How do you inspect the roof?

Nevada state law does not require an inspector to physically traverse a concrete tile roof. State law only requires the inspector describe the method of roof review in the report. Nevada State law defines a roof as “readily accessible” only if it can be reached with a 12 foot ladder. Many inspectors refuse to traverse a concrete tile roof even if it is readily accessible because they fear damaging the roof. They will often review the roof from the eaves or from the ground using binoculars. These types of reviews have reports that are generally worded in such a manner as to relieve the inspector from liability for existing roofing issues. To the prospective homebuyer the information provide is essentially useless.
Spectrum Inspection Group inspectors physically traverse all accessible concrete tile roofing. Our definition of “readily accessible” has been modified and includes anything we can reach with a 18 foot ladder. All of our inspectors carry 18 foot ladders. On two story homes where the upper level can be reached by safely erecting on an outside deck or lower roof surface our inspector will fully traverse the upper level as well.

Please be advised that we regard the review of the roof as a very important and essential component of the inspection. There are homes in the Las Vegas Valley whose design prevents us from physically traversing the roofing. When this situation arises we do not review the roof from the eaves or from the ground. (It is against company policy to even carry binoculars). In this situation we will advise the client in the report that the inspector’s access was impaired and will recommend the roof be further reviewed by a licensed and qualified Roofing Contractor.

Conversely, if we review the roof and no adverse conditions are observed the inspector will still provide photographs of the roofing in the report as a benchmark of the roofing condition at the time of the inspection.