Roofing Inspection Checklist (Inspector Field Version): 37 Photos + Voice Notes to Document Defects Faster
Roof sections are where inspectors get the most heat later:
- “You said the roof was fine.”
- “Why didn’t you see that leak?”
- “The roofer says this was obvious.”
A roofing inspection is rarely about finding one dramatic defect. It’s about documenting condition, risk, and limitations clearly enough that a client can make decisions (and you can defend your report).
This field checklist is built for speed: what to check, what to photograph, and what to say in the report.
Important
Only inspect roofs you can access safely. If conditions are unsafe (wet/icy, steep, brittle coverings, high wind), document limitations and inspect from accessible vantage points.
Step 0: Record the Basics (Always)
- Roof covering type(s): asphalt shingles, tile, metal, wood shake, slate, membrane/flat, etc.
- Approximate age (if known) + number of layers (if visible at edges)
- Roof slope type: low/standard/steep (qualitative is fine)
- Ventilation type: ridge, gable, soffit, powered, none observed
- Drainage: gutters/downspouts, scuppers, internal drains (for low-slope)
The Roof Walk Flow (Fast)
- Eaves/edges → 2) Fields → 3) Valleys → 4) Penetrations → 5) Flashings → 6) Transitions → 7) Gutters/downspouts
If you do it in the same order every time, you miss less.
What to Check by Roof Type
Asphalt shingle checklist
- Missing, torn, or creased shingles
- Granule loss / bald spots
- Exposed fasteners
- Nail pops
- Cupping/curling (age/heat)
- Improper patching (roof cement everywhere)
- Step flashing at sidewalls present/continuous
- Valleys: open metal vs woven vs closed-cut — and condition
Tile (clay/concrete) checklist
- Cracked, slipped, or missing tiles
- Broken hip/ridge caps
- Debris accumulation in valleys
- Evidence of prior repairs (mismatched tiles)
- Underlayment concerns are usually not visible — document limitation
Metal roofing checklist
- Loose/failed fasteners (exposed-fastener systems)
- Missing closure strips at ridges/eaves (pest/water entry)
- Rust/corrosion at seams and penetrations
- Improperly sealed penetrations (mastic blobs)
- Oil-canning (cosmetic) vs functional concerns
Flat / low-slope membrane checklist (TPO/PVC/EPDM/mod-bit)
- Ponding indicators (staining rings, algae lines)
- Open seams, fishmouths, blisters
- Punctures at service paths
- Flashing terminations and counterflashing
- Drains/scuppers clear and properly flashed
Key Takeaway
On low-slope roofs, most leaks are at penetrations, edges, and drains — not the middle of the field.
The 37-Photo Roof Set (Copy/Paste)
You don’t need 200 roof photos. You need the right 37.
Context (5)
- Front elevation showing roof line
- Rear elevation
- One side elevation
- Other side elevation
- Roof overview from best vantage point
Covering condition (8)
- Representative roof surface (near eave)
- Representative roof surface (mid-slope)
- Representative roof surface (near ridge)
- Any widespread wear (granule loss/curling)
- Any patching/repairs
- Any missing/damaged covering
- Any exposed fasteners
- Any areas you could not access (photo of limitation)
Valleys & transitions (6)
- Valley #1 overview
- Valley #1 close-up
- Valley #2 overview (if present)
- Roof-to-wall transition (sidewall)
- Roof-to-wall transition close-up (step flashing)
- Roof-to-chimney transition (if present)
Penetrations (8)
- Plumbing vent #1 flashing
- Plumbing vent #2 (if present)
- Furnace/water heater vent flashing
- Bath fan termination / roof cap (if present)
- Skylight overview (if present)
- Skylight flashing close-up
- Satellite/antenna mount
- Any penetration cluster wide shot
Edges & drainage (10)
- Drip edge at eave
- Rake edge condition
- Fascia/soffit staining/damage
- Gutter run overview
- Gutter end/miters (leak points)
- Downspout connection
- Downspout discharge point
- Evidence of overflow (staining)
- Kickout flashing area (where roof meets wall) if applicable
- Any active leakage evidence inside (ceiling stain photo)
Common Roof Defects (What to Call Out)
- Missing/damaged covering (leak risk)
- Failed flashing at penetrations (high leak likelihood)
- Granule loss/curling (age/wear)
- Improper repairs (masking underlying issues)
- Ponding on low-slope (accelerated deterioration)
- Gutters discharging at foundation (water management issue)
Report Language Templates (Defensible)
General wear (no active leak observed)
“Roof covering shows signs of age-related wear. No active leakage was observed at the time of inspection; however, leaks can be intermittent and may not be visible during a visual inspection. Recommend budgeting for maintenance/repairs as needed and monitoring after rain events.”
Flashing concern
“Defective flashing/sealant observed at roof penetration(s). This condition can allow moisture intrusion. Recommend evaluation and repair by a qualified roofing contractor.”
Limited inspection
“Roof inspection was limited due to ____ (height/slope/weather/covering condition). Roof was observed from accessible areas and from ground/eave vantage points. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified roofing contractor if additional certainty is desired.”
Where ReportWalk Helps
Roof write-ups get messy because you’re trying to remember what you saw while you’re already moving to the next system.
ReportWalk helps you dictate a consistent roof finding format:
- Location → condition → risk → recommendation
- Attach the exact photo that supports the call
- Keep your language consistent across jobs
