Roof Inspection Checklists

Roof inspection checklists, also called roof safety inspections and roof inspection forms, are used on a regular, semi-regular, and as-needed basis. Regular roof inspections are performed on a set schedule, while ad hoc inspections are performed when there is a suspected hazard, after an incident, or due to a worker’s report.

In this article

• Roof Inspection Checklist: Top Benefits of Consistent Roof Safety Inspections
• How Do You Perform a Roof Inspection?
• Make Roof Work Safety Easier With a Mobile Solution
• Featured Roof Inspection Checklists

Roof Inspection Checklist: Top Benefits of Consistent Roof Safety Inspections

The construction industry in general is already considered one of the most dangerous industries to work in. Roofers, a sub-branch of construction workers, are currently ranked #4 in a recent list of the 10 most dangerous jobs in America based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The importance of roof safety inspections, however, extends beyond the physical safety and well-being of roof workers.

Here are the top benefits of performing consistent roof safety inspections:

Protect Worker Morale

Consistent roof safety inspections do more than just keep workers safe from physical injury. Lax safety measures and protocols on the part of employers hurt worker morale by failing to control work-related stress. Considering roofers are almost constantly under stress due to occupational hazards, consistent roof safety inspections protect worker morale by ensuring them that their safety is valued by their employer and that the proper measures are being taken to promote it. Training them to use a roof work safety checklist can help ensure that they comply with safety requirements before embarking on a roof inspection duty. 

Improve and Maintain Brand Reputation

Incidents resulting in major worker injuries or fatalities are not only traumatizing to affected parties, they can also pose serious problems for your company’s reputation. A damaged brand reputation can cause both clients and workers to cut ties with your company, and dissuade roofers from being part of your firm—issues that can be avoided through diligent roof safety inspections.

Save Money

Worker injuries, fatalities, and OSHA Fall Protection violations cost money to resolve. Simply implementing a consistent roof safety inspection process can drastically lower the chances of these issues occurring.  The use of inspection checklists can help your team of inspectors develop the needed consistency in performing roof inspections according to your working safety standards.

How Do You Perform a Roof Inspection?

According to InterNACHI’s Home Inspection Standards of Practice for roof inspection, here is the general standard procedure inspectors must adhere to:

1. The inspector shall inspect from ground level or the eaves:

   • the roof-covering materials
   • the gutters;
   • the downspouts;
   • the vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations; and 
   • the general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.
2. The inspector shall also describe the type of roof-covering materials. Roof coverings are the first line of defense that are supposed to protect the structure underneath from water incursion and damage; thus, it is crucial that the right type of materials are used based on weather conditions in the location and the roofing system’s geometry and underlayment.

3. In the roof inspection report, the inspector shall detail observed indications of active roof leaks.

4. During the roof inspection, the inspector is not required to:

   • walk on any roof surface.
   • predict the service life expectancy. 
   • inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes. 
   • remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof surfaces.
   • move insulation. 
   • inspect antennae, satellite dishes, lightning arresters, de-icing equipment, or similar attachments.
   • walk on any roof areas that appear, in the inspector’s opinion, to be unsafe.
   • walk on any roof areas if doing so might, in the inspector’s opinion, cause damage. 
   • perform a water test.
   • warrant or certify the roof.
   • confirm proper fastening or installation of any roof-covering material.

Roof inspectors can further refer to the manufacturer’s official installation guide to ensure that the most optimal requirements of the roofing system are met. 

Inspectors can develop their roof inspection checklists according to these general requirements and customize them accordingly based on the varying features of different roofing systems.