Roof Sheathing Inspection Guide
Your inspector needs to see the roof sheathing, how it is installed, and how it is fastened. Follow these steps before anything is covered.
Show Us the Roof and the Fastening Pattern.
Start with wide views of the roof, then get close enough for your inspector to clearly see the panel layout, fasteners and spacing.
Do not assume the entire roof uses the same fastening pattern. Follow the approved structural plans and make sure the inspector can identify the different roof areas and conditions.
Whenever fastener spacing is important, include clear photos with a measuring tape placed next to the fasteners. Make sure both the tape and fasteners are visible so the inspector can verify the spacing.
Show us the whole roof.
Take a slow video showing all roof areas where sheathing has been installed.
Make sure we can see:
- All roof planes
- Ridges and valleys
- Eaves and rakes
- Changes in roof elevation or configuration
- Enough context to identify each roof area
Show us the panel layout.
Show how the roof sheathing panels are laid out across the roof.
Make sure we can see:
- Panel edges
- Panel joints
- Ridges and valleys
- Panel layout around openings
- Changes in panel layout
Show us the fastening pattern.
Get close enough for the inspector to clearly see the nails or other approved fasteners.
Show several locations so the inspector can see that the fastening pattern continues across the roof.
Place a measuring tape next to the fasteners and take clear photos so we can verify the spacing.
Make sure we can see:
- Fasteners along panel edges
- Fasteners in the field of the panel
- Measuring tape showing fastener spacing
- Several representative roof areas
- Enough surrounding roof to identify each location
Show us roof edges, ridges and valleys.
These areas can have different fastening or installation details, so make sure they are clearly visible.
Show:
- Eaves
- Rakes
- Ridges
- Valleys
- Other roof boundaries or changes
If fastener spacing needs to be verified in these areas, include close-up photos with a measuring tape visible.
Show us openings and penetrations.
Show the sheathing around all openings and penetrations before they are covered.
Make sure we can see:
- Roof vents
- Plumbing penetrations
- Mechanical openings
- Skylight openings, if applicable
- Other framed openings in the roof
Show us special roof areas or details.
Show any area that has a different structural or fastening detail from the typical roof sheathing.
This may include:
- Different roof zones
- Special fastening areas
- Changes in roof framing
- Overhangs or cantilevers
- Any special condition shown on the approved plans
If spacing is part of the special detail, include photos with a measuring tape so your inspector can verify it.
Show us anything different or unusual.
If one area of the roof looks different from the rest, make sure the inspector can see it clearly.
- Different fastening patterns
- Panel repairs or replacements
- Damaged sheathing
- Field modifications
- Anything else you think the inspector should see
Before You Submit
Take 30 seconds and make sure your inspector can clearly identify the roof areas and verify the fastening patterns.
- Can we see all roof sheathing areas?
- Can we identify which roof area each close-up belongs to?
- Can we clearly see the nails or other approved fasteners?
- Did you show the fastening pattern in several locations?
- Did you include measuring-tape photos anywhere spacing needs to be verified?
- Did you show roof edges, ridges, valleys and openings?
- Did you show any special roof areas or different fastening conditions?
- Is everything still exposed and easy to see?
That's It.
Submit your photos, videos and measurement photos through Permit Rockstar. Your inspector will compare the roof sheathing installation and fastening patterns with the approved structural and architectural plans.
BACK TO INSPECTION GUIDES
