01
Select with a purpose
Ask the project team which examples best represent material, shape, thickness, or an important detail. Label their original location and removal date. Do not keep anonymous fragments merely because they came from the roof; explain what each retained sample is intended to document.
02
Store and index the collection
Keep sample records with the building archive and identify where the physical pieces are held. Distinguish archival samples from stock intended for future repairs. That separation prevents a unique reference piece from being used inadvertently and prevents unusable fragments from being counted as serviceable spares. A small, well-labeled collection is more useful than a large unorganized pile.