You must have regular check-ups on your roof if you’re a business owner. Even if your business isn’t located in a hot and humid environment, a roof will still succumb to damage over time.
You probably noticed your exteriors before, but a commercial roof inspection is essential. A report can help you maintain your building, so you can keep it in tip-top shape and have the desired lifespan.
Here’s our guide about commercial roof inspections to help get you prepared for your next visit. Read on to learn more!
Exterior Inspection
During the exterior check, looking for signs of damage, like cracked, curled, or missing shingles, is important. Inspectors can access all parts of the roof using ladders or other tools.
Also, you can see moss, lichen, and algae from the ground, and you should remove them immediately. They should also check the roof’s edge for signs of water getting in, signs that the top may fail. By doing a full inspection of the outside, they can fix any problems they can find and fix so they don’t become more significant issues.
Flat Roof Flashing Inspection
When a commercial roofing contractor performs a flat roof flashing inspection, they are looking to identify any damage or deterioration to the sealants and flashings used on the flat roof portion of the building. The contractor will check for tears, cracking, or separation of the sealants and flashings and any areas that have become significantly worn or aged.
They will also check for gaps in the surface-to-surface junctures, potentially caused by debris or extreme weather conditions. In addition, the contractor will inspect the underlayment of the roofing system to ensure its integrity.
If any potential weakness or deterioration is found in these areas, the contractor can recommend any needed repairs or replacements. Check this flat roof maintenance linked here for roof maintenance.
Interior Inspection
When inspecting the roof’s interior, the roofer should check for moisture. The inspector will look for any water damage to the interior of the building since a damaged roof can cause water to infiltrate the structure.
They should note any signs of damage or wear and address them. The roofer should inspect the roofing system’s manufacturer-provided high wind uplift ratings to ensure the roof can withstand high winds. In short, a complete interior inspection should take into account to ensure a safe and durable structure.
Roof Membrane Inspection
The roofer should thoroughly examine the roof membrane during a business downtime roof inspection. An expert inspector will look at the roof and take pictures of its different parts.
They will check the state of the membrane and all its parts, like fasteners, flashings, and places where water can get in. The inspector will look at the general condition of the roof system and decide if you need any maintenance or repairs.
They will look for cracks, blisters, and rust, among other signs of damage or wear. They may also check the roof’s drainage systems, like scuppers and drains, to ensure water flows off the top.
The expert can also give you information about design flaws that might be causing damage to the roof membrane. An experienced roof inspector can help provide a clearer picture of the roof’s present state so that they can decide whether to repair or replace it.
Insulation Inspection
Problems with the insulation can lead to more significant issues like water getting into the roof and building up. The inspector will first look at how much insulation is there and other things like how old it is, how airtight it is, and how many layers there are.
They will look for roof damage and see how the insulation works. If there are signs of water getting in, the inspection will look into it more to find where it is coming from.
If the amount of insulation isn’t right for the climate, the inspector will suggest ways to fix it. In short, the tester will ensure the insulation meets the rules and is in good shape.
Structural Assessment
A business roof inspection should include checking the roof’s structure to ensure stability and safety. They should also inspect the roof decking and look for the roof fittings.
The inspector should look at the framework and parts of the roof. They should also check the gutters for structural problems like the wrong installation of brackets, which can cause water to pool instead of drain away.
Any places that seem much weaker than the rest should examine it. By doing this, they can make sure that the roof of a building is safe and secure no matter what the weather is like.
Gutters and Drainage Inspection
This helps ensure that the water that builds up on the roof flows away from the house. The inspection will check to see if the gutters are clean if the downspouts are clogging, and if there are any other problems, such as bent or sagging gutters.
Around the foundation of the building, the inspection should look for signs of standing water or too much moisture. Ultimately, the assessment should look for problems from how water flows off the roof and figure out how they can be avoided in the future.
Moisture Detection
A vital part of this inspection is checking for moisture. If you don’t fix the water damage immediately, you might have to pay a lot to fix it. A qualified expert will use special tools and methods to look for signs of moisture buildup during the building inspection.
These tools include moisture sensors to find places where water stays on the surface for a long time, infrared thermography to find places with a lot of water, and visual checks to see any water stains.
Schedule a Roof Inspection Today
A commercial roof inspection aims to identify any existing damage and provide a maintenance plan to prevent future issues. With a professional inspector, you can expect a thorough assessment and accurate results.
Take the time to invest in a commercial roof inspection to ensure your building and its occupants are safe and protected. Contact a roof inspector today and schedule an inspection!
