Inspect a Roof Deck and Prepare for Roofing

A. Finished-Work Specification

Deliverable: one completed roof-deck inspection covering every accessible roof plane, one deficiency list with location, condition, required correction, responsible authority, and reinspection method for each item, authorized corrections completed and rechecked, supporting photographs and measurements, and one signed proceed, conditional-proceed, or stop-work roofing-readiness decision.

B. Governing Documents

Document	Confirmed Current	Notes
Roof plan
Framing plan
Sheathing schedule
Roofing-system specification
Product installation instructions
Prior inspection records
Approved change documents

C. Acceptance Standards

Check	Standard
Framing and sheathing inspection	Confirmed complete and on record before this inspection proceeds
Deck material, thickness, span rating, orientation, edge support, fastening	Matches the approved sheathing schedule; deviations recorded as deficiencies
Roof slope	Measured on each plane using the approved method and compared to the roof plan
Deck surface condition	Free of loose panels, damaged edges, raised fasteners, protrusions, debris, contamination, uneven joints, punctures, and soft areas, or each item listed as a deficiency
Underside condition (where accessible)	Free of missed fasteners, unsupported edges, excessive gaps, water staining, daylight, delamination, mold, and framing conflicts, or each item listed as a deficiency
Clearances at penetrations	Match the approved specification for chimneys, vents, skylights, flues, electrical conductors, and combustible assemblies
Deficiency list	Every item includes location, condition, required correction, responsible authority, and reinspection method
Readiness decision	Recorded as proceed, conditional-proceed with listed corrections, or stop-work, signed and dated

D. Required Project Sequence

1. Obtain the current roof plan, framing plan, sheathing schedule, roofing-system specification, product instructions, prior inspection records, and approved change documents. Confirm the revision or date on each document before using it as a reference, and record the confirmation on the governing-documents table above.
2. Confirm that roof framing, sheathing, required connectors, and structural inspections are complete before roofing loads are staged. Locate the signed structural or framing inspection record. If it cannot be located or shows an open item, stop this chapter and route the project back to the responsible authority before continuing.
3. Establish the permitted inspection positions. Use ground, ladder, lift, attic, scaffold, or an already-approved roof-access and fall-protection system as applicable to this site. Record which positions are available and which roof planes each position allows you to inspect.
4. Do not step onto the roof merely to complete this chapter. If compliant roof access is not already in place, limit the inspection to the safe positions identified in Step 3 until Chapter 2 establishes full roof access.
5. Inspect the underside of the roof deck where accessible for missed fasteners, unsupported edges, excessive gaps, water staining, daylight, delamination, mold, and framing conflicts. Use the attic or another interior access point and a flashlight, and record the location of every finding using the framing bay or grid reference shown on the framing plan.
6. Inspect the roof surface for loose panels, damaged edges, raised fasteners, protrusions, debris, contamination, uneven joints, punctures, and soft areas. Perform this inspection from the approved positions established in Step 3, without stepping onto an unprotected roof.
7. Mark weak, wet, damaged, or questionable areas without walking on them. Use chalk or a marking crayon visible from the approved inspection position, and record each marked location on the deficiency list.
8. Verify deck material, thickness, span rating, panel orientation, edge support, and fastening against the approved specification. Compare the observed condition on each accessible plane to the sheathing schedule and record any deviation as a deficiency.
9. Verify roof slope on each plane using the approved measurement method. Measure each distinct roof plane separately and record the measured slope next to the plan slope for that plane.
10. Identify eaves, rakes, ridges, hips, valleys, sidewalls, headwalls, penetrations, crickets, saddles, and drainage transitions. Mark each on a roof sketch or the roof plan copy attached to the readiness record so later chapters can reference the same feature locations.
11. Inspect fascia, subfascia, rafter tails, roof edges, overhangs, and sheathing projection for readiness to receive edge metal and gutters. Record alignment, decay, splits, or inadequate bearing as a deficiency requiring Chapter 15 attention where applicable.
12. Verify required clearances at chimneys, vents, skylights, flues, electrical conductors, and combustible assemblies. Compare each measured clearance to the approved specification and record any shortfall as a deficiency.
13. Confirm that planned ridge slots, intake vents, penetrations, and roof openings agree with the framing and ventilation plans. Record any planned opening that does not have a corresponding, approved location on the plans as a deficiency requiring resolution before Chapter 14.
14. Remove loose debris using a method that does not discharge material from the roof edge or damage the deck. Contain and remove debris from the approved inspection positions or a subsequently authorized access, keeping the drop zone below the roof edge clear during removal.
15. Reset or replace authorized raised or missing deck fasteners using the approved fastening schedule. Use only the fastener type, length, and spacing identified in the sheathing schedule, and record each location corrected.
16. Complete only minor surface corrections allowed by the plan; refer structural deck replacement to Chapter 19 or an approved repair detail. Do not attempt any correction beyond fastener resetting, minor debris removal, and other corrections explicitly authorized by the roofing-system specification.
17. Prepare a deficiency list identifying location, condition, required correction, responsible authority, and reinspection method. Enter every unresolved and every corrected item, including items referred to Chapter 19 or another authority.
18. Correct authorized deficiencies and recheck the affected areas. Complete only the corrections identified as authorized in Step 16, and reinspect each corrected location against the same standard used in the original finding.
19. Photograph and record roof slope, deck condition, edge condition, openings, penetrations, and unresolved items. Attach photographs to the readiness record and label each with its location on the roof sketch from Step 10.
20. Issue a proceed, conditional-proceed, or stop-work roofing-readiness decision. Base the decision on the completed deficiency list: proceed only when every item is corrected and rechecked, conditional-proceed when specific listed corrections remain outstanding on specific roof sections, and stop-work when a structural, moisture, or hazardous-material finding requires resolution outside this chapter's scope. Sign and date the decision.