1. A. A home inspector shall visually inspect the accessible roof system, including:

   1. (1) The roof covering;
   2. (2) Roof drainage components;
   3. (3) Flashings; and
   4. (4) Skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations.
2. B. A home inspector shall describe the roof covering including the type and material and report the methods used to inspect the roof.

3. C. A home inspector is not required to:

   1. (1) Inspect:

      1. (a) Antennae and lightning arrestor systems;
      2. (b) Interiors of flues or chimneys that are not readily accessible;
      3. (c) Solar panels; or
      4. (d) Other installed accessories;
   2. (2) Walk on or access a roof where it could damage the roof or roofing material or be unsafe for the home inspector;
   3. (3) Remove snow, ice, debris, or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof surfaces; or

   4. (4) Determine:

      1. (a) The remaining life expectancy of roof coverings;
      2. (b) The presence or absence of hail damage;
      3. (c) Manufacturer's defects;
      4. (d) Installation methods; or
      5. (e) The number of layers of roofing material.

Authority: Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-208(a) 16-216(2), and 16-701.1(a)(3) and (7), Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: February 11, 2008 (35:3 Md. R. 289)

Regulation .01B amended effective March 17, 2014 (41:5 Md. R. 343)

Regulation .02D amended effective August 19, 2024 (51:16 Md. R. 742)

Regulation .07A, B amended effective March 17, 2014 (41:5 Md. R. 343)

Regulation .08C, D amended effective March 17, 2014 (41:5 Md. R. 343)

Chapter revised effective December 22, 2025 (52:25 Md. R. 1268)