Apartment Building Annual Roof Inspection Checklist

This apartment building annual roof inspection checklist provides a comprehensive evaluation framework for multi-family residential roofing systems. The roof is the building's first line of defense against water intrusion - the most common and costly building defect. Industry data shows that 95% of all roof leaks are caused by failures at flashings, penetrations, and drainage points rather than field membrane failures. Annual inspections in spring and fall, combined with prompt repairs, extend r

Industry: Property Management
Frequency: Twice Annually (Spring and Fall) / After Major Storm Events
Estimated Time: 1-3 hours depending on roof size
Role: Roofing Contractor / Maintenance Supervisor / Property Manager
Total Items: 28
Compliance: NRCA National Roofing Contractors Association Guidelines, NFPA 101 Roof Access Safety, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502 Fall Protection, ASTM D7877 Guide for Evaluating TPO Membranes, International Building Code Chapter 15 (Roof Assemblies)

Roof Membrane / Field Condition

Assess the overall condition of the main roof membrane or field.

No blisters, ridges, or bubbles in flat membrane (TPO/EPDM/Mod Bit)?
No visible cracks, tears, or holes in membrane?
Membrane seams intact and not separating or lifting?
Shingles in good condition (no missing, cracked, curled, or damaged shingles)?
No significant granule loss on asphalt shingles (check gutters for granule accumulation)?
No evidence of ponding water (standing water more than 48 hours after rain)?

Flashings and Penetrations

Inspect all flashings, penetrations, and terminations - primary leak sources.

Perimeter/edge flashings secure and not lifting or separating from wall?
All pipe boot flashings intact and not cracked or separated from pipe?
HVAC equipment curb flashings sealed and not lifted?
Skylight and rooftop access hatch flashings watertight?
Valley flashings intact (sloped roofs)?
Counter flashings at parapets, walls, and chimneys embedded in masonry and sealed?

Roof Drainage

Verify all roof drainage components are clear and functional.

All roof drains clear of debris with strainers in place?
Gutters clear of leaves and debris?
Downspouts clear and discharging water away from foundation?
Secondary/overflow drains or scuppers clear (flat roofs)?
Roof appears to slope correctly toward drains with no low spots?

Parapet Walls and Rooftop Equipment

Inspect parapet walls and rooftop mechanical equipment.

Parapet wall coping cap in good condition with no cracked or missing sections?
No significant cracks in parapet walls or masonry?
HVAC units, exhaust fans, and rooftop equipment properly secured and not vibrating loose?
Adequate clearance maintained between rooftop equipment and membrane?
Antenna, satellite dish, and conduit penetrations properly sealed?

Roof Access and Safety

Verify safe roof access and document findings.

Roof access hatch functional, lockable, and in good condition?
Appropriate fall protection available for roof access (anchor points, guardrails, or warning lines)?
Photos taken of all deficiencies and notable conditions?
Repair scope documented and contractor contacted for prioritized repairs?
Warranty claim initiated for any defects within warranty coverage?
Roof inspection report filed and retained for property records?

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Why Use This Apartment Building Annual Roof Inspection Checklist?

This apartment building annual roof inspection checklist helps property management teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for roofing contractor / maintenance supervisor / property manager professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: twice annually (spring and fall) / after major storm events.

Ensures compliance with NRCA National Roofing Contractors Association Guidelines, NFPA 101 Roof Access Safety, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502 Fall Protection, ASTM D7877 Guide for Evaluating TPO Membranes, International Building Code Chapter 15 (Roof Assemblies), Factory Mutual (FM) Approval Standards, UK BS 6229 Flat Roofs with Continuously Supported Coverings, Australia AS 1562 Design and Installation of Roof Cladding. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Apartment Building Annual Roof Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 5 sections: Roof Membrane / Field Condition, Flashings and Penetrations, Roof Drainage, Parapet Walls and Rooftop Equipment, Roof Access and Safety. It is designed for property management operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed twice annually (spring and fall) / after major storm events. Each completion takes approximately 1-3 hours depending on roof size.

Who should use this Apartment Building Annual Roof Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Roofing Contractor / Maintenance Supervisor / Property Manager professionals in the property management industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.