When on-site makes sense.
Choose an on-site inspection when access is safe but the file requires hands-on verification; when damage is disputed; when destructive or instrumented checks are needed; or when an AHJ or carrier has requested an engineer’s on-site evaluation prior to approval or settlement.
What we do on-site.
We visually assess roofing planes, perimeters, transitions, penetrations, and terminations; document storm and wear conditions; verify attachment indications; review edge metal, flashings, and parapets; evaluate recover/re-cover feasibility; and flag structural red-flags that require engineering attention. Where appropriate, we confirm code pathways and manufacturer requirements tied to the specific assembly.
Optional field testing.
When conditions and scope warrant, we can perform non-destructive or minimally invasive checks such as the following. If specialized testing is required (e.g., uplift/adhesion testing, extended infrared surveys), we’ll coordinate scope, methods, and acceptance criteria in advance.
From request to stamped letter.
Request
Send the address, the roof type and the question the letter has to answer. Include any carrier, adjuster or reviewer letter.
Scope
We confirm what the visit will cover, any testing, roof access, and the schedule for the project location.
Inspect
A licensed engineer documents conditions on the roof, runs any agreed testing and records photos.
Letter
You receive a stamped PDF with findings, code citations and a labeled photo appendix. Wet-signed originals are available on request.
Where an engineer on the roof helps.
Most on-site requests come from one of these situations:
- A carrier or adjuster disputes whether storm damage is real, or whether the roof can be repaired.
- An AHJ or carrier has asked for an engineer's on-site evaluation before approval or settlement.
- You suspect trapped moisture and need a survey with instruments, not just photos.
- The fastener pattern or deck attachment has to be confirmed by sampling.
- A roof assembly is unknown, and a limited core cut would identify it.
- A low-slope roof has parapets, curbs or edge metal that need hands-on review.
For claim files, the letter follows the same structure as our insurance letters. For permit questions, it follows our code compliance letters. If the evidence can be gathered by video and photos, a virtual inspection may be enough.
What to have ready.
A short list up front saves a second trip. When you request an inspection, send:
- The project address and the roof type
- The question the letter has to answer, in the reviewer's or carrier's own words if you have them
- Any letter, estimate, report or redline already issued on the file
- Photos of the damage or condition, if you have them
- How the roof is accessed, and a site contact who can let the engineer in
- Any testing the carrier or AHJ has asked for
Roof access has to be safe for the engineer. If it is not, tell us when you request and we will talk through the options, including a guided virtual inspection.
Florida codes on site.
In Florida, the engineer checks the roof against the Florida Building Code edition that applies to the permit. The 8th Edition (2023) is in effect through December 30, 2026, and the 9th Edition (2026) is scheduled to take effect on December 31, 2026. In Miami-Dade and Broward, the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone has stricter wind and roofing requirements and uses NOA product approvals.
On a re-roof, the visit can also establish the facts the 25% rule depends on, such as the roof section involved, the existing assembly and the attachment. Section 553.844(5), Florida Statutes, treats roofs built, repaired or replaced under the 2007 Florida Building Code or later differently from older roofs. Read how the rule works on our code compliance page.
A stamped letter, and its limits.
Your deliverable is a stamped engineering letter tailored to the stated need: narrative of observed conditions; cause-and-origin discussion (when requested); repairability vs. replacement basis; code/ordinance citations (including local amendments, if relevant); recommended method or “not repairable” justification (as warranted); and a labeled photo appendix. Wet-signed originals available on request. Findings reflect conditions observed on the inspection date and any agreed testing. Concealed conditions may require additional investigation. Infrared/moisture work depends on weather and building operation. Any destructive openings will be patched temporarily unless permanent repair by a contractor is arranged.
On-site inspection FAQs.
A licensed engineer visits the roof, documents its condition, verifies code pathways and attachment indicators, and can run limited non-destructive testing. The findings go into a stamped engineering letter that supports a permit, an inspection or an insurance file.
Choose on-site when damage is disputed, when the file needs instrumented or destructive checks, when an AHJ or carrier asks for an engineer's on-site evaluation, or when the roof is not safe for someone to walk on a video call. A virtual inspection covers conditions that can be seen and photographed.
Moisture surveys using resistance or infrared methods when the weather allows, fastener and plate sampling to confirm patterns, limited core cuts to verify assemblies, and pull-out checks with calibrated tools. If specialized testing is needed, such as uplift or adhesion testing or an extended infrared survey, we agree on scope, methods and acceptance criteria in advance.
Most of the work is visual and non-destructive. If a core cut or other opening is part of the agreed scope, it is patched temporarily unless a contractor is arranged to make a permanent repair.
Send the project address when you request. We confirm engineer availability and the schedule for that location when we respond. If a visit is not practical, a guided virtual inspection may cover the question.
Timing depends on the scope, roof access and the project location, so we confirm it when we schedule the visit. Tell us the deadline when you request.
The carrier or AHJ decides what it accepts, and we cannot promise an outcome. Findings reflect conditions observed on the inspection date and any agreed testing.
More from RoofLetters.
Compliant roof engineering support.
Stamped roof letters for insurance, code, and permitting needs, delivered by licensed engineers at SunSmart Engineering (COA35170) in Lake Mary, FL. Virtual or in-person inspections to meet requirements and speed up approvals.