When arranging a roof inspection, discuss access before agreeing a visit. A request for a quick look should not become an unplanned climb onto the building. For homeowners and premises managers, useful preparation starts with sharing information and asking how the contractor intends to assess the roof safely.
Do not judge strength by appearance
The Health and Safety Executive's guidance on fragile surfaces says roofs should be treated as fragile until a competent person has confirmed otherwise. Rooflights, corroded metal sheets and other materials can present a fall-through hazard. A surface that looks continuous from below is not proof that it will support a person.
Do not climb onto the roof to test it or collect close-up photographs. Share images taken from a safe ground-level position and explain what you have noticed, such as a leak location or a change visible from outside.
Share what is already known
Gather available roof drawings, previous inspection reports and details of earlier repairs. Tell the contractor about known rooflights, damaged areas and any restrictions on access. If information is missing, say so. An unknown material or concealed area needs assessment rather than a confident guess.
For occupied premises, also explain how the building and surrounding yard are used. The contractor needs to understand where people may pass beneath or near the proposed work area.
Ask about the inspection method
HSE's roof work guidance emphasises planning, competent workers and appropriate precautions even for short jobs. Ask whether the required observations can be made without going onto the roof and how any necessary access will be managed.
The contractor should explain the proposed method and its limitations. If a closer assessment requires specialist access equipment or another visit, ask for that to be identified in the proposal. Do not treat a limited ground-level visual check as confirmation that every part of the roof has been inspected.
Request a report with clear boundaries
Ask the written report to distinguish observed defects from suspected issues and areas not inspected. Request location references for photographs and a clear explanation of any recommended further investigation. Our article on evaluating overall roof condition provides background for discussing the resulting findings.
Keep the report and access notes with the building's maintenance records. Before later cleaning or repairs, revisit the plan with the contractor; a previous inspection does not make roof access automatically safe. This homeowner checklist supports the discussion and does not replace a competent person's assessment or safe system of work.
