Most Common Issues Found During Commercial Roof Inspections

Regular commercial roof inspections are a requirement to keep it in good shape and avoid costly, preventable repairs. Since your roof is constantly exposed to the elements, there are a lot of things that can negatively impact your roof, but you won’t know unless you have it inspected.

Roof repairs can cost anywhere between $350 and $1,500, depending on the extent of the damage. A roof replacement, on the other hand, can cost between $5,500 and $10,000 or more.

Regular roof inspections help you spot and repair small issues before they become a huge problem, which will save you thousands of dollars. If you don’t get your roof inspected, a small leak could turn into major water damage that costs even more to fix.

8 Issues That a Commercial Roof Inspection Can Identify

What kind of things can happen to your roof? Here are the most common issues discovered during a commercial roof inspection.

1. Improper Repairs

Bad roof repair jobs are common but usually aren’t intentional. Most people don’t know any better and are only trying to fix a problem as best as they know how.

For instance, some people seal up water leaks with tar. While this can prevent water from getting in, it doesn’t fix the damage already done. A professional roof inspector will notice these types of repairs and any associated damage.

2. Natural Wear and Tear

Wear and tear happens naturally, and you can bet that an inspector will see some signs of this on your commercial roof. Usually, it’s just small stuff that can be easily repaired. Your inspector will make a list of anything that needs attention and you can work with them on solutions.

Some common forms include:

Loss of granules
Faded colors
Dark spots

Seeing some of these signs within your commercial roofing system? Learn how a commercial roof inspection from Roofcorp can extend the lifespan of your roof material.

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3. Tree Damage

If your commercial roof is large, there’s a chance you could have tree damage without knowing. In addition to small limbs falling onto the roof, branches can also damage your roof in a couple of different ways.

If a tree is leaning over your roof, it’s blocking the sun, which will prevent moisture from evaporating. Over time, a collection of moisture can cause your roof to rot.

Another problem is that when trees hang over the roof, dead leaves accumulate in the gutter. You can clean your gutters more often, but it’s easier to just keep the branches trimmed back.

4. Poor Installation

Your roof inspector might notice a problem with both the installation job and the roofing materials used for the job. Having your roof built and repaired by professionals is crucial. If your contractor wasn’t licensed or was inexperienced, they may have used subpar methods and materials, which can lead to a host of other issues like water leaks, excessive wear and tear, and structural damage.

There’s also a chance that a poor job was due to the installer not knowing how to handle your specific roofing materials. Another issue with poor installations is that your roof might not stand up to heavy rain, snow, or wind. It’s always best to hire an experienced contractor to install or repair your roof.

5. Leaks

Water leaks are extremely common; it’s hard to find a roof that hasn’t experienced at least one leak. This is what makes leak detection services so important, especially in areas that get plenty of rain, like Seattle.

6. Ponding Water

Ponding water occurs when water accumulates and remains on the roof for more than 48 hours after rainfall. This issue is particularly common in flat or low-slope roofs, where improper drainage systems or blocked gutters prevent water from flowing off the roof. During an inspection, professionals will identify areas where ponding water occurs and assess the roof’s structural integrity. Ponding water can lead to accelerated roof deterioration, including membrane degradation and increased risk of leaks, so its early detection is crucial.

7. Roofing Material Deterioration

Commercial roofs are subjected to various weather conditions, including rain, snow, hail, wind, and UV exposure. Over time, these elements can cause roofing materials to deteriorate. Inspections can identify signs of material degradation, such as cracking, blistering, curling, or missing shingles. Detecting these issues early on allows for timely repairs or replacement, preventing further damage to the roof and ensuring optimal protection for the building.

Commercial roof inspection services will give you a heads-up about anything you aren’t aware of, and a good inspector will be able to trace a leak back to the source. There are several different detection methods that can pinpoint even the most elusive leaks.

8. Membrane Damage

Commercial roofs often feature a membrane system, such as built-up roofing (BUR), modified bitumen, or single-ply membranes like EPDM, PVC, or TPO. These membranes provide a waterproof barrier. However, they are susceptible to damage from UV rays, foot traffic, extreme temperatures, or aging. During an inspection, professionals will assess the condition of the membrane, looking for signs of cracks, blisters, punctures, or shrinkage. Timely identification of such issues can prevent further deterioration and extend the roof’s lifespan.

Is It Time for a Commercial Roof Inspection?

Are you due for a commercial roof inspection? It’s ideal to get a roof inspection in Seattle at least every six months to check for damage from the previous season. Heat can damage shingles just as easily as rain, wind, hail, and snow.

If it’s been a while, or you’re due for an inspection, contact us. At Roofcorp of America, we can handle all of your roofing repair and maintenance needs. We can also spot problems before they turn into expensive repairs through our dependable commercial roof maintenance program.

If you need a reliable commercial roofing company, contact us today.