Fillable checklist

Siding Inspection Checklist: Cladding Trim and Moisture (Free Printable PDF)

Fillable visual siding inspection for a US house: vinyl, fiber-cement, wood, stucco or EIFS, trim, flashing, and grade clearance. Print blank or save a filled PDF.

Inspections Fillable form · 9 sections · 58 checks Download filled or blank PDF and CSV Cross-checked against IRC, ASHI SOP, InterNACHI SOP, and VSI · Last verified Sep 16, 2026

Snugage fillable checklist

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 exterior cladding inspection of a US house: vinyl, fiber-cement, wood, stucco or EIFS if visible, trim, flashing, penetrations, and grade clearance. Mark N/A on cladding types the house does not have.

  • 9 sections
  • 58 checks
  • Blank for each visitor

Form details

Property

This is a visual template, not a licensed home inspection report and not a municipal code inspection. Adopted residential codes vary by state and city. InterNACHI 3.2 and ASHI section 4 require describing the wall-covering type. InterNACHI is not required to inspect items that are not visible or readily accessible from the ground, including window and door flashing.

9 fields
Property

InterNACHI 3.2 and ASHI 4.1 ask you to describe the wall-covering type. Mark whole stations N/A for cladding the house does not have.

Write the second material and where it is (gables, addition, wainscot). Write none if the house is one material.

InterNACHI 3.2: the inspector is not required to inspect items that are not visible or readily accessible from the ground, including window and door flashing. ASHI 2026: a home inspector is not required to use ladders capable of reaching surfaces over one story above ground.

Dry, raining, or recent heavy rain. Wet-day stains are not the same as old drip marks after a dry week.

Inspection station

Cladding field condition

Walk every visible wall from the ground. InterNACHI Phase I cladding SOP: identify the system, then look for incomplete and damaged areas. Mark N/A only for lines you cannot see. Material-specific stations still apply.

8 items
Cladding field condition

Wall-covering type identified on all sides you can see

Vinyl, fiber-cement, wood, hard-coat stucco, EIFS, or mixed. InterNACHI 3.2 and ASHI 4.1 require describing the covering. Note covered faces (dense plants, decks, or storage) in Notes.

Wall-covering type identified on all sides you can see: OK, Defect, or N/A

No incomplete, missing, or leftover-open cladding areas

InterNACHI cladding SOP 1.8.2: inspect for incomplete areas. Include starter gaps, missing corner posts, and unfinished patches.

No incomplete, missing, or leftover-open cladding areas: OK, Defect, or N/A

No cracked, broken, melted, or missing pieces in the field

InterNACHI cladding SOP 1.8.2: inspect for damaged areas. Hail dings, cracked fiber-cement, split wood, and heat-warped vinyl belong here. Cosmetic weathering without an open path can stay OK with a note.

No cracked, broken, melted, or missing pieces in the field: OK, Defect, or N/A

Cladding not loose, sagging, or pulling away from the wall

Look at corners, gable peaks, and long runs. A panel that rattles or a board that has pulled off the nails is a defect.

Cladding not loose, sagging, or pulling away from the wall: OK, Defect, or N/A

No widespread moisture stains, rust streaks, or peeling at the cladding

EPA: the key to mold control is moisture control. Stains under window sills, at roof-wall corners, and at the bottom course are leak clues. Isolated dirt is not automatically a defect.

No widespread moisture stains, rust streaks, or peeling at the cladding: OK, Defect, or N/A

Joints where cladding meets another material are closed or flashed

InterNACHI cladding SOP: inspect horizontal and vertical joints at dissimilar materials. Include siding-to-brick, siding-to-stucco, and addition junctions. Open gaps that can take water are defects.

Joints where cladding meets another material are closed or flashed: OK, Defect, or N/A

Top of the wall at eaves, soffit, or fascia not open behind the cladding

InterNACHI 3.2 and ASHI 4.1 inspect eaves, soffits, and fascias from the ground. InterNACHI cladding SOP includes the bottom of vertical walls at soffits. A missing soffit panel or an open return that dumps water behind siding is a defect. This is not a full roof-edge station.

Top of the wall at eaves, soffit, or fascia not open behind the cladding: OK, Defect, or N/A

Previous patches, replacements, or caulk repairs noted and not failing

Old replacement boards or caulked cracks are not automatically defects. Mark Defect if the patch has opened, sagged, or is a different system with no flashing at the joint. Describe what you see.

Previous patches, replacements, or caulk repairs noted and not failing: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Grade clearance and vegetation

Do not mark Pass or Fail from one clearance number. Vinyl, wood, fiber-cement, stucco, and EIFS use different model-code and OEM figures, and ENERGY STAR uses another roof figure. Record what you measured in Notes. Mark Defect if cladding sits in soil or standing water.

8 items
Grade clearance and vegetation

Bottom of the cladding is not in soil or buried in mulch

InterNACHI cladding SOP: inspect the bottom of wall cladding at grade. Soil or mulch against untreated wood, vinyl, fiber-cement, or stucco is a moisture path. Mark Defect for burial. Do not convert a measured inch count into Pass/Fail on this line.

Bottom of the cladding is not in soil or buried in mulch: OK, Defect, or N/A

No standing water against the cladding or at the starter course

James Hardie OEM: do not install products so they remain in contact with standing water. EPA: keep rain and irrigation from wetting the walls. A settled trench next to the wall is a common trap.

No standing water against the cladding or at the starter course: OK, Defect, or N/A

Clearance from finished grade to the cladding bottom recorded in Notes

IRC R703.3.1 (vinyl, insulated vinyl, polypropylene, unless the maker says otherwise): not less than 6 inches from the ground. IRC decay-protection text used as R317 in many adoptions: untreated wood siding, sheathing, and wall framing need 6 inches to ground. IRC R703.9: EIFS shall terminate not less than 6 inches above finished ground. IRC R703.7.2.1 stucco weep screed: not less than 4 inches above the earth. James Hardie: follow local code at grade. Those are not one Pass/Fail pair. Write the measured gap.

Clearance from finished grade to the cladding bottom recorded in Notes: OK, Defect, or N/A

Clearance above roofs, decks, steps, and slabs recorded in Notes

IRC R703.3.1 vinyl: not less than 1/2 inch from decks, roofs, and slabs unless the maker says otherwise. Vinyl Siding Institute: keep J-channel a minimum of 1/2 inch from roofing. ENERGY STAR Water Management footnote 13: intersecting wall siding shall terminate 1 inch above the roof or higher, per manufacturer recommendations. James Hardie OEM: 2 inches to roofs, decks, paths, steps, and driveways. IRC wood decay-protection: 2 inches above a weather-exposed concrete step or patio for untreated wood siding. Do not invent one Pass/Fail number. Mark Defect if the cladding sits in the shingles or in a puddle on the deck.

Clearance above roofs, decks, steps, and slabs recorded in Notes: OK, Defect, or N/A

Mulch, soil, and plantings not piled against the cladding

InterNACHI 3.2 and ASHI 4.1: inspect vegetation and grading where they may wet the structure. High mulch against wood siding is also a wood-to-soil issue on the wood station.

Mulch, soil, and plantings not piled against the cladding: OK, Defect, or N/A

Sprinklers and irrigation not soaking the wall covering

EPA moisture guidance: drain irrigation away from the building. Repeat wet cycles at the bottom course rot wood and stain stucco. Mark N/A if there is no irrigation. InterNACHI is not required to inspect irrigation systems as a separate system, but spray on the cladding is in scope here.

Sprinklers and irrigation not soaking the wall covering: OK, Defect, or N/A

Cladding does not bury the top of the foundation where the wall should drain

ENERGY STAR Water Management 2.1: flashing at the bottom of exterior walls, with weep holes for masonry veneer and a weep screed for stucco. If siding laps to grade and hides any bottom flashing or weep, note it. Mark N/A on a wall where the covering is meant to meet a slab edge and still clears the soil.

Cladding does not bury the top of the foundation where the wall should drain: OK, Defect, or N/A

Shrubs and vines not holding moisture or abrading the cladding

Plants tight to vinyl or wood keep the covering wet and hide damage. Trim-back is practical advice, not a code inspection. Mark N/A if no plants are near the walls.

Shrubs and vines not holding moisture or abrading the cladding: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Vinyl siding

Mark every line N/A if the house has no vinyl. Do not reuse fiber-cement or wood lines here. Vinyl is not a watertight covering. The WRB behind it is usually hidden.

8 items
Vinyl siding

Panels lock, lie flat, and are not buckled, wavy, or melted

InterNACHI vinyl inspection: distortion and buckling can come from fasteners that were not driven straight and level. Heat from a nearby window reflection can warp vinyl. Isolated oil-canning with a free-moving panel can stay OK with a note.

Panels lock, lie flat, and are not buckled, wavy, or melted: OK, Defect, or N/A

No face nails or staples through the panel field

Vinyl Siding Institute and InterNACHI: do not face-nail or staple through siding except in very limited trim-out spots. Face nails restrict expansion and can ripple the panel. A color-matched trim nail inside a J-channel at a gable peak is one of the limited exceptions in the VSI manual.

No face nails or staples through the panel field: OK, Defect, or N/A

Visible fasteners are centered in slots and not driven tight to the hem

VSI and InterNACHI: leave about 1/32 inch (a dime) between the fastener head and the nail hem so the panel can move. Fasteners belong in the center of the slot. You will not see most fasteners. Mark N/A if none are visible. Do not fail hidden nailing.

Visible fasteners are centered in slots and not driven tight to the hem: OK, Defect, or N/A

Panels are not jammed in corners or J-channel (expansion room visible)

VSI and InterNACHI: leave at least 1/4 inch at openings and stops, and 3/8 inch when installing below 40 F. Those two figures are not one Pass/Fail pair without knowing the install temperature. Mark Defect if the panel is butted tight and buckled, or pulled out of the receiver.

Panels are not jammed in corners or J-channel (expansion room visible): OK, Defect, or N/A

J-channel at a roof-wall is not tight against the roofing

VSI: keep the J-channel a minimum of 1/2 inch from the roofing because heat can distort vinyl. IRC R703.3.1 uses 1/2 inch from roofs for vinyl unless the maker says otherwise. ENERGY STAR asks for 1 inch or the maker's higher number. Do not fail 1/2 inch vinyl as if it were fiber-cement 2 inches. Mark Defect if the J-channel sits in the shingles. Mark N/A if vinyl never meets a roof.

J-channel at a roof-wall is not tight against the roofing: OK, Defect, or N/A

Overlaps and J-receivers are not caulked shut

VSI and InterNACHI: do not caulk panels where they meet inside corners, outside corners, or J-trim, and do not caulk overlap joints. Vinyl has to move and drain. Caulk at a flashing or penetration is a different line.

Overlaps and J-receivers are not caulked shut: OK, Defect, or N/A

Corner posts, starter, and J-trim at windows and doors are in place

IRC R703.11.1.1: the first course uses a starter strip per the maker. InterNACHI: vinyl should terminate in J-molding around windows and doors. Missing corners or open window returns are defects. Concealed flashing behind the J-channel is not required to be verified from the ground.

Corner posts, starter, and J-trim at windows and doors are in place: OK, Defect, or N/A

Lights, hose bibs, and similar fixtures are on mounting blocks, not screwed through the face

InterNACHI vinyl inspection: surface-mounted fixtures should be on mounting blocks. Fasteners through the panel restrict expansion. Mark N/A if no fixtures pierce the vinyl.

Lights, hose bibs, and similar fixtures are on mounting blocks, not screwed through the face: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Fiber-cement siding

Mark every line N/A if the house has no fiber-cement. James Hardie is one OEM. Follow that maker if the product is labeled. IRC R703.10 is the model-code fiber-cement section.

8 items
Fiber-cement siding

No cracked, broken, or missing fiber-cement boards or panels

Look at corners, butt joints, and impact spots. A hairline factory edge chip that is painted can stay OK with a note. A broken board that opens the wall is a defect.

No cracked, broken, or missing fiber-cement boards or panels: OK, Defect, or N/A

Lap siding overlaps, and exposed ends are caulked, H-covered, or on flashing

IRC R703.10.2: lap siding shall be lapped a minimum of 1 1/4 inches, and ends without tongue-and-groove shall be caulked, covered with an H-section, located over flashing, or otherwise designed to R703.1. You cannot always measure the hidden lap. Mark Defect for open butt joints with no cover.

Lap siding overlaps, and exposed ends are caulked, H-covered, or on flashing: OK, Defect, or N/A

Horizontal joints in panel siding have Z-flashing or another closed detail

IRC R703.10.1: vertical and horizontal joints in panels shall occur over framing and be protected with caulking, battens, flashing, or shiplap. James Hardie OEM: provide Z-flashing at all horizontal joints in HardiePanel. Mark N/A on lap siding with no panel joints.

Horizontal joints in panel siding have Z-flashing or another closed detail: OK, Defect, or N/A

Gap above horizontal flashing is open, not caulked shut

James Hardie OEM: maintain a 1/4 inch clearance between the bottom of the product and horizontal flashing. Do not caulk that gap. A caulked flashing gap traps water. Mark N/A if you cannot see a horizontal flashing.

Gap above horizontal flashing is open, not caulked shut: OK, Defect, or N/A

Fiber-cement at roofs, decks, paths, and steps is not sitting in the surface

James Hardie OEM: 2 inches to roofs, decks, paths, steps, and driveways. ENERGY STAR uses 1 inch above the roof or the maker's higher number. Vinyl uses 1/2 inch. Do not apply the Hardie 2-inch figure to vinyl on the same house. Mark Defect if fiber-cement sits in the shingles or on the deck boards. Write the measured gap.

Fiber-cement at roofs, decks, paths, and steps is not sitting in the surface: OK, Defect, or N/A

Fiber-cement not remaining in contact with standing water

James Hardie OEM: do not install products so they may remain in contact with standing water. A splash zone that never dries at a downspout is a defect even if the grade gap looks wide on a dry day.

Fiber-cement not remaining in contact with standing water: OK, Defect, or N/A

Factory finish or paint not failing in large peeling or bare patches

James Hardie OEM: do not use stain. Primed product is meant to be painted. Bare fiber-cement that stays wet is a maintenance defect. Isolated touch-up can stay OK with a note.

Factory finish or paint not failing in large peeling or bare patches: OK, Defect, or N/A

Visible fasteners not over-driven, missing, or heavily rust-stained

James Hardie OEM: heads should fit snug, not over-driven. A countersunk nail should be caulked and a nail added. Do not use aluminum fasteners. Most fasteners are hidden on lap. Mark N/A if none are visible.

Visible fasteners not over-driven, missing, or heavily rust-stained: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Wood siding

Mark every line N/A if the house has no wood cladding. Include boards, shingles, shakes, and hardboard. Untreated wood in soil is a defect even when a vinyl clearance number would still look generous.

8 items
Wood siding

No decay, soft spots, or fungal growth on visible wood cladding

Probe only if deterioration is already visible and probing will not make it worse. ASHI 2026 does not require a moisture meter. Soft, crumbling, or fruiting wood is a defect. This is not a termite inspection.

No decay, soft spots, or fungal growth on visible wood cladding: OK, Defect, or N/A

Paint or stain still sheds water on the field and at end grain

Bare, cupped boards hold water. Peeling at the bottom course and at south walls is common. Mark Defect when large areas of bare wood or failed coating sit in the weather. Cosmetic chalking can stay OK with a note.

Paint or stain still sheds water on the field and at end grain: OK, Defect, or N/A

Boards, shakes, or shingles not heavily cupped, split, or missing

Open splits that take water, missing shingles, and boards that have pulled off the nails are defects. A tight hairline check in old cedar can stay OK with a note.

Boards, shakes, or shingles not heavily cupped, split, or missing: OK, Defect, or N/A

Horizontal lap boards overlap, or panel joints are battened or flashed

IRC R703.5.3: where the maker has no recommendations, horizontal lap shall be lapped not less than 1 inch, or 1/2 inch if rabbeted, and ends caulked, battened, or sealed over flashing. IRC R703.5.2: horizontal joints in panel siding shall be lapped not less than 1 inch or flashed. You cannot always measure a hidden lap. Mark Defect for open horizontal joints.

Horizontal lap boards overlap, or panel joints are battened or flashed: OK, Defect, or N/A

Untreated wood siding, sheathing, or wall framing not at soil or a wet slab

IRC decay-protection (R317 in many adoptions; the same text appears as R304 in some 2024 viewers): untreated wood siding, sheathing, and wall framing need 6 inches to ground, or 2 inches measured vertically from a weather-exposed concrete step, porch, or patio. Closer than that requires preservative-treated or naturally durable wood. Mark Defect for soil or mulch against untreated wood. Do not apply this pair to vinyl or EIFS.

Untreated wood siding, sheathing, or wall framing not at soil or a wet slab: OK, Defect, or N/A

Fasteners not heavily corroded or staining the wood in streaks

IRC R703.3.3: exterior coverings use corrosion-resistant fasteners. Rust streaks from nails are a maintenance clue. Missing nails that leave a board loose are a defect.

Fasteners not heavily corroded or staining the wood in streaks: OK, Defect, or N/A

Wood shakes or shingles: doubled bottom course, and joints not stacked

IRC R703.6.4: the bottom courses shall be doubled. R703.6.1: offset spacing between joints in adjacent courses not less than 1 1/2 inches. Mark N/A if the wood is boards or panels, not shakes or shingles.

Wood shakes or shingles: doubled bottom course, and joints not stacked: OK, Defect, or N/A

Cut ends and butt joints sealed, battened, or on flashing, not raw and open

End grain soaks water. IRC R703.5.3 sends uncaulked ends to a batten or a strip of flashing. Open butts at a corner board are a common leak.

Cut ends and butt joints sealed, battened, or on flashing, not raw and open: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Stucco and EIFS

Mark every line N/A if there is no stucco or EIFS. Hard-coat stucco and EIFS are different systems. InterNACHI cladding SOP does not require probing, water tests, infrared, or cores. If you cannot tell EIFS from stucco, say so in Notes.

9 items
Stucco and EIFS

Finish identified as hard-coat stucco, EIFS, or uncertain

InterNACHI cladding SOP: identify the type. Hard-coat is cement plaster on lath. EIFS is a foam-and-mesh finish. Thickness at a damaged edge is the usual clue. Do not guess. Write uncertain if you cannot tell.

Finish identified as hard-coat stucco, EIFS, or uncertain: OK, Defect, or N/A

No wide cracks, bulges, or hollow-looking areas in the field

Hairline shrinkage is common in cement plaster. Stair-step cracks, bulges, and soft spots matter more. No inspection SOP states a crack-width Pass/Fail. Describe location and whether the edges are offset.

No wide cracks, bulges, or hollow-looking areas in the field: OK, Defect, or N/A

Stucco weep screed present at the bottom of stud walls and not buried

IRC R703.7.2.1: a corrosion-resistant or plastic weep screed with a 3 1/2 inch flange shall be placed not less than 4 inches above the earth or 2 inches above paved areas, and shall drain to the exterior. Maricopa County restates those heights and says weep holes shall not be covered by concrete, stucco, or other material. ENERGY STAR 2.1 asks for a weep screed on stucco. Mark N/A on EIFS or on plaster over masonry with no stud-wall screed. Do not apply the 4-inch stucco figure to vinyl.

Stucco weep screed present at the bottom of stud walls and not buried: OK, Defect, or N/A

EIFS terminates above finished ground, not in soil

IRC R703.9.1 and R703.9.2: EIFS and EIFS with drainage shall terminate not less than 6 inches above finished ground. Local amendments may differ. Mark N/A if the finish is hard-coat stucco, not EIFS. Mark Defect if EIFS is buried.

EIFS terminates above finished ground, not in soil: OK, Defect, or N/A

EIFS foam not exposed, crushed, or face-nailed through decorative trim

IRC R703.9: decorative trim shall not be face-nailed through the EIFS. Exposed foam at corners, grade, or penetrations is a defect. Mark N/A if there is no EIFS.

EIFS foam not exposed, crushed, or face-nailed through decorative trim: OK, Defect, or N/A

Sealant at windows, doors, and penetrations not split, missing, or pulling away

InterNACHI cladding SOP: inspect detailing at window and door heads, jambs, and sills. Failed sealant at an EIFS window is a common moisture path. This is not a full window-operation station.

Sealant at windows, doors, and penetrations not split, missing, or pulling away: OK, Defect, or N/A

No staining, spalling, or soft finish at window and door corners

EPA moisture guidance treats windows as complex wall penetrations that need head, jamb, and sill flashing. Stains at the lower corners are a leak clue. InterNACHI is not required to inspect concealed window flashing from the ground.

No staining, spalling, or soft finish at window and door corners: OK, Defect, or N/A

Control or expansion joints, if present, not failed or bridged with hard stucco

InterNACHI cladding SOP lists expansion joints. Mark N/A if none are installed. A joint packed solid so it cannot move is a defect when the field is cracking next to it.

Control or expansion joints, if present, not failed or bridged with hard stucco: OK, Defect, or N/A

Stucco or EIFS junctions with siding, masonry, or roofs are flashed or sealed

IRC R703.4 includes wall-and-roof intersections and masonry intersecting frame or stucco walls. An unflashed stucco-to-siding joint that can take water is a defect.

Stucco or EIFS junctions with siding, masonry, or roofs are flashed or sealed: OK, Defect, or N/A

Inspection station

Trim, flashing, and penetrations

Walk openings, roof-wall corners, the deck ledger, and every pipe, light, and vent through the cladding. InterNACHI is not required to inspect concealed window and door flashing. Mark N/A where the house has no deck, chimney, or roof-wall.

9 items
Trim, flashing, and penetrations

Kickout or diverter flashing where a sloped roof dies into the wall cladding

InterNACHI cladding SOP lists roof diverter flashing. ENERGY STAR 3.1: step and kick-out flashing at roof-wall intersections. James Hardie OEM requires a kickout so roof water does not dump behind the siding. Minnesota's 2018 IRC adoption states kickout flashing not less than 2 1/2 inches long when re-siding. The 2024 IRC R703.4 list requires flashing at wall and roof intersections but does not state that 2 1/2 inch length in the text fetched here. Do not fail a kickout on length. Mark Defect if roof water can run behind the cladding. Mark N/A if no roof dies into a wall.

Kickout or diverter flashing where a sloped roof dies into the wall cladding: OK, Defect, or N/A

Roof-to-wall step flashing or equivalent visible from the ground

IRC R703.4 location 6: flashing at wall and roof intersections. ENERGY STAR: step flashing extending at least 4 inches on the wall above the roof deck and lapped shingle-style with the drainage plane. You will not see the hidden lap. Mark Defect if siding is face-nailed through the roofing with no flashing showing. This is not a full roof-covering station.

Roof-to-wall step flashing or equivalent visible from the ground: OK, Defect, or N/A

Deck, porch, or stair attachment through the wall is flashed or sealed at the cladding

IRC R703.4 location 5: flashing where porches, decks, or stairs attach to a wood-frame wall or floor. InterNACHI cladding SOP lists deck flashing. You may not see ledger flashing behind a finished deck. Mark Defect for an open gap that can take water at the cladding. Mark N/A if no deck or porch attaches to the wall. This is not a ledger-bolt or guard station.

Deck, porch, or stair attachment through the wall is flashed or sealed at the cladding: OK, Defect, or N/A

Visible drip cap or head flashing at windows, or a note that it is concealed

IRC R703.4 and R703.4.1 require flashing at exterior window and door openings, extending to the wall finish or to the WRB. InterNACHI 3.2: the inspector is not required to inspect window and door flashing that is not visible from the ground. Mark OK if a drip cap is visible. Use Notes if J-channel or stucco hides everything. Do not fail hidden flashing you cannot see.

Visible drip cap or head flashing at windows, or a note that it is concealed: OK, Defect, or N/A

Visible drip cap or head flashing at exterior doors, or a note that it is concealed

Same IRC R703.4.1 rule as windows. Include the overhead garage service door if it sits in cladding. Mark N/A on a door in brick with no cladding head.

Visible drip cap or head flashing at exterior doors, or a note that it is concealed: OK, Defect, or N/A

Pipes, vents, lights, and hose bibs through the cladding are flashed or sealed

InterNACHI cladding SOP lists wall penetrations. EPA moisture guidance: every penetration through cladding must be detailed to keep rain out. A naked hole around a refrigerant line or a light canopy with no block is a defect.

Pipes, vents, lights, and hose bibs through the cladding are flashed or sealed: OK, Defect, or N/A

Corner boards, window trim, and skirt boards not rotten, loose, or missing

InterNACHI 3.2 and ASHI 4.1 inspect trim. IRC R703.4 location 4: flashing continuously above all projecting wood trim. Open trim that can take water behind the cladding is a defect.

Corner boards, window trim, and skirt boards not rotten, loose, or missing: OK, Defect, or N/A

Cladding-to-chimney or masonry junction is flashed, not a raw butt joint

IRC R703.4 location 2: flashing at chimneys or other masonry intersecting frame or stucco walls. Mark N/A if no chimney or masonry wing sits in the cladding.

Cladding-to-chimney or masonry junction is flashed, not a raw butt joint: OK, Defect, or N/A

Any visible housewrap, felt, or drainage gap at a damage or detail is lapped shingle-fashion

IRC R703.2 requires a WRB behind cladding, but it is usually hidden. ENERGY STAR 2.2 and DOE Building America describe a continuous drainage plane that laps flashing. Only score what you can see at a hole, a missing board, or a detail. Do not claim a hidden WRB is present or absent.

Any visible housewrap, felt, or drainage gap at a damage or detail is lapped shingle-fashion: 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 cladding-forensics report, and not an official code inspection.

5 fields
Findings and sign-off

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References

  1. InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice, section 3.2 Exterior (wall-covering materials, flashing, trim; items not visible from the ground)
  2. InterNACHI International Phase I Standards of Practice for Inspecting Exterior Wall Cladding (type, damage, detailing at grade, roofs, decks, penetrations)
  3. InterNACHI, Vinyl Siding Inspection (face nailing, expansion gaps, fastener slot, J-molding, mounting blocks)
  4. ASHI Standard of Practice for Home Inspections, section 4 Exterior (2026 approved text: wall coverings, flashing, trim; limitations)
  5. ASHI Standard of Practice (current page, wall covering definition and exterior duties)
  6. International Residential Code 2024, Chapter 7 Wall Covering (R703 envelope, WRB, vinyl clearance, flashing, wood, stucco, EIFS, fiber-cement)
  7. International Residential Code, protection of wood against decay (untreated wood siding 6 inches to ground or 2 inches above a weather-exposed slab)
  8. City of Bellaire, Texas, IRC R317 Protection of Wood and Wood-Based Products Against Decay (same 6-inch and 2-inch wood siding clearances)
  9. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Re-siding and the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code (WRB, flashing locations, kickout flashing)
  10. Vinyl Siding Institute, 2020 Vinyl Siding Installation Manual (fastener gap, expansion, no face-nail, J-channel 1/2 inch from roofing)
  11. James Hardie HardiePanel installation instructions (Home Depot OEM PDF: 2-inch roof and deck clearance, 1/4-inch flashing gap, kickout, no standing water)
  12. EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home (moisture control, dry wet areas within 24 to 48 hours, grade away from the building)
  13. EPA, Moisture Control Guidance for Building Design, Construction and Maintenance (cladding, drainage plane, flashing at penetrations)
  14. ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes National Water Management System Builder Requirements, Rev. 13 (bottom-of-wall flashing, drainage plane, kick-out, siding above roof)
  15. DOE Building America Solution Center, Drainage Plane Behind Exterior Wall Cladding
  16. Maricopa County, Arizona, Weep Screed directive DD-5004-01 (IRC R703.7.2.1: 4 inches above earth or 2 inches above paved areas; weeps not covered)

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Siding Inspection Checklist: Cladding Trim and Moisture blank checklist
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These checklists are provided for general reference only. Always verify the steps against local codes, a licensed inspector or a qualified contractor before relying on them, especially for safety-critical work.