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Roof Inspection Checklist

Comprehensive roof inspection checklist covering shingles, flashing, valleys, ridge, soffit vents, gutters, and ice dam protection. Interactive plus printable PDF.

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Shingle / Membrane Condition

Flashing

Gutters & Drainage

Ridge Cap & Valleys

Penetrations & Boots

Inspection Summary

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Roof Grade
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How to Use This Checklist

1. Choose your inspection scope. Toggle between the tabs at the top. Each tab has its own checklist tailored to the roof areas and procedures for that scope of work.

2. Work through each section. Check off items as you complete them. Document any damage with photos and notes as you go.

3. Monitor your progress. The progress bar updates in real time. The summary section shows your completion percentage and a condition grade based on items checked and flagged findings.

4. Generate a report. When finished, hit Generate Report to create a printable summary of everything checked and any items that need attention. Your progress auto-saves so you never lose work.

What a Complete Roofing Inspection Covers

Roof covering condition. Inspecting the shingles, tiles, metal panels, or membrane for damage, wear, and remaining service life. Missing shingles, cracked tiles, rust spots on metal, and membrane blisters are all findings that indicate repair or replacement is needed before leaks develop.

Flashing and penetrations. Every pipe boot, chimney flashing, valley, and wall transition is a potential leak point. Checking for lifted edges, cracked sealant, corroded metal, and improper overlap catches the failures that account for the majority of roof leaks.

Gutters and drainage. Clogged gutters, disconnected downspouts, and improper slope cause water to back up under shingles or pool on flat sections. Verifying the entire drainage path is clear and functional prevents water damage to fascia, soffit, and the building interior.

Ventilation system. Proper attic ventilation prevents moisture buildup that rots decking from below and ice dams that damage shingles from above. Check ridge vents, soffit intake vents, and powered ventilators for blockage and proper airflow balance.

Structural assessment. From the attic side, inspect the decking for soft spots, water stains, and daylight penetration. Check rafters and trusses for sagging, cracking, or pest damage. Structural issues found early save thousands compared to discovering them during a re-roof.

Safety and access. Document the roof pitch, surface condition, and any hazards before walking. Steep pitches, wet surfaces, and deteriorated decking create fall risks that must be managed with proper equipment and protocols.

When To Use This

Routine inspections. Use this as your standard process for every roof inspection. It ensures nothing gets skipped and the customer sees a professional report documenting every finding.

Storm damage assessments. After hail, high winds, or heavy snow, this checklist guides a systematic evaluation of all roof components. The generated report provides documentation for insurance claims.

Pre-purchase inspections. Buyers and their agents need clear documentation of roof condition. This checklist covers every component and produces a professional report that supports informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a roofing inspection include?
A complete roofing inspection should include a visual assessment of the roof covering (shingles, tile, metal, or membrane), flashing inspection at all penetrations and transitions, gutter and downspout evaluation, soffit and fascia condition, attic ventilation check, decking assessment, drainage evaluation, and documentation of all findings with photos and measurements.
How often should a roof be inspected?
Twice a year — once in spring after winter weather and once in fall before winter. Additional inspections should follow any major storm. Commercial flat roofs benefit from quarterly inspections. Roofs older than 15 years should be inspected annually at minimum to catch deterioration early.
What are signs of roof damage to look for?
Key signs include missing, cracked, or curling shingles, granule loss in gutters, lifted or damaged flashing, sagging roof deck sections, water stains on ceilings or walls, daylight visible through the roof deck, algae or moss growth indicating moisture retention, and clogged or damaged gutters pulling away from the fascia.
What is a safe condition for walking a roof?
Safe roof walking requires a dry surface with no frost, ice, or dew. Pitch should be 6/12 or less without fall protection. Steeper pitches require harness systems, roof brackets, or ladder hooks. Tile and slate roofs should be walked only on designated paths to avoid breakage. Always check decking condition from the attic before walking.

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