Roof and Exterior Building Envelope Inspection Checklist

Annual roof and building envelope inspections identify potential water intrusion points before they cause costly interior damage. This checklist covers all exterior weather barrier components per ICC Property Maintenance Code requirements.

Industry: Real Estate & Property Management
Frequency: Annual (After Storm Events)
Estimated Time: 60-90 minutes
Role: Building Inspector / Maintenance Supervisor / Roofing Contractor
Total Items: 34
Compliance: ICC International Property Maintenance Code Section 304, ICC International Residential Code Section R903 Roof Coverings, NRCA National Roofing Contractors Association Inspection Guidelines, SMACNA Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Guidelines, Australia NCC National Construction Code Weatherproofing Requirements

Roof Covering Condition

Assess primary roofing material for age and condition.

Roof covering in generally good condition with remaining useful life?
No missing, cracked, curling, or severely granule-depleted shingles?
Flat roof membrane free of blisters, ponding water, or visible tears?
Tile or slate free of cracked, broken, or slipped pieces?
Metal roof panels secure with no oil-canning, corrosion, or failed fasteners?
Estimated remaining useful life

Flashing and Seals

Inspect all flashing for water-tight integrity.

Chimney flashing and counter-flashing intact with no gaps or rust?
Valley flashing sealed and free of deterioration?
Plumbing vent pipe boots/collars intact with no cracking or gaps?
Skylight curb and flashing sealed with no leaks?
Step flashing at wall-to-roof intersections intact?
Drip edge at eaves and rakes intact and properly lapped?

Gutters and Drainage

Inspect gutter system and roof drainage.

Gutters properly attached with no sagging, pulling away, or missing sections?
Gutters clear of debris allowing free water flow?
Downspouts clear and directing water minimum 4 feet from foundation?
Gutter seams and end caps sealed with no leaks?
Flat roof interior drains clear with no debris accumulation?

Soffits, Fascia, and Exterior Walls

Inspect exterior envelope components.

Fascia boards free of rot, paint failure, or pest damage?
Soffits intact with no holes, water staining, or missing sections?
Soffit vents clear and providing adequate attic ventilation?
Exterior walls free of cracks, bulging, or water infiltration signs?
Caulking around all windows and doors intact with no gaps?
Exterior painted surfaces in adequate condition to protect substrate?

Attic and Underside Inspection

Inspect attic for roof damage signs and ventilation.

No evidence of active leaks: wet insulation, water stains on rafters?
Adequate attic ventilation with both intake and exhaust vents?
No mold growth on roof decking or attic framing?
Attic insulation in good condition covering the full floor area?
Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans venting to exterior (not into attic)?

Documentation and Recommendations

Document inspection findings and recommendations.

Comprehensive roof photos taken from all angles and close-ups of deficiencies?
Drone inspection used for safe assessment of steep or high roofs?
Repair items prioritized: immediate, within 1 year, within 3 years?
Existing roof warranty documentation reviewed?
Roof replacement budget estimated for capital planning?
Written inspection report with photos delivered to owner?

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Why Use This Roof and Exterior Building Envelope Inspection Checklist?

This roof and exterior building envelope inspection checklist helps real estate & property management teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for building inspector / maintenance supervisor / roofing contractor professionals, this checklist covers 34 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: annual (after storm events).

Ensures compliance with ICC International Property Maintenance Code Section 304, ICC International Residential Code Section R903 Roof Coverings, NRCA National Roofing Contractors Association Inspection Guidelines, SMACNA Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Guidelines, Australia NCC National Construction Code Weatherproofing Requirements. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Roof and Exterior Building Envelope Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 34 inspection items across 6 sections: Roof Covering Condition, Flashing and Seals, Gutters and Drainage, Soffits, Fascia, and Exterior Walls, Attic and Underside Inspection, Documentation and Recommendations. It is designed for real estate & property management operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed annual (after storm events). Each completion takes approximately 60-90 minutes.

Who should use this Roof and Exterior Building Envelope Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Building Inspector / Maintenance Supervisor / Roofing Contractor professionals in the real estate & 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.