DFW Commercial Roofing
Commercial Roof Inspection Checklist — for DFW Property Managers
This page is a practical resource for commercial property managers, facility directors, and building owners in Dallas–Fort Worth who want to understand what a professional commercial roof inspection covers, what records to maintain, and how to use inspection documentation to protect their investment.
DFWCommercialRoof.com connects DFW commercial property owners with licensed roofing contractors who conduct professional inspections and produce written reports. Use this checklist as a reference for what those inspections should include — and what questions to ask.
The Full Commercial Roof Inspection Checklist
A professional commercial roof inspection on a DFW flat or low-slope roof system covers the following items. This list represents the standard scope for a thorough commercial inspection — if a contractor is not covering these areas, the inspection is incomplete.
Membrane Field
- Overall membrane condition — blistering, splitting, alligatoring, granule loss, UV oxidation
- Punctures, cuts, or mechanical damage across the full roof field
- Hail spatter marks and impact patterns (post-storm inspections)
- Membrane shrinkage or pulling at perimeter and penetrations
Seams and Laps
- Heat-welded seam integrity on TPO systems — visual and probe testing
- Adhesive lap condition on EPDM systems — delamination, open laps
- Modified bitumen lap and seam condition
- Seam termination points at flashings and perimeters
Flashings and Penetrations
- HVAC curb base and counterflashings — separation, cracking, lifting
- Pipe boot condition — cracking, shrinkage, improper seal
- Drain collar and drain body condition — separation, rust, blockage
- Skylight curb flashings
- Conduit and electrical penetration seals
- Pitch pockets — sealant condition
Perimeter and Edge Details
- Edge metal condition and attachment — fastener pullout, separation
- Coping cap condition and attachment at parapet walls
- Counterflashing at parapet walls
- Expansion joint covers — condition and attachment
- Hail damage to metal components — edge metal, coping, HVAC caps
Drainage and Ponding
- Drain flow and blockage assessment
- Ponding water areas and extent
- Scupper condition and flow
- Crickets and saddles at large penetrations
Interior Indicators
- Ceiling staining patterns — active or historical water intrusion
- Insulation saturation (if accessible)
- Deck rust or deterioration (if visible)
What Should Be in a Written Inspection Report
A professional commercial roof inspection should produce a written report — not just a verbal summary. The report should include:
- Property address, inspection date, weather conditions at time of inspection
- Roof system type, estimated age, and approximate square footage
- Photographs of all identified problem areas with location descriptions
- Condition rating for each major inspection category
- Prioritized list of recommended repairs with urgency designations
- For post-storm inspections: distinction between storm damage and pre-existing conditions
- Contractor name, license number, and contact information
Keep inspection records permanently. Inspection reports, repair invoices, and maintenance logs should be retained for the life of the building. These records support insurance claims, warranty compliance, property refinancing, and eventual sale due diligence.