Winter Reroofing for Any Roof Type Is Possible in Seattle
Many people believe that flat or slope roof replacements or repairs during the winter are impossible.
Article
7/9/2025
Time reading:
10min
Flat Roof Inspection: Step-by-Step with Flat Roof Pros
<<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.
Safety First
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.
Roof Surface Check
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.
Inspecting Key Roof Components
Edge Metals and Coping
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.
Drainage Systems
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.
Roof Penetrations
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.
Here are the problems we most often see during inspections:
- 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.
Here's how it looks in real life on video
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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! (855) 771-0111
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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
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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
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Des Moines, WA
Redmond, WA
Lake Tapps, WA
Woodinville, WA
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Renton, WA
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Our Locations
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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
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Portland, Oregon
650 NE Holladay St, Ste 1600
Portland, OR 97232