ORC was hired to inspect a brand new roof in NW Portland and It passed with flying colors! That's two inspections which passed with flying colors in one week! TWO! Most refreshing! It actually (is) possible to install a roof correctly!
There was a solar company attaching brackets to the roof, which had a steep12/12 pitch. I looked at their work area; no scaffolding, no J-hooks with 2X6's, just 2 ropes. Hot day. These guys were working on south facing side, which gets the heat. I knew what I'd see before even climbing the golden ladder, and there they were! Dozens of brand new shingles severely carved up by foot traffic, and these guys were just getting started! Just imagine what the roof shingles would look like when thepanel installation was complete? These shingles were so thrashed they must now be replaced. The homeowner wasn't pleased. The solar company's day was ruined. They packed up and left. Can't come back until the roofer replaces the damaged shingles. He's slammed and on other jobs.
I'm convinced there are hundreds, if not thousands, of roofs that have been damaged by solar installation, as well as other trades' foot traffic, and the homeowners are unaware. Don't have a clue. Can't see it from the ground. Prior to installing solar on a roof precautions must be taken to protect the shingles. Shingles become soft and damage easily in warm / hot weather. Put up scaffolding. Install J hooks, 2X6 toe boards and plywood at the entire work area. This goes for painters, siding installers, chimney companies, anyone whose work requires getting on the roof.
Update - 07/08/2017
Still in progress, roof repaired then the solar guys face nailed their toe boards. Also managed to scar quite a few shingles even when using plywood and toe boards. These guys do not belong on roofs. I can't imagine what they do to roofs where the homeowner doesn't know any better. In any case my roofer has been great, he will be back again the repair the new damage. Frustrating. I will report back when things are all said and done or I run into more problems. Thanks again for the help.
