How to write a roof repair permit narrative
Repair permits are about drawing a clean boundary: how many squares, where on the roof, and matching what exists. A narrative that quantifies the repair area and names the materials reads as a contractor in control of the job.
What your narrative needs to include
- Repair area in squares or square feet, and location on the roof
- Cause if relevant (wind damage, leak at flashing)
- Materials matching the existing roof
- Underlayment and flashing work within the repair area
- A clear statement that the repair does not exceed replacement thresholds
Example: a complete roof repair narrative
Project Description
This project involves repair of approximately 3 squares of wind-damaged composition shingle roofing on the south-facing slope of the residence, including replacement of damaged underlayment and one pipe jack flashing. The repair area is less than 25 percent of the total roof area.
Scope of Work
- Remove damaged shingles and underlayment within the repair area
- Inspect sheathing; replace any damaged panels with matching plywood
- Install new synthetic underlayment lapped into existing per manufacturer instructions
- Install matching Class A composition shingles woven into surrounding courses
- Replace one damaged pipe jack flashing
Materials & Methods
Class A composition shingles matched to existing profile and color, synthetic underlayment, galvanized pipe jack flashing.
Work Not Included
Work outside the defined repair area. Structural framing. Gutters.
Contractor Statement
All repair work will be performed per the currently adopted building code and manufacturer requirements, matching the existing roof assembly.
Mistakes that get roof repair permits kicked back
- No quantified repair area — reviewers need it to confirm repair vs. replacement rules
- Not locating the repair on the roof
- Ignoring flashing when the leak is at a penetration
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