A practical checklist for roof drains, seams, flashing and service records, illustrated with our commercial roofing photos.
A repeatable inspection and recordkeeping routine makes roof decisions easier. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance requirements and arrange qualified inspections. Building staff can log interior and ground-level observations without climbing onto the roof.
What to check
| Area | What to document | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Interior | Leak location, time, weather and photos | Helps trace patterns instead of guessing from the ceiling stain alone. |
| Drains and gutters | Debris, blocked outlets and drainage concerns | Water needs a clear path off the roof. |
| Seams and flashings | Openings, damage and prior repairs | Transitions are important inspection points. |
| Rooftop equipment | Recent service visits, new penetrations and damage | Other trades can affect roof details. |
| Edges and penetrations | Loose metal or disturbed seals | Small defects can become larger water-entry paths. |
Commercial roof details from our 2022 San Antonio project.
A simple schedule
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| Spring and fall | Arrange roof condition reviews, following the warranty and maintenance requirements. |
| After significant storms or a new leak | Document the issue and arrange an inspection as needed. |
| After rooftop equipment work | Check that roof details and access paths were left intact. |
| After repairs | Save photos, scope, invoices and warranty records together. |
The junction between roof areas and perimeter details deserves inspection attention.
Keep one roof file
Store the roof plan, product names, warranty, inspection reports, leak log and completed repairs together. Give the roofer access to this history so recurring problems are easier to identify.
Completed TPO and metal perimeter roof in San Antonio, 2022.
Avoid mismatched repairs
Do not assume a general-purpose sealant is compatible with the membrane. Use repairs and accessories approved for the actual roof system. Report active leaks promptly and arrange qualified repairs.
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