone or inspect from ladder with magnification if I cannot walk upon your roof.
S&B Property Inspections LLC
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: If the roof is made of clay tiles, a material we otherwise cannot walk on because it can damage it or higher than one story we use a drone to inspect the roof.
Monaco Home Inspection
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Unless the roof pitch is to steep we walk the roof. Anything over an 8/12 pitch is not walked.
1st Choice Inspection
Answer: The roof is typically inspected from the ground
Explanation: Under typical conditions a roof may be inspected from the roof with a pitch of 5/12 or less. Some conditions such as weather (IE rain, lightning, wind, snow, ice) does not always allow for a roof to be inspected safely, by walking it. Also certain temperatures may prevent a roof from being walked on as it can void the manufactures warranty, therefore the roof may be inspected from the ground, or with a ladder at the eves and in the attic when accessible.
Above & Beyond Professional Home Inspections
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: The roof needs to be inspected up close so the inspector can clearly see if there are any issues with it, the inspector doesn't necessarily need to walk on the entire roof, but will need to get an up close look at the roof to get a good view of it.
Pinkerton Inspection Agency LLC
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is typically inspected from the ground
Explanation: We use a telescoping pole and wi-fi camera so that we can see all areas of the roof and get very detailed photos. Without having to walk on a roof that might be unsafe or damage the roof in anyway.
A Affordable Home Inspector LLC
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: It is required by the Arkansas Standards of Practice that the roof be walked on safely.
Eastridge Home Inspections of Arkansas, LLC
Answer: The roof is typically inspected from the ground
Explanation: I do not go up on a ladder, this avoids liability issues.
Harris Business Professionals
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: The roof is inspected by walking on the roof whenever it is safe to do so.
Louisville Home Inspections LLC
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: There are times when the roof cannot be inspected from walking on it due to a steep pitch and,or increased height.
HouseMaster Home Inspections
Answer: Not sure
Explanation: The InterNACHI Standard of Practice does not require inspectors to walk on any roofs. However, depending on the height and slope of the roof, some inspectors will walk roofs during inspections.
Wise-Up Home Inspection, LLC
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: The roof should be inspected from the roof. However, If the roof is too steep or not accessible from a one story level or it is raining during the inspection, etc. the inspector may choose to inspect it from the ground with binoculars or from the edge of the roof it is is accessible.
Space City Inspections, LLC
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: A roof inspection should be included in all home inspections because the roof protects the entire home. It is accepted practice for inspectors to inspect roofs from the ground for safety reasons, but here at Shedhorn Inspection Services, we believe it is necessary to get up on the roof to do a complete and thorough inspection. All of our inspectors carry ladders with them and will inspect the roof from the roof, if possible and safe.
Shedhorn Inspection Services, LLC
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: It is not required for the inspector to get on the roof and all inspections can be done from the ground or by ladder at the edge of the roof or by Drone
Vertex Inspections
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Unless there are mitigating reasons not to, a roof inspection should be performed from the roof. Some reasons that an inspector would not inspect from the roof are, slope, roof coverings (snow, leaves, etc), or unable to access, such as a very tall roof, three or more stories up.
Johnson Services LLC
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: We believe the roof should be inspected from the roof. Things can be missed if just it is inspected from a ladder or by drone/pictures.
Dynamic Inspections & Construction Services, LLC.
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Weather conditions will dictate how the roof can be inspected.
Reality Property Inspections
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Ideally the roof inspection should be from the roof, but this may be limited due to roof height, pitch, weather and roofing materials.
HomeScope Property Inspection Services LLC
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Normally the roof is inspected from the roof unless the roof is unsafe for the home inspector.
Corpus Christi Home Inspections
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: A home inspector is not required to mount any roof to complete the inspection. A good home inspector will get on a roof to get a close up look at all roof penetrations and areas not visible from the ground.
Safeguard Home Inspection, LLC
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Up close is the best way to inspect the roof.
TnT Home Inspections
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: When it can be done a roof should be walked on by the inspector. Rain and the pitch of a roof may not allow for this every time but as a rule of thumb the roof should be walked.
Heritage Inspectors
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: If it is safe and possible to walk the roof the inspector should do so. You should never walk on a slate roof or tile roof. If the roof has a steep pitch it is also unsafe to walk the roof. The home inspector should get as close to the roof as possible if they are not walking it.
Moran Property Inspections
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Home Inspectors are not required to walk the roof and can gather enough information from eave height or ground(steep roof) to be sufficient, some are now inspecting with remote drone
MDJ Inspection Services LLC
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: If its not raining and the roof looks to be in good shape it should be walked. People look from a ladder or a drone and I feel as though its not the same. You wont see the small stuff from 20 foot away and same goes for looking at a Tiney screen.
Homeinspections123
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Depending on the materials and time of year, safety is always my number one concern. inspection of exterior of roof and in side the attic is mandatory as far as i am concerned.
Property Repair Service & Inspections
ProMatcher
Answer: Not sure
Explanation: I inspect the roof from the roof when possible. Otherwise from a ladder or from the ground with binoculars.
Kairos Home Inspections
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: The roof is inspected from the roof line. If the roof could be damaged by walking on it, it should be done at the top of the ladder.
Royalty Home Solutions, Inc
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: The roof should be inspected from the roof when possible and safe for the inspector. Some roofs are too steep, and therefore have to be inspected from the ground.
Blackland Home Inspections
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: This is the best practice when possible, however, if weather, pitch or height makes this unsafe an inspection from the ground will be completed.
House Call Home Inspections
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: According to the Standards of Practices the inspectors are not required to walk on the roofs of the home due to creating damage to that roof. It is at the discretion of the inspector to whether he or she chooses to do so. There can be many factors involved in that choice, being the hieght or pitch of the roof, or the materials that were used in the covering of the roof. Age could also place a factor in that decision. The inspector should be able to use there ladder in multiple spots if necessary to give a good visual inspection and assessment of the roofing.
Meadow Brook Home Inspection
Answer: The roof is typically inspected from the ground
Explanation: Most home inspector associations SOP do not require inspectors to walk on roofs. It is a judgment call for each inspector for each job
Buckeye Inspection Services
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is typically inspected from the ground
Explanation: It is up to the home inspector whether or not he/she feels safe walking the roof.
BurCan Dynamics LLC
Answer: The roof is typically inspected from the ground
Explanation: Some inspectors will walk on the roof,but there is a risk of damage.
Able Home Inspections
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Always
Allied Services Home Inspection
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: In most cases the inspector will walk the roof, but there are occasions where the roof is too steep or it is not possible to walk it without possible damage.
Contractors Corp.
Answer: The roof is typically inspected from the ground
Explanation: Typically the roof is inspected from the ground with the aid of binoculars and inspected from the attic as to condition of framing, sheathing, ventilation etc.
Ray Inspection Services Corp
Answer: A roof inspection is not typically included in a normal home inspection
Explanation: Although full roof inspections are separate, a home inspector can identify potential problem areas.
Brewer Contract Consulting
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is typically inspected from the ground
Explanation: On the roof is fine as well. Safety first.
TKO Home Inspections, LLC
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: The roof should be inspected from the top or the perimeters of the house. There are several instruments used to inspect the roof condition such as drones, cameras w/ extended poles, among others.
HOME INSPECTOR USA
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Only in circumstances where it is dangerous or damage to roof covering materials is likely to occur should the roof not be walked. Personally I walk every roof I can. It is the only way to get a true up close inspection of the roof covering materials (as well as picture documentation for the report). Always ask how the inspector plans on inspecting the roof before you hire them.
Morrow Inspection Services, PLLC
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Note that the home inspector is not obligated to walk the roof. That doesn't mean they shouldn't. If a roof is safe to walk, we walk it.This allows us to look for even the smallest defects that wouldn't be visible from the ground. Infocus Inspection also has a high-end drone that we fly close to the roof and all chimneys taking ultra-high resolution images that are reviewed carefully for any defects.
InFocus Inspection
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: I personal like to inspect the roof by walking the roof. This is not always possible so ground inspections with binoculars is done when to roof is determined to be unsafe.
Best Choice Inspections
Answer: The roof is typically inspected from the ground
Explanation: Roof inspections are normally done with telephoto lens from the ground providing roof can be seen from all angles. If not then going up on roof is required
At Ease Home Inspection
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: From the roof only if conditions are safe and accessing the roof wont cause roof damage. Not all homes or roof types can be accessed and some situations will require a ground inspection.
Riverbend Property Inspections LLC
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Although the practice of using drones is on the rise.
Highland Home Inspections, LLC
Answer: The roof is typically inspected from the ground
Explanation: The roof can be inspected from the ground or on the roof. Things like roof being to steep, moss growing on the over layment, windy, the roof is wet, has snow or ice on it these are some of the things that will keep an inspector from getting on the roof.
HomeRun Certified Inspections,LLC
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is typically inspected from the ground
Explanation: The roof is typically inspected from the ground or from the edge of the roof so the inspector does not damage the roof by walking on it. If the inspector feels it is safe to walk on the roof they may do so
Smart Choice Home Inspections of WNY
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: We walk every roof we can safely get on (note safely). You cannot see many issues unless you are up close and person with a roof. In addition you can often see the chimney from the roof.
Honest Home Inspections & Milwaukee Mold Inspector
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Our area depends on time of year and weather conditions. We do what is safe for our inspectors. We also have a spectroscope that goes up to take pictures when the roof is accessible. We also have a drone in specific needs to fly over and video the roof to help with times when it is unsafe to walk a roof.
Master Building Inspectors
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: A good inspection should include walking on the roof when ever possible. Sometimes this can not be possible because of the slope of the roof or access to it. Walking roofs is not a requirement for home inspectors because every situation is different. No inspection is worth dying for but walking on a roof can expose items missed with just using binoculars.
840 Inspections
Answer: The roof is typically inspected from the ground
Explanation: We do not climb on the roof because of safety issues & because it could damage the roof. We do inspect roofs from the ground & from a ladder placed next to roof areas, take photos of the roof & zoom in for details.
Home Inspection Solutions
Answer: The roof is typically inspected from the ground
Explanation: Industry standards says a inspector only needs to inspect from the ground (with the use of binoculars) or roof line offor a ladder. Ray REI conducts a roof inspections by physically walking every inch of a roof (when conditions are safe) to insure all areas are seen.
Ray REI
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: We always "walk the roof" unless there is a condition present that would make it unsafe. For example, we don't walk the roof in inclimate weather or if the pitch does not allow safe access. At that point we inspect from the ground, with binoculars and a camera, documenting any issues of concern.
Rightway Residential Home Inspections
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Standards expect inspectors to walk the roof, unless it is unsafe (wet, steep pitch or style) or in some cases on very hot days damage can occur to asphalt roofs.
MTK Inspection Services
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Here are some of the best reasons why it’s important to make sure that the inspector does get on the roof. A. They can determine condition of roofing materials. B. They can check soundness of drains, gutters, and downspouts C. They can check the flashing around roof pipes, chimneys, vents valleys, and the mounting of HVAC units. D. They can look at chimneys to make sure its in good condition. E. They can check caps, ridges, and drip edges.
Certified Real Estate Inspectors
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: A roof is typically inspected from the roof or a ladder unless circumstances don't allow
Everest Home Inspectors
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: In most cases the roof is inspected by walking on it. There are some roofs due to slope or based on the roof covering where this is not just a safety problem, but can damage the roof. Slate and certain tile roofs fall under this category.
ABC Home Inspections LLC
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: However weather permitting there are times when it's not safe to do so. A reputable inspector would reschedule or return on a day with more favorable weather.
Your Home Property Consultants
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: The roof will be inspe,tes from the roof when the inspector feels.it is safe enough to walk on
House detective
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: The roof should be inspected from the roof, but there are times when is must be inspected from a ladder or the ground. Snow, rain, or any condition that could cost harm to the inspector.
A Balance Home Inspection
Answer: The roof is typically inspected from the ground
Explanation: LOX Home Imspections, LLC will typically walk a roof if accessible.
LOX Home Inspections, LLC
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: According to Standards of Practice in which homes are inspected by, a home inspector isn't required to walk on the roof. However most inspectors, including myself will walk a roof when it is safe to do so.
Rife Home Inspections LLC
Answer: Not sure
Explanation: every inspection can be done from the top of a ladder with binoculars but it is best to traverse the roof when ever possible.
Thomas Property Services
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: Roof inspections should be done from the roof if possible
Henson Home Inspections
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is typically inspected from the ground
Explanation: I personally use the ladders and observe the condition of roof from the sides.
Kent Trader, LLC. Inspection Services
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: A roof inspection can be inspected on the roof when possible. If the roof poses a danger to the inspector or may result in damage to the roof, it is best inspected from the ground.
Coast Home Inspection
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: You should inspect the roof both on the exterior and interior,climb on top and from the attic
A & H PROPERTIES
ProMatcher
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: But only if the home inspector is comfortable enough to inspect a roof. Some circumstances may prevent a inspector from walking the roof such as pitch, height, or surface material of roof.
Western Kentucky Home Inspections
Answer: The roof is typically inspected from the ground
Explanation: Most inspectors will not climb a traditional (non-flat) roof. The only true way to determine leaks and effectiveness is through an inspection of the attic. There is also the chance to damage a roof by walking on it causing leaks. Flat roofs should be walked.
North Dynamic Inspections
Answer: The roof is inspected from the roof
Explanation: The roof inspection standards of practice state the house may be inspected from the ground an is left to the inspector to make a safety determination on walking the roof. Some roofs should not be walked on. The slope of the roof, snow, and material type is evaluated by individual inspectors before walking a roof.
Corley Home Inspections, LLC
ProMatcher
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