Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes

Summary

Seasonal roof maintenance is one of the most effective—and affordable—ways to protect a commercial building. By performing simple inspections every spring and fall, building owners can catch small problems early, prevent leaks, keep drainage working properly, and extend the life of their roof. This guide breaks down exactly what to look for, what photos to take, how to identify early warning signs, and when to call a professional for help.

Main Points

• Regular spring and fall inspections help prevent expensive roof damage.
  
  
  

• You don’t need technical knowledge—just simple visual checks.
  
  
  

• Standing water, cracks, loose seams, and clogged drains are major warning signs.
  
  
  

• Taking photos during each inspection helps track changes over time.
  
  
  

• Some tasks are safe for building owners, but soft spots, active leaks, and seam damage require a professional.
  
  
  

• Seasonal maintenance can add years to your roof’s lifespan and reduce long-term costs.
  
  
  

If you own or manage a commercial building, your flat roof is one of the most important parts of your property—even though it’s often the last thing people think about. A commercial flat roof protects your structure, your equipment, and the people inside. But like any major building system, it performs best when it’s maintained regularly.

Seasonal maintenance is one of the most cost-effective ways to extend roof life, prevent leaks, and avoid emergency repairs. The good news is that you don’t need to be a roofing expert to keep an eye on your roof. With a simple seasonal checklist and a basic understanding of what to look for, you can catch small issues long before they become expensive problems.

This guide walks you through exactly what to inspect every spring and fall, what photos to take for documentation, early warning signs to watch for, and when it’s time to bring in a professional.

Understanding Your Flat Roof 

You don’t need an engineering degree to understand the basics of your flat roof. Here’s what matters most.

A “flat” roof isn’t actually flat.
There is a slight slope that helps water move toward drains or gutters. When that slope isn’t working properly, water sits—and sitting water is the biggest reason flat roofs fail early.

A few simple roof parts you should recognize:

• Roof surface: The outer protective layer
  
  
  

• Seams: The lines where roof materials meet
  
  
  

• Drains or gutters: Where water exits
  
  
  

• Flashings: Protective pieces around edges or openings
  
  
  

• HVAC areas: Spots where workers often walk and equipment sits
  
  
  

Knowing these basics will make the seasonal checklists much easier to follow.

Why Spring and Fall Are the Two Most Important Inspection Times

Think of these as your “reset points” for the year.

• Spring: Time to check for winter damage—ice, snow, cold temperatures, and storms create stress on your roof.
  
  
  

• Fall: Prepare for freezing weather and remove debris from summer storms and falling leaves.
  
  
  

A twice-a-year inspection ensures you catch developing issues early, keeps water moving where it needs to go, and gives you a clear maintenance history year over year.

Spring Maintenance Checklist

Winter weather can be rough on a roof. Use this checklist to prepare for warmer months:

1. Clear Off Debris

Remove branches, leaves, packaging material left by contractors, and anything else sitting on the roof.

Why it matters:
Debris traps moisture and blocks drainage paths, causing water to pool.

2. Check for Standing Water

Walk the roof (safely) after a rainfall or use photos from previous inspections.

Look for:

• Large shallow puddles
  
  
  

• Water that stays longer than 24–48 hours
  
  
  

• Dirt rings that show ponding patterns
  
  
  

Standing water is one of the biggest threats to flat roofs.

3. Inspect the Surface

You don’t need to know the roofing material. Just look for visible changes.

Check for:

• Cracks
  
  
  

• Blisters or bubbles
  
  
  

• Soft or spongy areas
  
  
  

• Tears or openings
  
  
  

• Loose or separated seams
  
  
  

If something looks “different,” take a picture and note the location.

4. Examine Drainage Systems

Ensure:

• Drains, scuppers, and gutters are clear
  
  
  

• There are no blockages
  
  
  

• Water flows freely
  
  
  

Even small clogs can lead to major leaks.

5. Look Around HVAC Units

These areas get a lot of foot traffic from service contractors.

Check for:

• Punctures from tools
  
  
  

• Wear from frequent walking
  
  
  

• Leaking fluids that can damage roofing materials
  
  
  

• Loose panels or wires rubbing the roof surface
  
  
  

6. Inspect Flashings and Edges

Flashings protect the most vulnerable areas of your roof.

Look for:

• Gaps
  
  
  

• Lifting edges
  
  
  

• Cracked sealant
  
  
  

• Rust or bending
  
  
  

This is where many leaks begin.

7. Document Everything with Photos

Photos help track changes over time and make it easier for professionals to diagnose issues.

Take pictures of:

• Any damage
  
  
  

• Standing water
  
  
  

• All drains
  
  
  

• Roof edges
  
  
  

• HVAC areas
  
  
  

• Wide shots of the entire roof
  
  
  

Fall Maintenance Checklist

Fall is all about preparing your roof for winter.

1. Remove Seasonal Debris

Especially leaves, branches, and twigs—these clog drains quickly once freezing temperatures hit.

2. Inspect for UV Damage

Summer sun can dry out roofing materials.

Look for:

• Faded spots
  
  
  

• Cracking
  
  
  

• Brittle texture
  
  
  

3. Check Sealants and Caulking

These materials naturally break down over time.

Signs they need attention:

• Peeling
  
  
  

• Cracking
  
  
  

• Missing or loose sealant
  
  
  

4. Confirm Drainage Is Winter-Ready

Before freezing temperatures arrive:

• Clear drains again
  
  
  

• Make sure gutters are ready for snowmelt
  
  
  

• Check for rust or loose hardware
  
  
  

5. Inspect Around Equipment Again

Summer is peak HVAC service time.

Look for:

• New punctures
  
  
  

• Scrapes or dents
  
  
  

• Damaged walk paths
  
  
  

6. Check for Warning Signs Before Snow Arrives

Note any:

• Low or sagging areas
  
  
  

• Soft or spongy surfaces
  
  
  

• Water stains inside the building
  
  
  

• Musty or moldy smells
  
  
  

• Doors or windows that suddenly stick
  
  
  

7. Take Updated Photos

Try to photograph the same areas as in spring to create a clear visual maintenance history.

What Photos Should You Take?

Photos are one of the most valuable tools you have.

Essential photos include:

• Drains
  
  
  

• Edges and seams
  
  
  

• HVAC surroundings
  
  
  

• Any cracks or bubbling
  
  
  

• Standing water
  
  
  

• Wide roof shots
  
  
  

Tips for better roof documentation:

• Take photos in good daylight
  
  
  

• Capture close-up and wide views
  
  
  

• Add dates to each file
  
  
  

• Store photos with inspection notes
  
  
  

Early Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

Exterior clues:

• Water that stays longer than 48 hours
  
  
  

• Bubbling or blistering
  
  
  

• Cracks
  
  
  

• Loose seams
  
  
  

• Algae or moss growth
  
  
  

Interior clues:

• Ceiling stains
  
  
  

• Damp smells
  
  
  

• Peeling paint
  
  
  

• Mold spots
  
  
  

• Higher energy bills
  
  
  

If you notice any of these, take photos and contact a professional.

DIY Observations vs. When to Call a Professional

You can safely check many things—but not everything.

Safe DIY tasks:

• Visual inspections
  
  
  

• Light debris removal
  
  
  

• Basic drain clearing
  
  
  

• Taking photos
  
  
  

• Watching for interior signs
  
  
  

Call a roofing professional if:

• The roof feels soft or sagging
  
  
  

• You see tears, cracks, or open seams
  
  
  

• Water is actively leaking
  
  
  

• You notice standing water
  
  
  

• You see damage near electrical or mechanical units
  
  
  

• You feel unsafe or unsure
  
  
  

Professionals not only fix issues—they help extend the life of your roof by catching problems early.