Document the Existing Roof Before Choosing a Build-Up

Gather roof records

Collect prior permits, drawings, invoices, repairs, leak history and known material layers. Mark age or composition as unknown where evidence is absent.

Confirm existing layers

Ask how layers, fastening, moisture and deck condition will be assessed without assuming a new system can be installed over them.

Define deck allowances

Compare investigation access, replacement unit rates, concealed-condition documentation and who approves additional deck work.

Keep structural decisions qualified

Weight, attachment, substrate and design adequacy require appropriate review; a visual summary cannot establish suitability.

Coordinate ventilation and height

Record how the proposed build-up changes ventilation paths, edges, flashings, wall interfaces, gutters and rooftop equipment.

State the decision evidence

Require each proposal to explain why retrofit or tear-off is recommended, which evidence is pending and what findings would change the path.

Open an existing-roof evidence register

Divide the roof into areas and record known layers, leak history, repairs, deck information, moisture observations and access limitations. Assign each unknown to a proposed investigation step so a retrofit recommendation does not quietly depend on an unverified existing surface.

• Index evidence by roof area
• Separate records from visual observations
• Price investigation access

Compare interface consequences

Map how each build-up changes eave thickness, gutters, wall flashings, skylights, curbs, vents, ridges and transitions to adjoining roofs. Ask for drawn details and responsibility for correcting existing conditions that cannot accept the proposed interface.

• Check drainage elevations
• Coordinate penetration heights
• Show material compatibility

Define the decision checkpoint

State which deck, moisture, structural, fastening or ventilation findings would confirm the chosen path, require redesign or trigger tear-off. Record who evaluates the evidence, when the decision occurs and how schedule and price changes are authorized.

• Name pause-work conditions
• Keep assessment deliverables
• Document the accepted path

Issue the existing-roof decision memorandum

Summarize evidence by roof area: known layers, attachment, deck, moisture, repairs, ventilation and interfaces. State which investigations were completed, which areas remained inaccessible and which professional inputs informed the selected build-up. Map findings that trigger deck replacement, additional tear-off, drying, redesign or work stoppage, with written approval and pricing rules. Attach the accepted assembly section and interface details. The memorandum documents a decision from available evidence; it does not certify hidden conditions or allow the project to ignore different findings discovered when the roof is opened.

• Separate each roof area
• Name decision hold points
• Attach moisture findings
• Price deck work by agreed units
• Preserve revised build-up details