What does this sheet metal flashing and trim punch checklist cover?

9 items across 4 sections, covering seams and fasteners, drainage callbacks, damage and finish, edge access and handover. 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 sheet metal installer on a repair callback, or the GC's superintendent clearing flashing punch items before turnover.

When in the schedule should this walk happen?

During closeout, after other trades have worked around the perimeter and after weather has revealed leaks, ponding and loosened seams.

Why do these items ask for a photo?

3 of the 9 items call for photo evidence, 3 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 sheet metal flashing and trim punch inspection?

A backed-out fastener re-driven into the same stripped hole, closed as fixed until it works loose again because the hole was never moved or sealed. A ponding gutter logged as cosmetic when the standing water means the pitch is wrong, and re-hanging the run is the only real fix.

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

Sheet metal flashing and trim

Sheet metal flashing and trim punch checklist

Sheet metal flashing and trim punch is where small misses become callbacks after the crew has demobilized. This checklist walks the finished work the way the owner and the next trade will see it, with the photo that closes each item instead of a note that reopens it. Work is commonly verified against SMACNA architectural sheet metal, NRCA roofing guidance, manufacturer's published instructions. 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.

Seams and fasteners

Open seams and loose fasteners resolved
Open or lifted seams re-seated and sealed, backed-out fasteners replaced into sound backing, no re-driven fasteners left in stripped holes.
No photo
Sealant at laps and joint covers checked for bond
Each exposed sealant joint pressed along its length; split, pulled or unbonded sealant cut out and reinstalled on clean metal, not smeared over.
Hems hand-checked for cleat engagement at corners and ends
Each hem pulled by hand at corners, run ends and the windward side to confirm it stays hooked on its cleat; any hem that has slipped off re-engaged.

Drainage callbacks

Ponding and overflow corrected
Gutters that ponded re-pitched to drain, outlets cleared, downspouts confirmed discharging clear, drainage checked with water where practical.
No photo
Gutter hangers and downspout straps checked after other trades
Hangers still tight, gutter front edges not bent down by ladders or lifts, straps still fastened to the wall; bent or pulled sections re-hung or replaced.
No photo

Damage and finish

Dented or scratched metal repaired before signoff
Dents, scratches and finish damage located and photographed in context, repaired or replaced, punch closed per run before the area is released.
No photo
Copings and flashing faces checked for added holes or brackets
Holes from sign brackets, scaffold ties or other trades' clips through the metal sealed as the manufacturer allows or the piece replaced, and new attachments reported to the super.

Edge access and handover

Edge callbacks planned inside the fall protection plan
With temporary guardrail gone after roofing, each coping or gutter callback has the anchorage, lift or warning line the plan names set before anyone works at the edge.
No photo
Spare stock and touch-up paint handed over as the spec lists
Any extra coping, gutter or trim stock and matching touch-up the spec requires turned over to the owner and logged with its color and profile.
No photo

What usually sends this back

The failures are almost always the evidence, not the work

A backed-out fastener re-driven into the same stripped hole, closed as fixed until it works loose again because the hole was never moved or sealed.
A ponding gutter logged as cosmetic when the standing water means the pitch is wrong, and re-hanging the run is the only real fix.

Common questions

6 answers

What does this sheet metal flashing and trim punch checklist cover?: 9 items across 4 sections, covering seams and fasteners, drainage callbacks, damage and finish, edge access and handover. 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 sheet metal installer on a repair callback, or the GC's superintendent clearing flashing punch items before turnover.
When in the schedule should this walk happen?: During closeout, after other trades have worked around the perimeter and after weather has revealed leaks, ponding and loosened seams.
Why do these items ask for a photo?: 3 of the 9 items call for photo evidence, 3 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 sheet metal flashing and trim punch inspection?: A backed-out fastener re-driven into the same stripped hole, closed as fixed until it works loose again because the hole was never moved or sealed. A ponding gutter logged as cosmetic when the standing water means the pitch is wrong, and re-hanging the run is the only real fix.
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

Sheet metal flashing and trim Rough-inSheet metal flashing and trim rough-in inspection checklistSubstrate, wood nailers, continuous cleats and lap conditions verified before the metal covers them15 items13 photos Sheet metal flashing and trim FinalSheet metal flashing and trim final inspection checklistFinished copings, counterflashing, gravel stops, gutters and downspouts sloped, sealed and shedding water15 items9 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 3 required photos exist. Approved walks roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident record behind every line.