Preventative Maintenance SOP

Purpose: This work document provides a structured checklist for inspectors to perform preventative roof inspections. Use checkboxes to mark completed items during inspections. Print or use digitally for field use. Inspections should occur at least biannually or post-severe weather. 

General Instructions: 

• ☐ Prioritize safety: Use PPE, secure access, and avoid bad weather. 

• ☐ Document with notes, measurements, and photos. 

• ☐ Photograph access points and landscape for equipment planning. 

• ☐ Compile findings into a report post-inspection. 

Steep Slope Roof Inspection 

Shingles 

• ☐ Check for missing field shingles. 

• ☐ Inspect for loose or lifted field shingles. 

• ☐ Check for missing hip and ridge shingles. 

• ☐ Determine the manufacturer and age of the shingles. 

Underlayment and Protection 

• ☐ Determine if Ice & Water Shield is installed at the eaves. 

Flashings and Penetrations 

• ☐ Inspect all pipe flashings for deterioration; note pipe sizes and quantities. 

• ☐ If a hot water heater is vented through the roof, note the size of the pipe flashing and check the flue cap condition. 

• ☐ If solar panels are installed, inspect all solar stand penetrations. 

Ventilation 

• ☐ Check all ventilation types present and note them (e.g., ridge vents, soffit vents). 

• ☐ If a large round vent is present, determine if it is a power vent or static vent. 

• ☐ Check kitchen and bath vents and note their condition and termination points. 

Drip Edge 

• ☐ Note the size and color of the drip edge. 

Gutters and Downspouts 

• ☐ Inspect gutters for leaks, debris, and proper slope; note gutter sizes. 

• ☐ Check if leaf guards are present and note their type. 

• ☐ Inspect downspouts for clogs; note downspout sizes. 

Additional Documentation 

• ☐ Take extensive photos of all areas, including close-ups of defects and overall views. 

• ☐ Photograph landscape and access points from parking lots for equipment sizing and potential repairs. 

Low Slope Roof Inspection 

Roof System Identification 

• ☐ Determine the roof type (e.g. Shingle, TPO, PVC, EPDM, Modified Bitumen, SBS, BUR, Spray Foam, or Liquid Applied). 

• ☐ Take a core sample to assess insulation thickness, number of roof layers, and presence of recovery board or impact-resistant board. 

• ☐ Identify the deck type from the core sample (e.g., metal, wood, or concrete). 

• ☐ Determine attachment method (e.g., fully adhered, ballasted, or mechanically attached). 

• ☐ Check for tapered insulation and note its locations. 

Drainage Systems 

• ☐ Inspect internal drains; note types, sizes, conditions, and presence of overflow drains (note: older roofs may use through-wall scuppers as overflows). 

• ☐ If no internal drains, inspect through-wall scuppers on parapet walls; note sizes, conditions, and ensure overflow scuppers are present. 

• ☐ Note what through-wall scuppers drain into on the exterior side of the parapet wall. 

Parapet Walls and Coping 

• ☐ Determine if backer board or insulation is present on the backside of the parapet wall. 

• ☐ Measure the height and width of the parapet wall. 

• ☐ Measure current coping dimensions; note how it is secured on front and back sides. 

• ☐ Check if roofing membrane runs up and under the coping or if counterflashing covers the termination. 

Penetrations and Curbs 

• ☐ Inspect all roof penetrations; note diameters of pipes, pitch pans, etc. 

• ☐ If curbs are present, measure curb heights (critical for warranty compliance). 

• ☐ If clerestory walls are present, note flashing methods and counterflashing heights (for warranty purposes). 

• ☐ Note how electrical and plumbing lines pass through the roof; record sizes of pitch pans or pipe flashings. 

• ☐ Check for elevated pipe stands for gas or water lines. 

• ☐ Note how HVAC condensate lines are drained and their termination points. 

Walk Pads and Flashings 

• ☐ Check if walk pads are installed; note locations and total footage. 

• ☐ Assess if new counterflashings are needed on curbs, vertical walls, or roof hatches. 

• ☐ For roofs with partial parapet walls draining to gutters: Note drip edge size, gutter and downspout sizes/conditions. 

• ☐ Inspect wall penetrations to the building interior; note current flashing and potential needs for wood blocking or new metal flashing (for warranty). 

Warranty Considerations 

• ☐ Note counterflashing and curb heights throughout the roof; address if too low for No Dollar Limit (NDL) warranty. 

• ☐ For multi-layer roofs, anticipate adding new wood blocking around the perimeter and penetrations after removal to achieve NDL warranty. 

Additional Documentation 

• ☐ Take extensive photos of all areas, including core samples, measurements, and defects. 

• ☐ Photograph landscape and access points from parking lots for equipment sizing and potential repairs. 

• ☐ If crane access is required, measure from crane’s center point in parking lot to building edge. 

Post-Inspection Actions 

• ☐ Compile findings into a detailed report, including photos and measurements. 

• ☐ Prioritize issues (e.g., immediate repairs vs. monitoring) and estimate costs. 

• ☐ Schedule repairs and follow-up inspections. 

• ☐ Update property maintenance records with inspection history.