Article
7/9/2025
Time reading:
10min

[heading-style-h3]Flat Roof Inspection: Step-by-Step with Flat Roof Pros[heading-style-h3]

<<Flat roofs need regular inspections to stop leaks, avoid structural damage, and prevent costly repairs. A proper inspection helps catch problems early—before they turn into bigger issues.>>

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the flat roof inspection process step by step. From safe access and surface checks to seams, drainage, and roof penetrations, you’ll see what a professional inspection includes and why it matters.

[heading-style-h4]Safety First[heading-style-h4]

Safety is always the top priority. We move carefully across the roof, placing one foot directly in front of the other. This lets us detect weak spots or damaged plywood. By doing this, we keep both our team and your property safe.

[heading-style-h6]Roof Surface Check[heading-style-h6]

Once safety is confirmed, we examine the roof surface. We look for debris and standing water—common signs of deeper problems like sagging plywood or poorly installed HVAC units.

We use a special hook tool to check seams. By inserting it at a set angle into randomly selected seams, we can find weak spots or areas under tension, especially in places where water tends to pool.

[heading-style-h4]Inspecting Key Roof Components[heading-style-h4]

[heading-style-h6]Edge Metals and Coping[heading-style-h6]

We inspect edge metals and coping by gently lifting seams to confirm they’re sealed properly. The coping on parapet walls is then checked to ensure it’s secure and watertight.

[heading-style-h6]Drainage Systems[heading-style-h6]

We closely inspect drains and scuppers (on-wall or through-wall). Cold welds can weaken over time, especially in freezing weather. Areas around drains are examined for standing water, which is a warning sign of drainage problems.

[heading-style-h6]Roof Penetrations[heading-style-h6]

Any penetrations, such as exhaust pipes or HVAC equipment, get special attention. We check the sealing and insulation, since poor sealing is one of the most common causes of leaks.

[heading-style-h4]Here are the problems we most often see during inspections:[heading-style-h4]

  • Weak or damaged plywood causing water to pool and stressing the structure.
  • Lack of maintenance that speeds up roof wear and tear, especially in busy places like restaurants.
  • Poor sealing around seams, drains, and penetrations, which can quickly lead to leaks and major water damage.

We recommend routine cleaning, quick repairs when issues appear, and scheduled inspections to stay ahead of these problems.

No items found.

Ready to Protect Your Roof?

Small details missed today can turn into major leaks tomorrow.

Flat Roof Pros follows a proven step-by-step process to ensure nothing slips through — giving you confidence your roof is truly protected.

📞 Get peace of mind — call now for your free inspection!

Tags

Flat Roof
Restoration
Replacement
Repairs
Multi-Family

Don’t Risk Your Flat Roof – Act Now

Leaks don’t wait, and every day of delay could mean more hidden damage.

Get Your Free Estimate
a house wrapped in a warm scarf symbolising protection of property through roof insulation and protection of finances
3.25.2025
Articles

Warm Roofs vs Cold Roofs: Guide for Building Owners

Confused about warm vs cold roofs? Learn how insulation placement, ventilation, and climate impact your roof’s performance and long-term value.

Read more
Roof sheathing due to mold and dryrot.
5.7.2025
Articles

Is Your Roof Sheathing at Risk?

Protect your property by learning how to recognize subtle signs of sheathing issues before they turn into serious problems.

Read more

What We've Achieved

We’ve Protected Thousands of Roofs Across These Cities!

Algona, WA

Longview, WA

Fall City, WA

SeaTac, WA

Aloha, OR

Lynnwood, WA

Ferndale, WA

Seattle, WA

Amboy, WA

Mercer Island, WA

Fircrest, WA

Shelton, WA

Arlington, WA

Millwood, WA

Friday Harbor, WA

Shoreline, WA

Auburn, WA

Newcastle, WA

Gig Harbor, WA

Silverdale, WA

Belfair, WA

Normandy Park, WA

Graham, WA

Spokane, WA

Bellevue, WA

Olympia, WA

Gresham, OR

Spokane Valley, WA

Bellingham, WA

Issaquah, WA

Steilacoom, WA

Bremerton, WA

Otis Orchards, WA

Kenmore, WA

Sumner, WA

Buckley, WA

Port Ludlow, WA

Kent, WA

Tacoma, WA

Burien, WA

Port Orchard, WA

Kingston, WA

Tukwila, WA

Chewelah, WA

Kirkland, WA

Portland, OR

University Place, WA

Clyde Hill, WA

Poulsbo, WA

Lacey, WA

Colville, WA

Pullman, WA

Lake Forest Park, WA

Vancouver, WA

Covington, WA

Puyallup, WA

Lake Oswego, OR

Walla Walla, WA

Des Moines, WA

Redmond, WA

Lake Tapps, WA

Woodinville, WA

Duvall, WA

Renton, WA

Lakewood, WA

Woolley (Sedro-Woolley), WA

Edmonds, WA

Richland, WA

Langley, WA

Yelm, WA

Enumclaw, WA

Rosalia, WA

Everett, WA

Fairfield, WA

Sammamish, WA

Our Locations

We’re ready to help – Give us a call!

855-771-0111

Head Office

Seattle, Washington

3420 C St NE, Unit 403

Auburn, WA 98002

Eastern Washington Office

Spokane, Washington

601 W 1st Ave, Suite 1400

Spokane, WA 99201

Oregon Office

Portland, Oregon

650 NE Holladay St, Ste 1600

Portland, OR 97232