What does this roofing pm checklist cover?

15 items across 4 sections, covering drainage and debris, membrane and flashing condition, rooftop access and equipment, leaks and follow-up. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.

Who should run this inspection?

The roofing contractor or facilities tech on a scheduled maintenance visit.

When in the schedule should this walk happen?

At least twice a year and after major storms, aligned with the warranty's required maintenance schedule.

Why do these items ask for a photo?

9 of the 15 items call for photo evidence, 12 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.

What most often fails a roofing pm inspection?

Drains and scuppers found clogged with debris that's been building for more than one season. Sealant failure at flashing found only after a stain shows up on the ceiling below. Foot traffic damage from other trades' rooftop work never reported back to the roofing contractor.

Can I use this checklist in RTI?

Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

Free checklist

Roofing

Roofing preventive maintenance checklist

Roofing systems drift out of spec quietly, a failed fitting here, a tripped device there, until the callback or the failure makes it loud. This recurring maintenance checklist catches the drift early, with photo evidence that proves the round actually happened. Work is commonly verified against NRCA guidance, manufacturer installation requirements. Confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.

Start free with this checklist Download as PDF

The checklist

Every item, and the photo evidence it needs

The photo count on each row is what RTI would require before the item can be submitted. Work the list here and watch the gate hold, or load it into RTI and let it enforce the real thing.

Drainage and debris

Drains, scuppers and gutters clear of debris
Strainers free of leaves and grit, no standing water more than a shallow depth after dry weather.
Roof surface free of ponding beyond the allowed duration
Ponded areas marked and measured, checked against how long they've been standing.
Roof outlets discharging clear of the building
Downspouts, leaders and scupper boxes attached and uncrushed, straps tight, splash blocks or storm connections in place so water leaves the foundation.

Membrane and flashing condition

Sealant and flashing joints intact
No cracking, alligatoring or separation at flashing edges, curbs and pipe boots.
Membrane or field material free of new damage
No blisters, punctures, lifted shingles or tile cracks compared to the last inspection's photos.
Seams and laps checked for opening since the last visit
Membrane or panel seams, or shingle and cap laps, checked for edge curl, lifting or fishmouths; a sample probed where the membrane type allows it.
Edge metal, drip edge and coping still secure
No loose, lifted or displaced drip edge, gravel stop or coping caps along any roof edge, cleats and fasteners still holding; checked closely after high winds.
Surface wear noted: granule loss, thin coating or exposed scrim
Bare spots on shingles or cap sheet, chalking or thinned coating, reinforcement showing through a single-ply membrane.
Soft or spongy areas underfoot marked for a moisture survey
Any area that gives underfoot or shows membrane wrinkling located on the roof plan for a moisture scan or core by a qualified tech.
No photo

Rooftop access and equipment

Foot traffic and other trades' work not damaging the roof
Walk pads in place where equipment is regularly serviced, no unauthorized penetrations or dragged equipment marks.
Condensate lines draining to a drain or protected pad
Where rooftop units discharge condensate, it runs to a drain or splash pad, with no staining, algae or softened membrane where it lands.
No photo
Other trades' rooftop work orders since the last visit reviewed
Service tickets or permits for mechanical, solar or antenna crews checked so the areas they worked get a closer look.
No photo

Leaks and follow-up

Interior leak reports traced to a roof location
Leak reports since the last visit pulled; each one matched to a spot on the roof plan and the likely entry point inspected.
No photo
Repairs from the last visit still holding
Any patches and resealed areas from the prior report checked at the same locations and compared against the photos filed then.
No photo
Visit findings logged against the warranty's maintenance terms
Visit date, findings and repairs recorded where the roof warranty requires documented maintenance.
No photo

What usually sends this back

The failures are almost always the evidence, not the work

Drains and scuppers found clogged with debris that's been building for more than one season.
Sealant failure at flashing found only after a stain shows up on the ceiling below.
Foot traffic damage from other trades' rooftop work never reported back to the roofing contractor.

Verified against

NRCA roofing guidance

Common questions

6 answers

What does this roofing pm checklist cover?: 15 items across 4 sections, covering drainage and debris, membrane and flashing condition, rooftop access and equipment, leaks and follow-up. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.
Who should run this inspection?: The roofing contractor or facilities tech on a scheduled maintenance visit.
When in the schedule should this walk happen?: At least twice a year and after major storms, aligned with the warranty's required maintenance schedule.
Why do these items ask for a photo?: 9 of the 15 items call for photo evidence, 12 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.
What most often fails a roofing pm inspection?: Drains and scuppers found clogged with debris that's been building for more than one season. Sealant failure at flashing found only after a stain shows up on the ceiling below. Foot traffic damage from other trades' rooftop work never reported back to the roofing contractor.
Can I use this checklist in RTI?: Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

Related checklists

Roofing Rough-inRoofing rough-in inspection checklistDeck condition, fastening and underlayment verified before the finish layer goes on14 items18 photos Roofing Pre-coverRoofing pre-cover inspection checklistFlashing and underlayment details verified before the finish roofing layer covers them14 items13 photos Roofing FinalRoofing final inspection checklistCompleted roof walked for field workmanship, edge detailing and drainage before turnover13 items15 photos

Run it with the Photo Gate

A checklist nobody can submit half-finished

Load this list into RTI, stick a QR tag on the area it covers, and the submit button stays locked until every mandatory item is answered and the 12 required photos exist. Approved walks roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident record behind every line.