Show Temporary Covers as Temporary Covers in an Exterior Record
Tarps, shrink wrap and stored materials can change what an exterior image actually documents. A record made during temporary protection may be useful for coordination, but it should not be presented as a view of the underlying surface or proof that the concealed work is complete.
Identify the visible state
Ask the site contact which coverings are temporary and what work stage they represent. Mark uncertain information as supplied by the contact rather than verified by capture. A photograph can show the cover’s visible position at that moment; it cannot establish the condition of materials beneath it or confirm the effectiveness of an unseen repair.
Do not remove protection for a better image
Any decision to move covers, equipment or stored materials belongs to the responsible site team under its work plan. A documentation request is not permission to disturb protection or expose unfinished work. Discuss alternate accessible viewpoints and record the resulting limits. For aerial work, the operator must also evaluate the actual operation; property permission alone does not settle flight requirements.
Define the later comparison
If an uncovered view will matter, specify the area and stage at which another record may be useful. Keep that as a proposed follow-up rather than implying that a return visit is already included or scheduled. The comparison should explain which view shows temporary protection and which shows the exposed surface. Different work states should not be mistaken for deterioration or successful repair solely because their appearances differ.
Copyable worksheet
Use one row for each field. Mark unknown information clearly and retain the original records.
| Field | Your note |
|---|---|
| Covered area | ____________________ |
| Reported construction stage | ____________________ |
| Responsible site contact | ____________________ |
| Present coverage limitation | ____________________ |
| Proposed later view | ____________________ |
Worked example
Illustrative example: a fictional contractor requests roof documentation while temporary sheeting remains in place. The brief labels the sheeting and its coverage limits. A later exposed-surface record is considered separately, without moving protection merely to improve today’s photographs.