Roofing
The Roofing domain tests your ability to inspect roof coverings, flashings, drainage, and penetrations, and to report conditions without overstating what a visual inspection can prove. Roof inspections may be done from the ground, eaves, or roof surface when safe; walking the roof is not required.
What to observe
Identify the covering material and visible condition. Look for curling, missing tabs, granule loss, rusted fasteners, ponding, deteriorated sealant, exposed nails, moss, and damaged flashing at valleys, walls, chimneys, skylights, and kickout locations. Check gutters and downspouts for drainage and granule accumulation. Attic stains may suggest a past or active leak, but a visual inspection cannot confirm active leakage without moisture testing.
Worked example
Asphalt shingles are curled on the south slope and granules collect in the gutters. The inspector reports an aged covering and recommends evaluation by a licensed roofing contractor, but does not estimate remaining service life. Reasoning: the SOP requires reporting observed defects and recommending further evaluation, not predicting life expectancy.
Traps
Calling a cosmetic stain an active leak; missing kickout flashing at a wall-roof intersection; walking fragile tile or steep roofs; reporting “roof OK” without stating the inspection method or limitations.