01
Record what was actually installed
Keep the final slate identity, size and thickness, blend proportions and supplier details. Include metal types, underlayment and any proprietary accessories. Mark approved substitutions in the final record rather than leaving the original specification as an inaccurate description of the finished roof.
02
Make photographs useful
Organize overview images by roof elevation, then add detail photographs of flashings, valleys, ridges and penetrations. Where available, retain construction photographs of work that is now concealed. Label dates and locations. A folder of unlabelled close-ups is much less useful to a future roofer.
03
Store spare pieces deliberately
Agree on a spare quantity with the installer based on the roof size, complexity and future availability. Label separate sizes and colors and use a protected, stable storage location suitable for the weight. Record the location in the handover folder so spare material does not disappear during a property transfer.
04
Keep a continuing maintenance log
For each inspection or repair, record the date, roof location, observed problem and completed work. Add photographs and invoices. Note any temporary measures that still require permanent repair. Over time, the log helps distinguish repeated trouble at one detail from isolated damage elsewhere.