An assessment looks at a roof layer by layer and writes down what it finds. The result is a written scope for replacing the roof.
What the assessment checks
- The covering: type, wear, broken or missing pieces
- Flashing at walls, chimneys, vents and valleys
- The deck, from the attic where access allows
- Vents, drainage and the number of layers on the roof
- Cool roof values and whether the rule applies
- Fire class, fire zone lookup and the permit path
What you receive
A written scope in plain terms. It names the covering and underlayment to be removed, the layers found, the deck condition, the flashing and vents to renew, and the code items for your address. Photos support each finding.
The code items
Three items are checked for every address. The cool roof rule, which starts once over half of a single-family roof is replaced. The fire class, which depends on the fire hazard severity zone and the permit office. And the permit path, which depends on whether the address is in the City of Los Angeles, another city or an unincorporated area.
LADBS issues the reroof as an express permit inside the City of Los Angeles, with a Class A covering required in a Very High zone. Elsewhere, the city's own building office or LA County Building and Safety issues it.
How it differs from a sale inspection
A home-sale inspection reports the condition of the whole house for a buyer, and a roof letter states that a roof has some years left. An assessment is a scope for replacing the roof. It is written for the person who owns the roof, not for a transaction.
Assessment questions
Do you have to be present for a roof inspection?
Exterior checks can run without you. Attic access and a walk-through of any leaks need someone home. The visit time is agreed when we contact you.
What is included in a roof inspection?
For an assessment, the covering, the flashing, the deck as seen from the attic, the vents, the drainage, the layer count, and the cool roof, fire class and permit items for the address. Findings are written down with photos.
What do I get after the assessment?
A written scope for replacing the roof.
Are the cool roof and fire zone items part of it?
Yes. The visit confirms if the cool roof rule applies, which values to ask for, the fire class for the address and which office issues the permit.