Roofer Checklist

Checklist to Tackle Roofing Projects With Confidence And Precision

One of the most important aspects of property protection is the roofing. An effective roof will combat water, heat loss, structural damage and add long-term value to a building. But roofing can be very dangerous work and needs accuracy, adherence, and quality assurance. The following checklist is a complete list that will not miss any crucial step in the process of installing, repairing, or maintaining a roof.

Pre-Work Preparations

• Establish roofer certification, insurance and site permits.


• Check job drawings, roof plans and client expectations.


• Check the access to the site by vehicles, scaffolding, and the delivery of materials.


• Determine weak roof sections (skylights, asbestos sheets, etc.).


• Report on weather forecasting during the whole work.


• Conduct a safety briefing with the team performers.


• Arrange fall arrest systems, harnesses, helmets, gloves and boots.


• Collect ladders, scaffolding, hoists and debris chutes.


• Order an adequate amount of materials, fixings and spares.


• Fence or barricade site.

The preparation of the roofing prevents unnecessary loss of time and unsafe improvisation. Access to the site and weather should also be taken into account since delays are a safety risk. Team briefings make sure that workers know their roles. Safety equipment and safe fences surround employees and other citizens.

Initial Safety Checks

• Check scaffolding strength, stability and ties.


• Ladders are confirmed at the right angles and tied down.


• Harness, rope, and wear and tear check anchors.


• Confirm the presence of guardrails, toe boards and netting.


• Mark areas out on the floor around the roof edges.


• Make sure that the power supply of the tools and lighting is safe.


• Keep store materials off the roof edges to prevent falls.


• Conduct a risk assessment before commencement of work.


• Verify rescue plan and emergency contacts.


• Have a safety officer on constant watch.

Roofing accidents are usually associated with falls or objects falling. This step removes these risks by locking down ladders, scaffolding and barriers. An accurate risk evaluation and rescue strategy will keep them ready in case of accidents.

Roof Inspection (Before Work)

• Inspect general roof construction: sagging or deflection.


• Check rafters, trusses and decking against rot, cracks or warping.


• Search to find termites, pests or mould.


• Locate leaks, water spots and soft spots.


• Check chimney stacks against loosening bricks or mortar.


• Corrosion junction, valleys and check flashing.


• Assess current insulation in terms of dampness.


• Inspect guttering, fascia boards and soffits.


• Confirm the safety of support workers and stored materials.


• Take notes and photos of all findings to be approved by the client.

Structural weakness is exposed during inspections prior to the commencement of work. Issues such as rotted decking or pest infestation should be repaired prior to re-roofing. Recording of discoveries shields the roofer and cultivates confidence with clients by being transparent.

Material Checks

• Check proper roofing material (timbers, tiles, shingles or metal).


• Checks on broken, scratched or deformed goods.


• Check that the underlayment or membrane complies with the code.


• Thickness of check insulation and fire ratings.


• Test flashing materials (lead, aluminium, zinc or synthetic).


• Check the proper type of fasteners to be used on the roof cover.


• Keep store materials flat, dry and out of the rain.


• Keep materials close to the work zone.


• Send back defective/ wrong material before commencement of work.


• Have spares available in the case of accidental breakages.

The wrong materials or damaged materials may affect the whole roof. They are organised and stored to avoid accidents and waste. With spares on hand, the workflow is not interrupted.

Stripping and Lining of Roofs

• Take off old tiles/metals/shingles in a gradual manner to prevent falling.


• Peel away rotten underlayment and examine asbestos.


• Use special containers to dispose of waste materials.


• Check vulnerable decking and rafters.


• Reinforce or replace damaged timbers.


• Fix the vapour control layer when necessary.


• Install a new breathable underlay or felt.


• Install drip edges and eaves protectors.


• Read the valleys and flashing areas of the new materials.


• Before covering, make sure that the surface of the deck is smooth and has no nails.

The removal of old roofing needs to be managed to prevent damage or debris risks. Stability repair is essential with deck repair, and underlayment is what makes it water-resistant. Proper planning ensures that the new roof will not be loose.

Roof Installation

• Installation should start at the bottom and go upwards.


• Keep tiles/shingles in frequent overlap.


• Screw on the row before lifting it.


• Install under-tile ventilation when needed.


• Chalk lines can be used to align to prevent skewed lines.


• Cleanly cut tiles to valleys and edges.


• Proper fixings on ridges, caps and hips.


• Check or recheck nailing or screwing patterns.


• Penetrations of seals around vents, chimneys and skylights.


• Expansion separations in metal roofing or composite roofs.

Good order and matching promote permanence and look. Leaks are avoided by overlaps, and strong fixings oppose the uplift of the wind. Accurate cutting and sealing do not leave weak points.

Flashing and Waterproofing

• Install step flashing on wall-to-roof intersections.


• Properly lined up in valleys with continuous flashing.


• Enclose roof penetrations with lead or acceptable substitutes.


• Check to see flashing and masonry gaps.


• Counter-flashing at chimneys.


• Apply weather and UV-resistant quality sealants.


• Light water spray test.


• Make sure that membranes go into gutters and into valleys.


• Install kick-out flashing at the point of the roof and walls.


• Documentation about clients is done on record materials.

Flashing covers the least strong parts of a roof. Here, the leaks are caused mainly by poor workmanship. Testing and quality materials ensure weather resistance.

Guttering and Drainage

• Check the gutters that are present and repair them.


• Make sure gutters fall towards downpipes.


• Tie brackets periodically.


• Close silicone/rubber gasketed.


• Install mesh screens or leaf guards to minimise obstructions.


• Check downpipes are those that drain out foundations.


• Flow test of a bucket of water.


• Install drainage or soakaways where necessary.


• Check rot in fascia and soffits before attaching gutters.


• Protect timber fascia boards with paint or treatment.

Drainage is more important to keep the roof covering safe. Adequately sloped and covered gutters ensure the water does not destroy the walls and foundations. Flow testing is used to ensure that nothing is amiss.

Ventilation and Insulation

• Check loft/attic air paths.


• Install soffit, ridge or tile vents where necessary.


• Assure minimum building airflow standards.


• Check that insulation complies with energy codes.


• Seal vapour barriers against condensation.


• Seal pipe and cable voids.


• Do not seal the ventilation routes with insulation.


• Check mould or dampness.


• Suggest energy improvements where there is poor insulation.


• Give future maintenance guidance to the client.

Even ventilation and insulation ensure no condensation and enhance energy efficiency. Airflow checks and vapour barriers reduce the chances of mold. Improvement of the insulation saves energy and makes people feel more comfortable.

Roof Repair and Maintenance

• Replacement of broken or lost tiles should be done.


• Tie back ridge caps or raised flashing.


• Cover holes up with similar materials.


• Safe moss and algae cleaners.


• Test blockages twice a year.


• Check roofs after storms to check wind or hail damage.


• Move roof debris to exclude pooling water.


• Grease the roof window moving parts.


• Prescribe preventive maintenance to customers.


• Document repair to be used later.

Routine checkups prolong the life of a roof and avoid expensive problems. Minor repair work that is addressed promptly minimises risks in the long term. Clearly documented work will allow the client to trace the work history.

Flat Roof Systems

• Check pooling or sagging on the decking.


• Provide a proper slope (at least 1:80).


• Peel or bubble check membrane joints.


• Mend punctures with patch kits.


• Coat to prolong life.


• Clean up outlets.


• Look at cracks in parapet walls.


• Check that the insulation below is not wet or damaged.


• Look at overlay vs. full replacement.


• Warranty on repair or new membranes.

Flat roofs are prone to pooling of water and leaks. They are durable due to proper slope, membranes, and outlet maintenance. Overlays and protective finishes lengthen life at low cost.

Storm Damage Inspections

• Check the roof tiles are missing or washed away.


• Check ridge bases and flashing following heavy wind.


• Seek evidence of hail or debris hits.


• Blockages in test gutters and downpipes.


• Check the attic water ingress.


• Take pictures of document damage.


• Tarp in case of a roof leak.


• Make contact with insurance companies where necessary.


• Propose long-term repair options.


• Recommend storm-prevention upgrades to clients.

Roofs are damaged suddenly and severely during storms. The situation is prevented by immediate inspection and temporary protection. Clients get well soon as a result of insurance paperwork and professional suggestions.

Green Roofs and Solar Roofs

• Check the waterproof membrane before the installation of the green roof.


• Substantiate the carrying capacity of soil and plants.


• Dig drainage soil and root barriers.


• Have a proper irrigation system on a green roof.


• In the case of solar panels, check mounting brackets and seals.


• Check wiring routes; do not puncture the roof.


• Check shading to make the maximum amount of sunlight.


• Wash panels now and then.


• Client-related document energy output.


• Give a maintenance schedule of the eco-roofs.

Green systems and solar are being installed on modern roofs. Safety of the structure, waterproofing, and efficiency should be ensured. Energy savings and environmental value are added with proper installation.

Lightning Protection and Fire Safety

• Install insulation and membranes that are fire-rated.


• Keep fire breaks in the loft insulation.


• Check chimneys to ensure clearance by roof materials.


• Install fit spark arrestors as required.


• Install the lightning conductors in high buildings or buildings that are exposed.


• Make sure that conductors are earthed.


• Check lightning systems that are in place.


• Client fire safety compliance (document).


• Maintain protection system schedules.


• Give upgrade advice to clients where necessary.

Risks that are not considered in roofing are fire and lightning. Lightning protection systems and fire-rated materials prevent the destruction of lives and property. Clients have confidence in compliance checks.