Flat roof

[TC]

Did the requirement change for an automatic inspection of a flat roof? My local FHA guru isn't sure and before I start sifting through the info thought maybe someone else had this situation.

Thanks


TC

 

[Mr Rex]

FHA no longer mandates automatic inspections for the following items and/or conditions in existing properties:

· Flat and/or unobservable roof

Consequently, the guidance provided in Handbook 4150.2, Chapter 3, Paragraph 3-6, A-6 referencing mandatory termite inspections for any structure that is ground level and for any structure where wood touches the ground; Paragraph 3-6, A-5 referencing mandatory well and septic tests; and Paragraph 3-6, A-12 referencing mandatory inspections for a flat roof is no longer applicable. As a result of these changes in FHA’s repair and inspection requirements for existing properties, Revised Appendix D of Handbook 4150.2, CHG-1 has been updated. The following pages in Revised Appendix D have been updated to reflect these changes: 2, 4, 19, 23, 27, 50, 55, 60, 85, 92, 112, 116 and 120. Revised Appendix D is attached to this Mortgagee Letter and will be available online at: HUDClips.com

 

[TC]

Thanks, but what took you so long.


TC

 

[Greg Bell]

It's no longer "Automatic". If you see a safety hazard problem with the flat rood you should call for an inspection.Same for septic and well.Read Mortgagee letter 2005-ML-48.......

 

[Mr Rex]

Thanks, but what took you so long.


TC

Feel like shht on a stick, and have several reports to get out.

 

[TC]

I thought it was automatic because you couldn't see it from street level. That situation hasn't changed, so unless you see any visible damage to interior ceilings, an inspection isn't warranted.

TC

 

[Mr Rex]

· If the roof is otherwise unobservable, look for telltale signs of roof problems on the interior, such as damage or water stains to the ceiling area of a room or closet.
The appraiser must note in the appraisal that he/she could not adequately observe the entire roof area (state which area(s) were unobservable). Based on the information reported by the appraiser, the underwriter will determine whether or not a roofing inspection is required.

 

[Mike Boyd]

Doesn't the known AGE of the flat roof enter into the decision? A 15 year old tar and gravel roof is at the end of its economic life, leaking or not.

 

[Mr Rex]

Doesn't the known AGE of the flat roof enter into the decision? A 15 year old tar and gravel roof is at the end of its economic life, leaking or not.

Mike, where did you get that info? When I was still working for an architect building schools, a 4 ply tar and gravel roof was considered a 50 year roof with routine maintenance.

 

[Mike Boyd]

Mike, where did you get that info? When I was still working for an architect building schools, a 4 ply tar and gravel roof was considered a 50 year roof with routine maintenance.

Rex.......50 years for a flat roof seems unattainable to me, but, it might have something to do the the climate and the roof pitch. I have never seen specs that call for a 50 year T&G roof. Was that, maybe, for a commercial building?
Maybe it is area specific. My experience is limited to hot and dry California. It could be that roofs on the East Coast are not as subject to damage from prolonged sun exposure.