Roof inspection checklist — residential & commercial, free
A complete roof inspection checklist you can use as-is, or fill in right here and download as a branded, ready-to-send inspection report — logo, property details, pass/issue notes and a summary of findings, all on one PDF.
Your company
Property & inspection
Roof surface
Flashing & penetrations
Edges & drainage
Attic & interior
Structure & safety
Notes & AI summary
optionalWhat a thorough roof inspection covers.
Residential
- Shingles/tiles/panels: missing, cracked, curling or lifted
- Granule loss / bald spots on asphalt shingles
- Algae, moss or heavy staining
- Ponding water or visible sagging in the deck
- Flashing at walls, chimneys and skylights: rust, gaps or lifting
- Pipe boots: cracked or dry-rotted rubber
- Valleys: proper lap, no exposed nails or bare metal
- Chimney crown, cap and mortar joints
- Drip edge present and secure along eaves and rakes
- Gutters and downspouts: clogged, sagging or pulling from fascia
- Fascia and soffit: rot, gaps or pest entry points
- Water staining below roof edges or on siding
- Active leaks, staining or dark spots on the underside of the deck
- Daylight visible through the roof deck
- Insulation: wet, compressed or missing in spots
- Ventilation: ridge/soffit vents clear and functioning
- Mold or musty odor
- Visible sagging of the ridge or roof plane
- Deck soft spots when walked (do not walk unsafe areas)
- Age and remaining expected life of the current roof system
Commercial
- Membrane (TPO/EPDM/PVC/Mod-Bit): punctures, blisters, seam separation
- Ponding water areas and drainage slope
- UV degradation, chalking or embrittlement
- Patch history and condition of prior repairs
- Parapet walls and coping: cracks, open joints, loose caps
- Equipment curbs (RTUs, exhaust fans): flashing intact, no gaps
- Pipe and conduit penetrations sealed
- Expansion joints in good condition
- Roof drains, scuppers and overflow drains clear of debris
- Gutters/downspouts (if present) secure and unobstructed
- Evidence of standing water beyond 48 hours after rain
- HVAC units, condensers, vents: mounted securely, no leaks at base
- Walk pads/protection in place on traffic paths
- Guardrails, ladders and access hatches safe and code-compliant
- Conduit and cable runs properly secured, not damaging membrane
- Ceiling staining or leaks below the roof deck
- Insulation condition (where accessible)
- Structural deck condition, deflection or corrosion
- Documented roof age, warranty status and prior repair history
Everything you need to know about the checklist.
Is this roof inspection checklist free to use?
Yes — read or print the checklist as-is, or fill it in on this page and download a finished inspection report as a PDF, no account required.
Do you have a checklist for commercial roofs too?
Yes — switch to "Commercial" above the checklist for membrane, drainage, rooftop-equipment and parapet items specific to flat and low-slope commercial roofs, separate from the residential shingle/tile checklist.
Can I turn this into a roof inspection report I can send to a client?
Yes — add your company logo and contact info, the property address and inspector name, mark each item Pass, Issue or N/A with notes, and download it as a branded, print-ready roof inspection report.
Is there a roof inspection report template I can just download blank?
Yes — download the checklist without filling anything in for a blank, printable roof inspection report template, or fill it in first for a completed one.
What should a roof inspection actually cover?
At minimum: the roof surface itself, flashing and penetrations, edges and drainage, attic/interior signs of leaks, and overall structural condition — that's exactly how this checklist is organized, residential or commercial.
Can I add notes or an AI-written summary of what I found?
Yes — type anything you noticed in the notes box and use "Summarize findings" to turn your checked items and notes into a clear summary and next-step recommendations for the report.
Is this a substitute for a licensed structural inspection?
No — this checklist is for a standard visual roof condition inspection. For structural concerns (sagging, deflection, suspected deck failure), bring in a licensed structural engineer.
Turn every inspection into the next job.
Measure the roof, quote the repair, get it signed and get paid - all from M2Q.