Roof Inspection Form Guide for Property Managers

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Posted Nov 4, 2024

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As a property manager, conducting regular roof inspections is crucial to ensure the safety and integrity of your buildings. This is especially important in areas prone to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes or heavy snowfall.

A well-structured roof inspection form can help you identify potential issues before they become major problems. This is why it's essential to have a comprehensive guide to create an effective roof inspection form.

The roof inspection form should include sections for inspecting the roof's condition, identifying potential hazards, and documenting any necessary repairs. This will help you stay organized and ensure that all necessary steps are taken to address any issues found during the inspection.

A typical roof inspection form should include sections for inspecting the roof's condition, such as checking for cracks, damage, and wear.

For more insights, see: Home Inspection before Renovation

Preparation

Before conducting a roof inspection, it's essential to gather the right tools and equipment. This includes a ladder, flashlight, camera, and inspection report form.

Additional reading: Home Renovation Inspection

Credit: youtube.com, What a Proper Roof Inspection Looks Like

The inspection report form should include sections for identifying the property and the roof, such as the address, type of roof, and square footage.

A thorough roof inspection requires checking for damaged, missing, or loose shingles, which can be caused by weather conditions like heavy rain or high winds.

Inspectors should also check for signs of wear and tear on flashings, vents, and skylights, which can be indicative of underlying issues.

The inspection report should include notes on the condition of the roof's underlayment, which is the layer of material between the roof deck and the shingles.

Inspectors should also check for any signs of pest or rodent infestation, which can cause significant damage to the roof's structure.

Exterior

The exterior of your roof is just as important as the interior when it comes to inspecting for potential issues. You should check the roof covering for any damage or wear.

Roof covering can be made of various materials, such as shingles or metal panels, and it's essential to inspect them for signs of damage, including cracks, missing pieces, curling, or blistering. The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) Standards of Practice (SOP) or the manufacturer's installation guide for roofing systems can be helpful references for inspectors in creating roof inspection checklists.

Credit: youtube.com, What to Look for During a Roof Inspection | Pro Exteriors & Construction

Flashing is also a critical component to inspect, as it's the metal or rubber material installed around roof penetrations and along roof edges. Make sure the flashing is secure, intact, and properly sealed to prevent water intrusion.

Gutters and downspouts should be examined for debris accumulation, clogs, or damage. Ensure that they are securely attached to the roof edge and properly channeling water away from the foundation.

Here's a quick rundown of the exterior components to inspect:

  1. Roof covering
  2. Flashing
  3. Gutters and downspouts
  4. Eaves and soffits
  5. Fascia
  6. Skylights
  7. Chimney

Reporting

Reporting is a crucial part of the roof inspection process. You can save time and increase efficiency by utilizing technology designed to help enhance professionalism.

A roof inspection report template can simplify the process and help you get feedback to your potential customer faster. You can find free templates through a simple Google search or use roofing software that features roof inspection report templates.

To write a roof inspection report, you can leverage pre-built templates and customize the form with any additional fields needed. The basic information to include includes the client name, location, report #, and date of the report.

What Is a Report?

Snow-Covered Roof
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A report is a document that summarizes findings from an inspection process. It's a snapshot of the current condition of a roof, including its structures and features.

A roof report can be created for both residential and commercial spaces. For example, a residential roof report documents the condition of a sloped or flat roof for a homeowner.

The report is designed to document any structural damage, decay, or deterioration found during the inspection. It provides everything the client or owner needs to know about the roof at that given point in time.

A roofing inspection report template is available in PDF format, allowing you to complete the form digitally using a desktop or mobile device with a PDF editor.

Communicate Details Clearly

Communicate details in a way the homeowner can understand. Use your knowledge but keep the reports to the point while avoiding jargon. Easy-to-read reports show your customers that you recognize their needs and aren’t trying to impress them with industry terms they don’t understand.

Credit: youtube.com, Communicating information

A roof inspection report should be clear and concise, making it easy for homeowners to understand the condition of their roof. Researching examples of roof inspection reports can help you develop stronger reports. Look at these reports from the customer’s perspective to envision the essentials as well as what not to include in a report.

Use photos of the problem areas on their roofs to increase your credibility as a professional roofing contractor. Photos of their homes indicate that you’re expressing your concerns about their specific situations. Including photos in your report can also help homeowners see the issues you've identified.

To communicate details clearly, include the following information in your roof inspection report:

  • Basic information – Includes things like the client name, location, report #, date of the report
  • Roof notes – Includes things like estimated roof age and life expectancy, general roof condition, photos captured, and general roof condition notes
  • Roof diagram – Documents the roof type, slopes, and other important elements or parts of the roof
  • Signatures – Sign off with the roof inspector’s signature is included to make it official

By following these tips, you can create clear and concise roof inspection reports that help homeowners understand the condition of their roof and make informed decisions about repairs or maintenance.

Rental Property Forms

As a landlord or property manager, it's essential to have the right forms in place to ensure a smooth rental process. Rental property forms can vary depending on the location and type of property, but they often include a lease agreement, rental application, and move-in/move-out inspection report.

Explore further: Concrete Forms

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A standard rental application typically includes personal and financial information, employment verification, and a credit check. The application may also ask for references and a rental history. The application is usually used to determine the tenant's creditworthiness and ability to pay rent.

A lease agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the rental, including the length of the lease, rent amount, and responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant. It's essential to have a clear and comprehensive lease agreement to avoid disputes and misunderstandings.

ServiceTitan's Custom Forms

ServiceTitan's Custom Forms can be built from scratch or you can use their pre-built templates.

These templates can be customized to a given rental property management company's specific needs or preferences.

Forms can be added to specific jobs, customers, locations, or equipment, making it easy to access and fill out inspection results in the field.

All forms are accessible via the mobile app, compatible with Android and iOS mobile devices, or the desktop app.

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With ServiceTitan's cloud-based storage, it's easy for anyone in your organization to access forms and customer data.

Roof inspectors can easily follow and fill out inspection forms in the field and share results with customers.

Forms can be accessed onsite or by office staff, making it a convenient and efficient process.

Rental Property Forms

Rental Property Forms are a crucial part of the rental process, and having the right forms can save you time and headaches.

A Lease Agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant, outlining the terms of the rental, including rent, length of tenancy, and responsibilities.

Lease Agreements can be customized to fit the specific needs of the landlord and tenant. Some common inclusions are rent payment details, maintenance responsibilities, and subletting policies.

A Security Deposit Receipt is a document that confirms the tenant's payment of the security deposit, which is usually refundable at the end of the tenancy. This form helps prevent disputes over the deposit.

Man with Gloves Holding Solar Panels on the Roof
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Rental Application Forms are used to gather information about potential tenants, including their rental history, income, and employment details. This helps landlords make informed decisions about who to rent to.

A Notice to Vacate is a formal document that informs the tenant of their obligation to vacate the property by a specific date. This is usually served when a tenant breaches the lease agreement or fails to pay rent.

Landlords can use a Lease Renewal Form to extend the existing lease agreement or make changes to the terms. This form ensures a smooth transition for both parties.

Importance and Benefits

The importance of roof inspections can't be overstated, especially in the construction industry where roofers are ranked #5 in the list of the 25 most dangerous jobs in America.

Regular roof safety inspections can help minimize or eliminate exposure to risks and hazards for roof workers.

Detecting potential issues early is a significant benefit of consistent roof inspections. Following a checklist allows for early problem detection, addressing issues like storm damage, leaks, missing shingles, and structural damage before they become major concerns.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Perform a Roof Inspection According to the InterNACHI® SOP

Proactive maintenance and repairs can extend the roof's lifespan, saving homeowners or building owners from premature roof replacement expenses.

Keeping a record of the roof's condition can help demonstrate the roof's care and maintenance history to potential buyers or tenants, positively influencing property value.

Regular roof safety inspections can also boost worker morale by reassuring them that their safety is valued and prioritized.

By instituting a regular roof safety inspection process, the likelihood of worker injuries, fatalities, and OSHA fall protection violations can be significantly reduced, saving money in the long run.

Here are some key benefits of regular roof inspections:

  • Detect Potential Issues Early
  • Extend Roof Lifespan
  • Increase Property Value
  • Protect Worker Morale
  • Improve and Maintain Brand Reputation
  • Save Money

Joel Sims

Lead Writer

Joel Sims is a passionate writer who loves sharing his knowledge and experience with others. He has been writing for several years and has covered various topics, including technology, lifestyle, and health. Joel's writing style is engaging, informative, and easy to understand.