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Roof Inspection Checklist: Covering, Flashing, and Attic (Free Printable PDF)

Fillable roof inspection form for covering, flashing, gutters, and attic underside. Print blank or save a filled PDF and CSV.

Inspections Fillable form · 6 sections · 38 checks Download filled or blank PDF and CSV Cross-checked against IRC, ASHI SOP, InterNACHI SOP, and GAF · Last verified Sep 1, 2026

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Fill this on screen, then download a PDF or CSV. Download a blank copy to complete by hand. Answers stay in this tab only. The next visitor sees a blank form. This is a visual roof inspection of a US house: covering, flashing and penetrations, edges and gutters, and the attic underside if accessible. Mark N/A on covering types that are not installed and on stations you could not see.

  • 6 sections
  • 38 checks
  • Blank for each visitor

Form details

Property

This is a visual template, not a licensed roofing-contractor tear-off and not a municipal code inspection. Adopted residential codes vary by state and city. InterNACHI and ASHI require describing the roof covering and stating how you inspected the roof and the attic.

11 fields
Property

InterNACHI 3.1 and ASHI 6.1 ask you to describe the type and material of the roofing. Mark covering lines N/A for types that are not installed.

Example: 4:12. Write unknown if you did not measure. Do not invent remaining-life years from slope.

ASHI 6.1.D: state in writing the method used to inspect the roofing. InterNACHI 3.1 inspects from ground level or the eaves and is not required to walk any roof surface.

ASHI 3.1.D: state the location of the attic access. Typical places: hallway hatch, closet, garage, or pull-down stairs. Write N/A if there is no attic.

ASHI 2026 text: inspectors are not required to enter an attic that is not readily accessible, has less than 30 inches of vertical and 30 inches of horizontal clearance, or has an opening smaller than 18 by 24 inches. InterNACHI: do not enter if it is not readily accessible or looks unsafe. Record the method even when you stay out.

Dry, raining, snow-covered, or recent heavy rain. InterNACHI is not required to remove snow, ice, or debris that hides the covering.

Inspection station

Exterior covering

This station is the field of the covering only: shingles, tiles, metal, wood, slate, or membrane. Mark N/A on covering types that are not installed. Flashing, valleys, and pipe boots belong on the next station. Do not assign remaining-life years as Pass or Fail.

11 items
Exterior covering

Roof covering type identified on every plane you can see

Asphalt, tile, metal, wood, slate, membrane, or mixed. InterNACHI 3.1 and ASHI 6.1 require describing the covering. Note hidden faces (snow, solar, or a steep back slope) in Notes.

Roof covering type identified on every plane you can see: OK, Defect, or N/A

Asphalt shingles: no missing, torn, curled, or bald tabs in the field

Look for blown tabs, cracked heads, and granule-bare spots that expose the mat. Mark N/A if the house has no asphalt shingles. InterNACHI is not required to predict service life. Do not write a remaining-year Pass/Fail.

Asphalt shingles: no missing, torn, curled, or bald tabs in the field: OK, Defect, or N/A

Asphalt shingles appear to sit on a slope of 2:12 or greater

IRC R905.2.2 and GAF Timberline instructions: asphalt shingles only on 2:12 or greater. Slopes from 2:12 up to 4:12 need double underlayment (IRC R905.1.1 and GAF TAB-R-127). Underlayment is hidden. Mark Defect only if the plane looks flatter than 2:12. Write a measured slope in Notes if you measured. Mark N/A if there are no asphalt shingles.

Asphalt shingles appear to sit on a slope of 2:12 or greater: OK, Defect, or N/A

Clay or concrete tile: no broken, slipped, or missing tiles in the field

IRC R905.3.2: tile on 2-1/2:12 or greater. Do not walk fragile tile. InterNACHI is not required to walk a roof that may be damaged. Mark N/A if there is no tile.

Clay or concrete tile: no broken, slipped, or missing tiles in the field: OK, Defect, or N/A

Metal panels or metal shingles: no loose panels, open seams, or rust-through in the field

IRC R905.4.2: metal roof shingles not below 3:12. IRC R905.10.2 metal panels: 3:12 for lapped seams without lap sealant, 1/2:12 with lap sealant, 1/4:12 for standing seam. Those are install slopes, not a visual remaining-life test. Mark N/A if there is no metal covering.

Metal panels or metal shingles: no loose panels, open seams, or rust-through in the field: OK, Defect, or N/A

Wood shakes, wood shingles, or slate: no broken, missing, or heavily cupped pieces

Mark N/A if none of these are installed. Do not walk brittle slate or dry wood. Note moss or biological growth only if it is lifting or holding water.

Wood shakes, wood shingles, or slate: no broken, missing, or heavily cupped pieces: OK, Defect, or N/A

Low-slope membrane or built-up roof, if present: no open seams, blisters, or ponding in the field

Porch, addition, or garage membranes belong here, not on the shingle lines. Mark N/A if there is no low-slope covering. Do not water-test. InterNACHI is not required to perform a water test.

Low-slope membrane or built-up roof, if present: no open seams, blisters, or ponding in the field: OK, Defect, or N/A

Hip and ridge caps in place and not blown or cracked

Missing ridge or hip caps leave the nail line open. Mark N/A on a roof with no hip or ridge (a single shed plane).

Hip and ridge caps in place and not blown or cracked: OK, Defect, or N/A

No exposed or backed-out fasteners in the field of the covering

IRC R905.2.6: not fewer than four fasteners per strip shingle or two per individual shingle, or the maker's count if higher. GAF Timberline: four nails in the target zone for standard nailing, six for the enhanced pattern. InterNACHI 3.1.IV: inspectors are not required to confirm proper fastening. Mark Defect only for nails you can actually see (high, missing heads, or rusted through). Do not fail a house from a hidden nail count.

No exposed or backed-out fasteners in the field of the covering: OK, Defect, or N/A

Rake or eave edge does not show two or more existing coverings under a new layer

IRC R908.3.1.1: a recover is not permitted where the existing roof already has two or more applications of any covering. Count layers only at a cut or an open rake you can see. Mark N/A if the edge is finished and you cannot count layers. This is not a remaining-life estimate.

Rake or eave edge does not show two or more existing coverings under a new layer: OK, Defect, or N/A

Covering lies flat: no widespread buckling, wrinkling, or open side laps

Buckled shingles and open laps let water under the covering. A few wavy architectural shingles on a low slope can be a note (GAF: laminated shingles look different below 4:12). Mark Defect if laps are open or the covering has pulled free.

Covering lies flat: no widespread buckling, wrinkling, or open side laps: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Flashing, valleys, and penetrations

This station is junctions only: walls, valleys, pipes, skylights, and chimneys. Do not re-score the field of the covering here. Mark N/A on penetrations the roof does not have.

10 items
Flashing, valleys, and penetrations

Sidewall or step flashing present and not rusted through or pulled free

IRC R903.2.1: flashing at wall and roof intersections. IRC R905.2.8.3: sidewall base flashing continuous or step, not less than 4 inches in height and 4 inches in width, directing water onto the roof or into the gutter. GAF Timberline: step pieces about 5 inches over the shingle and 5 inches up the wall, overlapping 2 inches, nailed to the deck not the wall. Those inch figures are not one Pass/Fail pair. Mark Defect if flashing is missing, split, or dumping behind siding. Mark N/A if there is no roof-to-wall joint.

Sidewall or step flashing present and not rusted through or pulled free: OK, Defect, or N/A

Kick-out or diverter flashing where a sloped eave meets a vertical sidewall

IRC R903.2.1: a flashing shall divert water away from where the eave of a sloped roof intersects a vertical sidewall. Stained or rotted siding below that corner is the usual clue. Mark N/A if no eave hits a sidewall.

Kick-out or diverter flashing where a sloped eave meets a vertical sidewall: OK, Defect, or N/A

Valleys: lining or woven covering intact, not rusted through, and not packed with debris

IRC R905.2.8.2: open metal valley lining not less than 24 inches wide. GAF Timberline open-valley metal is a 20-inch minimum (24-gauge), with nails at the edges so they do not puncture the metal. Those widths are install specs. You usually cannot measure hidden lining. Mark Defect if the valley is torn, rusted through, or missing shingles. Mark N/A if the roof has no valley.

Valleys: lining or woven covering intact, not rusted through, and not packed with debris: OK, Defect, or N/A

Pipe, fan, and plumbing-vent boots seated, not cracked, and not pulled off the pipe

IRC R903.2.1 and R905.2.8.4: flashing around roof openings and vent pipes. Look for a split rubber collar, an open nail, or a boot that has slid down the pipe. Mark N/A if there are no roof vents.

Pipe, fan, and plumbing-vent boots seated, not cracked, and not pulled off the pipe: OK, Defect, or N/A

Skylights: flashing and curb not leaking, cracked, or missing

InterNACHI 3.1 and ASHI 6.1 include skylights. Check the curb flashing and the glass or plastic from the roof or the room below. Do not water-test. Mark N/A if there is no skylight.

Skylights: flashing and curb not leaking, cracked, or missing: OK, Defect, or N/A

Chimney base flashing and counterflashing in place and not open at the masonry

ASHI 6.1 and InterNACHI 3.1 include chimney flashing. GAF: extend counterflashing over the base flashing. Open mortar joints or a pulled apron let water in. ASHI is not required to inspect flue interiors that are not readily accessible. Mark N/A if there is no chimney.

Chimney base flashing and counterflashing in place and not open at the masonry: OK, Defect, or N/A

Chimney or wide penetration has a cricket or saddle on the upslope side if it is more than 30 inches wide

IRC R903.2.2: a cricket or saddle on the ridge side of any chimney or penetration more than 30 inches wide, measured perpendicular to the slope. IRC R1003.20: chimneys need a cricket where the dimension parallel to the ridgeline is greater than 30 inches and the chimney does not intersect the ridge. Those two measurements are not worded the same. Mark Defect if a wide upslope face has no cricket and shows debris or staining. Mark N/A if there is no chimney, it meets the ridge, or it is 30 inches or less. Do not invent cricket height as Pass/Fail unless you measured width and slope against Table R1003.20.

Chimney or wide penetration has a cricket or saddle on the upslope side if it is more than 30 inches wide: OK, Defect, or N/A

Headwall, dormer, or roof-to-roof change-of-slope flashing not open or rusted through

IRC R903.2.1: flashing wherever roof slope or direction changes and around roof openings. Include a shed-to-main roof or a dormer front wall. Mark N/A if there is no headwall or slope change.

Headwall, dormer, or roof-to-roof change-of-slope flashing not open or rusted through: OK, Defect, or N/A

Counterflashing or wall cladding covers the vertical leg of base flashing

IRC R905.2.8.3: where siding is on the sidewall, the vertical leg shall be continuous under the siding. Masonry needs counterflashing. Exposed nail heads on the vertical leg, or siding butted onto shingles with no flashing, are defects. Mark N/A if there is no roof-to-wall joint.

Counterflashing or wall cladding covers the vertical leg of base flashing: OK, Defect, or N/A

Visible metal flashing not heavily corroded, loose, or sealed only with failing tar

IRC R903.2.1 and R905.2.8.1: corrosion-resistant metal not less than 0.019 inch (No. 26 galvanized). You cannot measure thickness on a finished roof. Mark Defect for holes, loose ends, or tar that has cracked and is the only seal. InterNACHI is not required to inspect antennae, satellite dishes, or de-icing equipment.

Visible metal flashing not heavily corroded, loose, or sealed only with failing tar: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Edges, gutters, and downspouts

This station is the roof perimeter and drainage. Do not re-score field shingles or attic stains here. InterNACHI 3.1 inspects gutters and downspouts. ASHI 6.1 inspects roof drainage systems.

7 items
Edges, gutters, and downspouts

Drip edge present at eaves and rakes on a shingle roof, and not pulled off

IRC R905.2.8.5: drip edge at eaves and rake edges of shingle roofs, adjacent pieces lapped not less than 2 inches, extending not less than 1/4 inch below the sheathing and not less than 2 inches onto the deck, fastened not more than 12 inches on center. Underlayment over the drip at eaves and under the drip at rakes. GAF Timberline shows the same eave-versus-rake stack. You will not see the hidden laps. Mark Defect if drip is missing or hanging off. Mark N/A on a covering that does not use drip edge.

Drip edge present at eaves and rakes on a shingle roof, and not pulled off: OK, Defect, or N/A

Rake and eave edges of the covering are fastened and not lifted or frayed

GAF Timberline: place starter and first-course shingles 1/4 to 3/4 inch over the eave and rake to provide a drip. Lifted rake tabs and a missing starter strip are wind and leak points. Do not invent a remaining-life year from granule loss at the eave.

Rake and eave edges of the covering are fastened and not lifted or frayed: OK, Defect, or N/A

Gutters present, attached, and not pulled off the fascia

InterNACHI 3.1 and ASHI 6.1 include gutters. Mark N/A if the house was built to shed without gutters and roof water still clears the wall. A hanging trough is a defect.

Gutters present, attached, and not pulled off the fascia: OK, Defect, or N/A

Gutters not overflowing at the roof edge or dumping behind the trough

Look for stain lines on the fascia, soil wash at the corners, and debris at the trough. Do not inspect underground downspout diverters. InterNACHI 3.1.IV excludes those pipes.

Gutters not overflowing at the roof edge or dumping behind the trough: OK, Defect, or N/A

Downspouts attached and discharging away from the foundation

InterNACHI 3.1 includes downspouts. Mark Defect if the outlet dumps at the wall or the pipe is disconnected. IRC does not state a downspout length. Do not invent a 5-foot Pass/Fail.

Downspouts attached and discharging away from the foundation: OK, Defect, or N/A

Fascia and soffit at the roof edge not decayed, open, or holding water

InterNACHI 3.2 inspects eaves, soffits, and fascia. Soft or stained fascia under a leaking trough belongs here, not on the covering station.

Fascia and soffit at the roof edge not decayed, open, or holding water: OK, Defect, or N/A

No ice-dam stains, crushed eave covering, or water marks just above the exterior wall line

IRC R905.1.2 ice barrier (where Table R301.2 shows a history of eave ice): two layers of cemented underlayment or a self-adhering sheet, extending not less than 24 inches inside the exterior wall line (and not less than 36 inches along the slope when the roof is 8:12 or steeper). That membrane is hidden. Do not mark Pass or Fail on ice barrier you cannot see. Mark Defect for stains, rusted drip, or damaged covering at the eave that show backup. Mark N/A in a climate with no ice history if the eave is dry.

No ice-dam stains, crushed eave covering, or water marks just above the exterior wall line: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Attic underside, sheathing, and ventilation

This station is the underside only. Do not re-score the exterior covering or flashing here. Mark every line N/A if there is no attic. Record access location and method in Property even if you do not enter.

10 items
Attic underside, sheathing, and ventilation

Attic entered, or the reason for viewing from the opening only is recorded

IRC R807.1: attic access not less than 22 by 30 inches where the attic is 30 inches high over at least 30 square feet. ASHI 2026: not required to enter an attic that is not readily accessible, has less than 30 inches vertical and 30 inches horizontal clearance, or has an opening smaller than 18 by 24 inches, and not required to walk unfloored sections or traverse members hidden by insulation. InterNACHI 3.9: do not enter if it is unsafe or not readily accessible. Write the opening size in Notes if you measured it. Mark N/A only if there is no attic.

Attic entered, or the reason for viewing from the opening only is recorded: OK, Defect, or N/A

Roof sheathing underside: no active wet stains, dark drip lines, or soft decking

InterNACHI 3.1: inspect the general roof structure from readily accessible panels, doors, or stairs, and report indications of active roof leaks. Old dry stains after a known repair can be a note if the wood is dry today. Do not move insulation. InterNACHI 3.9 and ASHI 11.2 do not require moving insulation.

Roof sheathing underside: no active wet stains, dark drip lines, or soft decking: OK, Defect, or N/A

No drip, rust, or wet insulation under valleys, chimneys, skylights, or pipe penetrations

The attic is often the first place a flashing leak shows. Match what you saw on the flashing station. Mark N/A if you could not see those bays.

No drip, rust, or wet insulation under valleys, chimneys, skylights, or pipe penetrations: OK, Defect, or N/A

Rafters or trusses you can see: no split members, missing plates, or cut webs that look unsafe

InterNACHI 3.1 includes the general roof structure from accessible openings. ASHI section 3 includes roof sheathing and framing. Neither SOP requires an engineered load check. ASHI 3.2: inspectors are not required to offer an opinion on structural adequacy or calculate roof loading.

Rafters or trusses you can see: no split members, missing plates, or cut webs that look unsafe: OK, Defect, or N/A

Attic ventilation openings present at the soffit or eave and at a high point, or the attic is built as an unvented assembly

IRC R806.1 and R806.2: enclosed attics need cross ventilation. Default net-free area is 1/150 of the vented space. 1/300 is allowed if a Class I vapor retarder is on the warm side, or if 40 to 50 percent of the vent area is in the upper portion not more than 3 feet below the ridge and the rest is in the lower third. InterNACHI 3.9 and ASHI 12.2: inspectors are not required to determine the adequacy of ventilation. Do not invent a 1/150 Pass/Fail unless you measured net-free area. Mark N/A on a documented unvented roof assembly (IRC R806.5).

Attic ventilation openings present at the soffit or eave and at a high point, or the attic is built as an unvented assembly: OK, Defect, or N/A

Soffit or eave intake vents not buried by insulation or painted shut

Blocked intake is a common ventilation defect you can see from the attic. Do not disturb insulation to prove a hidden vent. Mark N/A on an unvented attic.

Soffit or eave intake vents not buried by insulation or painted shut: OK, Defect, or N/A

Bath, kitchen, and dryer exhaust, if visible in the attic, terminate outdoors and not into the attic

InterNACHI 3.9 inspects mechanical exhaust in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry. A fan that dumps into the attic wets the sheathing. Mark N/A if no ducts are visible.

Bath, kitchen, and dryer exhaust, if visible in the attic, terminate outdoors and not into the attic: OK, Defect, or N/A

No daylight through holes in the covering or missing sheathing

Pinholes of light at a fastener are common. A missing shingle or an open hole you can see from below is a defect and should match the covering station.

No daylight through holes in the covering or missing sheathing: OK, Defect, or N/A

No widespread frost, condensation, or mold-like growth on the underside of the sheathing

InterNACHI 3.9 reports the general absence of ventilation in unfinished spaces. Condensation on a cold deck after a wet week can be a note. Recurring wet sheathing with no exterior leak is a ventilation or air-leak clue, not a covering remaining-life number. This line is not a mold inspection.

No widespread frost, condensation, or mold-like growth on the underside of the sheathing: OK, Defect, or N/A

Attic-floor or roof-cavity insulation present where the space is unfinished

InterNACHI 3.9: describe the type and the approximate average depth at the unfinished attic floor or roof structure, and report the general absence of insulation. ASHI 11.1: state presence or absence of insulation at conditioned surfaces. Write type and depth in Notes. Do not invent an R-value Pass/Fail. InterNACHI is not required to identify composition or R-value.

Attic-floor or roof-cavity insulation present where the space is unfinished: OK, Defect, or N/A

Form details

Findings and sign-off

List every Defect line here. This worksheet is not a licensed inspection report, not a roofing-contractor tear-off, and not an official code inspection. Do not write remaining-life years as a finding.

5 fields
Findings and sign-off

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References

  1. IRC 2021 Chapter 9 Roof Assemblies (R903 flashing, R905 coverings, R908 reroofing) - ICC Digital Codes
  2. IRC 2021 Chapter 8 Roof-Ceiling Construction (R806 ventilation, R807 attic access) - ICC Digital Codes
  3. IRC 2021 Chapter 10 Chimneys and Fireplaces (R1003.20 chimney crickets) - ICC Digital Codes
  4. Home Inspection Standards of Practice, sections 3.1 Roof and 3.9 Attic - InterNACHI
  5. ASHI Standard of Practice 2026, section 6 Roofing and attic access limits - American Society of Home Inspectors
  6. Timberline LayerLock installation instructions (slope, nailing, drip edge, valley, flashing) - GAF
  7. Technical bulletin TAB-R-127, shingle application on low slopes 2:12 to 4:12 - GAF

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