The Most Common Issues Found During a Commercial Roof Inspection

From relentless rainstorms to scorching summer heat, commercial roofs endure a barrage of challenges year-round. Yet, even the sturdiest structures can hide vulnerabilities that threaten your business’s bottom line. Fortunately, regularly scheduled commercial roof inspections can help detect and fix these issues before they can worsen.

Join us as we uncover the most common issues found during a commercial roof inspection, and learn how proactive maintenance can save you from costly surprises.

Why Are Commercial Roof Inspections Necessary?

Commercial roof inspections are crucial for maintaining the integrity and longevity of roofing systems, particularly in areas prone to harsh weather conditions like Seattle, Washington, where heavy rainfall and strong winds are common occurrences. These inspections are necessary to identify any potential issues or vulnerabilities in the roofing materials, such as leaks, cracks, or damage from debris, which could compromise the roof’s structural integrity and leave facilities exposed to the elements.

Without routine commercial roofing inspections, facilities risk experiencing costly damages, such as:

Water infiltration
Mold growth
Structural deterioration
Interior damage to property and assets
Increased energy costs
Decreased indoor comfort
Potential safety hazards

Therefore, regular commercial roof inspections are essential for ensuring commercial buildings’ safety, functionality, and longevity.

The Financial Costs of Neglecting a Commercial Roof Inspection

Along with the physical damages to your roof’s surface, foregoing a commercial roof inspection can also prove quite costly. Routine inspections are a requirement to keep all types of roofs in good shape and avoid costly, preventable repairs. Since your commercial roof is constantly exposed to the elements, many things can negatively impact it—but building owners won’t know that without a commercial roof inspection.

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

Regularly scheduled commercial roof inspections help building owners spot and repair small issues before they become a huge problem, saving thousands of dollars. If you don’t get your roof inspected, a small leak could become major water damage that costs even more to fix.

8 Problems Uncovered From Commercial Roof Inspections

Commercial roofing contractors can perform detailed inspections to detect and resolve any problems with your commercial roofing systems. But what types of roof damage are most frequent?

Here are 8 of the most common issues discovered during a commercial roof inspection:

1. Improper Repairs

Improper commercial roof repairs are a frequent concern discovered during inspections, often stemming from previous patchwork solutions that fail to address underlying issues adequately. These subpar repairs can exacerbate existing problems, leading to leaks, structural damage, and costly repairs down the line.

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

2. Natural Wear and Tear

Wear and tear happens naturally and may vary depending on whether your building is in a rainy state like Washington or a sunny one like California. Regardless, you can bet that an inspector can see signs of this on your commercial roof system. Usually, it’s just small stuff that can be easily repaired, but more extensive repairs may occasionally be necessary. Your inspector can make a list of anything that needs attention and work with building owners on a cost-effective solution.

Some common forms of wear and tear on a commercial roof include:

Loss of granules
Faded colors
Bald spots
Exposed roofing roofing materials
Cracked sealant
Dark spots

3. Tree and Debris 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 damage your roof in several ways.

If a tree is leaning over your roof, it blocks the sun, preventing moisture from evaporating. Over time, a collection of moisture can cause your roof to rot. This is especially common in rainy areas like Seattle. Another problem is that dead leaves accumulate in the gutter when trees hang over the roof. You can clean your gutters more often, but keeping the branches trimmed back is easier.

4. Poor Installation

A commercial roof inspector might notice a problem with the installation job and the types of roofing materials used. Having your roof built and repaired by professionals is crucial. If your contractor wasn’t licensed or inexperienced, they might have used subpar methods and materials, leading to 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 types of roofing materials. Another issue with poor installations is that your roof might not withstand heavy rain, snow, or wind. It’s always best to hire an experienced commercial roofing contractor familiar with your facility’s specific region, be it California, Oregon, or Washington.

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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5. Leaks

Water leaks are extremely common; it’s hard to find a roof that hasn’t experienced at least one leak. This makes leak detection services so important, especially in areas with plenty of rain, like Seattle. Detecting leaks early can prevent costly damage to the building’s interior and structural integrity, saving time and money in the long run.

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 in rainy areas, such as Seattle, where improper drainage systems or blocked gutters prevent water from flowing off the roof.

During a commercial roof inspection, professionals identify signs of water pooling 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, in extremely sunny states like California, UV exposure. Over time, these elements can cause roofing materials to deteriorate. Commercial roof 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.

8. Membrane Damage

Commercial roofs often feature a membrane system, such as built-up roofing (BUR), modified bitumen, or single-ply membranes like EPDM or TPO. These membranes provide a waterproof barrier against frequently rainy regions like Seattle. However, they are susceptible to damage from UV rays, foot traffic, extreme temperatures, or aging.

During a commercial roof inspection, professionals 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.

If your building is overdue for a commercial roof inspection, don’t wait for issues to worsen—schedule an appointment with the experts at Roofcorp.

Protect Your Commercial Roof System With Roofcorp

Are you due for a commercial roof inspection? Getting a commercial roof inspection in Seattle at least every six months is ideal to check for damage from the previous season. If it’s been a while, or you’re due for a commercial roof inspection, turn to Roofcorp of America. We can handle all your commercial roofing repair and maintenance needs throughout Washington, Oregon, and California. 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 to perform a roof inspection for your facility, contact us today.

The Most Common Issues Found During a Commercial Roof Inspection

Why Are Commercial Roof Inspections Necessary?

The Financial Costs of Neglecting a Commercial Roof Inspection

8 Problems Uncovered From Commercial Roof Inspections

1. Improper Repairs

2. Natural Wear and Tear

3. Tree and Debris Damage

4. Poor Installation

5. Leaks

6. Ponding Water

7. Roofing Material Deterioration

8. Membrane Damage

Protect Your Commercial Roof System With Roofcorp

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