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Roofing installation checklist

A roofing checklist for a new roof or a roof replacement, filled in on a phone while the roofers are still on site. Record the access and edge protection, then work area by area: the covering system, deck or battens, underlayment laps and fixings against the maker's instructions, the fixing count the maker requires next to the fewest you find, valleys, abutments, kick-outs, chimneys and penetrations, eaves, ridges and verges, ventilation, roof lights, outlets and gutters, and any water or flood test the specification asks for. Each defect gets a GPS position and photos, and the form ends with clean-up, the warranty details, actions and signatures. For the condition of an existing roof, use the roof inspection checklist.

For roofing contractors checking their own crews, general contractors and site managers, clerks of works and owner's representatives signing off a re-roof or a new roof before the scaffold or lift leaves.

One form for pitched and flat roofs in the US and the UK: shingles, tiles, slates, membranes and metal. The safety notes cite OSHA for the US and HSE for Great Britain, and the code notes cite the International Residential Code as adopted in Minnesota. Use your own local code and the maker's instructions.

  • Each roof area as a space: covering system, product, pitch and the work done
  • Fixings per shingle, tile or slate the maker requires against the fewest found, flagged if short
  • Flashings at valleys, abutments, kick-outs, chimneys, penetrations and upstands
  • Water or flood test result where specified, and each defect with GPS position and photos
  • Edge protection recorded, clean-up checks, warranty details entered, actions and signatures
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What should a roofing installation checklist cover?

A roofing installation check is useful when it is done before the scaffold or lift leaves, against the specification and the maker's instructions rather than by eye, with every flashing junction looked at close up and every defect given a position and a photo while it can still be put right.

Last updated . Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against OSHA 29 CFR 1926.501, duty to have fall protection, paragraphs (b)(10), (b)(11) and (b)(13) (eCFR), HSE, Roof work, City of Bloomington, Minnesota, Reroofing information sheet (2012 International Residential Code sections R903.1, R905.1, R905.2.6, R907.1) and Minnesota Rules 1309.0903, Section R903 weather protection (amended IRC R903.2.1, kick-out flashing).

How to check a roof installation

Check while the scaffold or access is still up, so anything found can be put right. Take the maker's instructions with you.

  1. Set up the check

    Enter the roofing contractor, the job type and the specification, maker's instructions and drawings you are checking against.

  2. Record the access

    Note the edge protection in place, the fall protection plan or RAMS reference, and whether fragile roof lights and sheets are protected. Do not go up if they are not.

  3. Check each roof area

    Add each slope or flat area. Enter the fixing count the maker requires, count a few units in each course you check, and work through the deck, underlayment, flashings, eaves, ridges, verges, ventilation, roof lights, outlets and gutters.

  4. Record defects and tests

    Add each defect with its position, length and photos, and enter any flood or water test result the specification asks for.

  5. Clean-up and warranty

    Check the ground, gutters and neighbouring property, and enter the warranty registration details the contractor gives you. Take final photos.

  6. Decide and sign

    List the actions with owners and dates, record the decision and sign with the roofing contractor.

What makes a roofing installation check useful

Defects on this area, one item each with reference, position, length and photos

Entrance canopy, concrete tiles at 30 degrees. Kick-out check: Action needed, no kick-out flashing at the left eave where the canopy meets the classroom wall, detail R-07 shows one. D2: missing flashing, GPS taken at the eave, marked as already in the check so it counts once. Ise Valley Roofing to fit it before the scaffold is struck on 22 Oct.

Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.

A common recording mistake

Signing the roof off from the ground once it looks finished, so a missing kick-out or a loose upstand lap is only found when the wall below gets wet and the scaffold has gone.

What happens next

Re-check the open actions before the scaffold or lift is taken away, photograph each fix, and keep the record with the warranty paperwork.

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Every question in the roofing installation checklist template

A roofing installation checklist for a new roof or a re-roof, pitched or flat: access and edge protection, each roof area with its covering system, deck or battens, underlayment laps and fixings to the maker's instructions, the maker's fixing count against the fewest found, flashings including kick-outs, eaves, ridges and verges, ventilation, roof lights and outlets, gutters, any water or flood test, each defect with GPS position and photos, clean-up, warranty registration details, final photos, actions and sign-off. 5 sections and 117 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.

Make it your own: every question is editable

This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.

Details you only enter once

Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.

  • Project: the project name
  • Site address: the site address, from the space or the project
  • Client or owner: the project's customer

Job details

Fill in before you go up.

  • ProjectShort answer

    Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.

    Fills in from the project name
  • Site addressShort answer
    Fills in from the site address, from the space or the project
  • Client or ownerShort answer
    Fills in from the project's customer
  • Location (GPS)Short answer
  • Inspection date*Date
  • Inspected by*Short answer
  • Roofing contractorShort answer
  • JobChoose one
    • Re-roof: tear-off and replace
    • Re-roof: overlay
    • New roof
    • Partial replacement
  • Specification, maker's instructions and drawings inspected againstShort answer

    For example scope of work rev 2, maker's installation instructions for the shingle and underlayment, roof plan R-01.

  • Permit or building control referenceShort answer

    If the job needs one.

  • StageChoose one
    • During installation, before cover-up
    • Completed, before the scaffold or lift leaves
    • Re-inspection after repairs
    • Other
  • Maker's installation instructions on site or to hand?Yes or No
  • GuidanceUS: under the International Residential Code (2012 edition, as the City of Bloomington, Minnesota summarises it), roof assemblies and coverings are installed to the code and the manufacturer's installation instructions, asphalt shingle attachment is as the manufacturer requires, and a re-roof uses Chapter 9 materials and methods. Check the edition and amendments your building department uses. UK: follow the specification and the maker's instructions.
  • CheckThis is a quality record of the roof work as seen on the day. It does not certify the roof, approve the work or register a warranty. Fixing counts, laps, slopes and test methods come from the maker's instructions and the specification, and are entered by the inspector.
  • Weather on siteAnswer

Access and edge protection

  • GuidanceRoof work needs its edge protection planned before anyone goes up. US: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(10) covers roofing on low-slope roofs (guardrails, nets, personal fall arrest, or a warning line combined with one of these or a safety monitor), (b)(11) steep roofs (guardrails with toeboards, nets or personal fall arrest) and (b)(13) residential construction, all at 6 feet (1.8 m) or more; a written fall protection plan under 1926.502(k) is allowed only where the employer shows those systems are infeasible or create a greater hazard. UK: HSE says all roof work must be organised and planned so it is done safely, sloping roofs need scaffolding or edge protection at the eaves, flat roofs need a secure double guardrail and toeboard around the edge, and all roofs should be treated as fragile until a competent person confirms they are not. Use the Fall Protection Plan or your RAMS for the plan itself.
  • Edge protection in place for this inspection*Choose one
    • Scaffold with guardrails and toeboards
    • Guardrails on the roof edge
    • Personal fall arrest or restraint
    • Warning line with another system
    • Inspected from a ladder, lift or the ground only
    • Other
  • Fall protection plan, method statement or RAMS referenceShort answer
  • Fragile surfaces (roof lights, sheets) identified and protectedChoose one
    • Yes
    • None on this roof
    • No: stop and protect first
  • fragile_failWorked out by the form
  • WarningDo not go on the roof until fragile surfaces are covered, fenced or otherwise protected.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Photos of the access and edge protectionPhotos
  • Walk Cam: roof walk-roundWalk Cam video with voice-to-text

    Optional. Film a guided walk-round on the SiteSurvey app.

Roof areas

  • GuidanceAdd each roof area or slope. Enter what the maker or specification requires next to what you found. Record each defect once, as an item with its position and photos; if a defect is why a check says Action needed, answer Yes to the last question on the defect so it is not counted twice.
  • GuidanceKick-out flashing: Minnesota's amended residential code (Minnesota Rules 1309.0903, section R903.2.1) requires flashings at wall and roof intersections, changes of slope or direction and around roof openings, and a kick-out flashing where the eave of a sloped roof meets a vertical sidewall; it requires kick-outs when re-siding but not when only re-roofing. Other states differ: check your local code and your scope of work.
  • Roof areas
    Repeat for each roof area. Each one asks:
    • Roof area*Short answer

      For example Main roof, front slope, or Garage flat roof.

    • Roof type*Choose one
      • Pitched (steep slope)
      • Flat or low slope
    • Covering system*Choose one
      • Asphalt shingles
      • Concrete or clay tiles
      • Natural or fibre cement slates
      • Wood shakes or shingles
      • Single-ply membrane
      • Built-up felt or modified bitumen
      • Liquid-applied membrane
      • Metal panels or standing seam
      • Other
    • Maker and productShort answer

      As on the wrapper or the specification.

    • Pitch or slopeShort answer

      From the drawings or measured, for example 6/12 or 35 degrees.

    • Work on this areaChoose one
      • Tear-off and replace
      • Overlay on the existing covering
      • New roof
      • Partial replacement or repair
    • Fixings per shingle, tile or slate the maker requiresNumber

      From the maker's instructions for this roof (wind zone, pitch). Leave blank for membranes and sheets.

    • Fewest found in the units checkedNumber

      Lift or count a few units in each course you check.

    • Fixings against the makerWorked out by the form
      Shown when “Fixings per shingle, tile or slate the maker requires” is answered
    • a_fix_shortWorked out by the form
    • Deck, sheathing or battens sound, dry and fixed; damaged sections replacedChoose one

      Record what was replaced and where in the detail box or the photos.

      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Underlayment, felt or membrane as specified, laps and fixings to the maker's instructionsChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Eaves protection or ice barrier where the specification or maker calls for itChoose one

      Mark Not applicable if none is specified.

      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Covering laid to the maker's instructions: coursing, exposure, fixing positionChoose one

      The fixing count is compared separately above.

      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Valleys formed and lined as specifiedChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Abutment and sidewall flashings (step, apron, counter or cover flashing) fitted and lappedChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Kick-out (diverter) flashing where a roof eave meets a wall that runs past itChoose one

      Where the specification or local code calls for one. Mark Not applicable if there is no such junction.

      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Chimney flashings, back gutters or cricketsChoose one

      Mark Not applicable if no chimney.

      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Pipes, vents, flues and other penetrations flashed or bootedChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Flat roof: upstands, terminations, edge trims and seams as the system requiresChoose one

      Mark Not applicable on pitched areas.

      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Eaves, drip edge or trims, ridges, hips and verges finished and fixedChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Ventilation as specified: intake and exhaust vents fitted, not blockedChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Roof lights, roof windows and outlets fitted with the specified kits or detailsChoose one

      Mark Not applicable if none.

      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Gutters and downpipes fitted, falling to outlets, joints sealedChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Insulation fitted as specified, where it is part of this jobChoose one

      Mark Not applicable if not in the scope.

      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Water or flood testChoose one

      Only where the specification asks for one. The method and duration come from the specification.

      • Not specified
      • Flood test
      • Water (hose) test
      • Electronic leak detection
      • Other
    • Test resultChoose one
      • Pass: no leaks
      • Fail: leak found
      • Not done yet
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Test detailsShort answer

      Date, who did it, method and where, for example 24 h flood test, outlet bunged, by K. Reyes.

      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • a_test_failWorked out by the form
    • Defects on this area
      Repeat for each defect. Each one asks:
      • Reference*Short answer

        For example D1.

      • Defect*Choose one
        • Missing or wrong flashing
        • Lap, fixing or nailing not to the maker
        • Damaged or loose covering
        • Exposed or missed fixing
        • Membrane seam or upstand defect
        • Ponding or poor fall to outlet
        • Gutter, downpipe or outlet defect
        • Ventilation missing or blocked
        • Debris or damage left
        • Other
      • Where on the roofShort answer

        For example rear slope, left abutment, 1 m up from the eave.

      • Position (GPS)Short answer
      • Length affected (mm or inches)Number

        Tape, or a photo measure with a known size in the same plane (an estimate). mm or inches.

      • PhotosPhotos

        One close-up and one showing where it is on the roof.

      • Action*Choose one
        • Fix before sign-off
        • Refer to the designer or maker
        • No action
      • Who will fix itShort answer
        Shown when “Action” is “Fix before sign-off”
      • Already marked Action needed in a check above?Yes or No

        Answer Yes if this defect is the reason a check above says Action needed, so it is counted once.

    • Defects recordedWorked out by the form
    • Defects needing action (not already in a check)Worked out by the form
    • Finished photos of this areaPhotos

      Each slope or the whole flat roof, plus ridges, valleys and flashings.

    • This area: items needing actionWorked out by the form
    • Not checkedWorked out by the form
    • Area ready for sign-off?*Yes or No
    • CheckThis area has items needing action. Fix and re-check them before sign-off.
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Roof areas inspectedWorked out by the form
  • Ready for sign-offWorked out by the form
  • Defects recordedWorked out by the form
  • Roof area items needing actionWorked out by the form
  • Not checkedWorked out by the form

Clean-up, warranty and final photos

  • Loose nails, fixings and offcuts cleared from the ground (magnet sweep where shingles were stripped)Choose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Gutters, valleys and outlets cleared of debrisChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Old covering and waste removed from siteChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Walls, windows, plants and neighbouring property checked for damageChoose one

    Photograph any damage before the scaffold or lift leaves.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Temporary protection removed and the building left weathertightChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Clean-up items needing actionWorked out by the form
  • Not checkedWorked out by the form
  • Manufacturer warranty registrationChoose one

    Enter what the contractor or maker tells you. The form does not register or check a warranty.

    • Registered
    • To be registered by the contractor
    • Not offered for this job
    • Not known
  • Warranty name and referenceShort answer
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Term stated on the warrantyShort answer

    As written by the maker, for example the years stated for materials and for workmanship.

    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Registered byShort answer
    Shown when “Manufacturer warranty registration” is “Registered”
  • Product labelScan a label: product, colour, batch or lot

    Optional. Scan a bundle wrapper or roll label to record the product and batch.

  • Final photosPhotos

    Each elevation of the roof from the ground, and the gutters and the ground after clean-up.

Result, actions and sign-off

  • Items needing actionWorked out by the form
  • ResultWorked out by the form
  • Actions
    Repeat for each action. Each one asks:
    • Action*Notes
    • PriorityChoose one
      • Urgent: leak or safety
      • Before the scaffold or lift leaves
      • Before final payment or handover
    • Who will do it*Short answer
    • Due byDate
    • Status*Choose one
      • Open
      • In progress
      • Done, checked
    • Photo when donePhotos
      Shown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
  • Actions still openWorked out by the form
  • Decision*Choose one
    • Roof work accepted
    • Accepted once the listed actions are done
    • Not accepted: re-inspect
  • Next check or re-inspection dateDate
  • Summary for the clientNotes
  • Inspector nameShort answer
  • Inspector signature*Signature
  • Roofing contractor nameShort answer
  • Roofing contractor signatureSignature

See it filled in

A completed roofing installation checklist report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.

See completed form (PDF) ↗

Roofing installation checklist FAQs

Is this the same as a roof inspection checklist?

No. A roof inspection checklist records the condition of an existing roof, often for maintenance or a purchase. This form checks the work while a roof is being installed or replaced, against the specification and the maker's instructions, before the roofers leave. For a condition survey use the roof inspection checklist, and for measuring a roof to quote use the roof measurement survey.

Do roofs have to be installed to the manufacturer's instructions?

Under the US International Residential Code, yes. The City of Bloomington, Minnesota summarises the 2012 edition: roof assemblies are designed and installed to the code and the approved manufacturer's installation instructions (R903.1), roof coverings are applied to the code section and the manufacturer's instructions (R905.1), asphalt shingles are attached as the manufacturer requires (R905.2.6), and re-covering or replacing a roof uses Chapter 9 materials and methods (R907.1). Check the edition your building department uses. In the UK, follow the specification and the maker's instructions.

Source: City of Bloomington, Minnesota, Reroofing information sheet (2012 International Residential Code sections R903.1, R905.1, R905.2.6, R907.1).

When is a kick-out flashing needed?

Where a sloped roof's eave meets a wall that carries on past it, a kick-out flashing turns the water away from the wall. Minnesota's amended residential code (Minnesota Rules 1309.0903, section R903.2.1) requires one there, and also requires flashings at wall and roof intersections, changes of slope or direction and around roof openings. It requires kick-outs when re-siding, but not when only re-roofing. Other states and countries differ, so check your local code and your scope of work.

Source: Minnesota Rules 1309.0903, Section R903 weather protection (amended IRC R903.2.1, kick-out flashing).

What fall protection does roof work need?

It has to be planned before anyone goes up. In the US, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(10) covers roofing on low-slope roofs, (b)(11) steep roofs and (b)(13) residential construction, at 6 feet (1.8 m) or more: guardrails, safety nets or personal fall arrest, with warning lines and safety monitors allowed on low-slope roofs. In Great Britain, HSE says roof work must be organised and planned, with scaffolding or edge protection at the eaves of sloping roofs, a double guardrail and toeboard on flat roofs, and all roofs treated as fragile until a competent person says otherwise. Use the fall protection plan for the plan.

Sources: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.501, duty to have fall protection, paragraphs (b)(10), (b)(11) and (b)(13) (eCFR) and HSE, Roof work.

Does the form say how many nails each shingle needs?

No. Fixing counts depend on the product, the roof pitch and the wind exposure, and the maker's instructions set them. Enter the count the maker requires for that roof and the fewest you find when you lift or count units; the form flags any area where it is short.

Does the completed form register the warranty or approve the roof?

No. It records what was seen, measured and photographed, the warranty details the contractor gives you, the actions and who signed. It does not register a manufacturer warranty, certify the roof or replace a building inspection; the maker, the contractor and the building department or building control body deal with those.

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