The Importance of Commercial Roof Inspections in Spring
The turn of the season is a time for change, and commercial building owners must think about more than just spring cleaning. After a harsh winter, ensuring your property is in tip-top shape with a post-winter commercial roof inspection in the spring is essential.
Let’s explore why a commercial roof inspection in spring is the perfect time and provide some helpful tips on how to best prepare for one. So get ready—it’s time to schedule a commercial roof inspection.
Dealing With Post-Winter Commercial Roof Damage
Winter weather can wreak havoc on commercial flat roofs, even in relatively mild-weathered areas like California and Oregon. This is especially true in rainy regions like Washington, posing numerous threats that can compromise a flat roof’s integrity, such as:
- Post-winter water damage, like pooling from poor drainage, can seep into commercial roof membranes and cause leaks.
- Clogged gutters and downspouts prevent proper water drainage, leading to potential ice dams that can damage roof edges and penetrate commercial roofing materials.
- Fluctuating temperatures between winter and spring can cause ice buildup in areas like northern Washington, expanding and contracting commercial roofing materials and creating cracks or gaps.
Neglecting a commercial roof inspection in spring after the post-winter weather has cleared up can exacerbate these issues. Left unaddressed, undetected damage can worsen over time, resulting in costly repairs, interior water damage, mold growth, and potential business disruptions. Regularly scheduled commercial roof inspections during spring are essential for identifying and mitigating winter-related damage, ensuring the longevity and performance of commercial roofs.
10 Reasons to Invest in a Commercial Roof Inspection This Spring
As a commercial building owner, keeping your flat roof system in top condition is important. Routine commercial roof inspections in spring can help identify and address problems before they become major issues, saving money and time, avoiding stress, and extending the life of your roof system.
Whether your facility is located in the sunny state of California or a rainy region of Washington, like Seattle, spring roof inspections are the perfect time to do this—here are ten key reasons why:
1. Warmer Weather: After a harsh winter, spring brings warmer weather that makes it easier for roofing contractors to work safely and efficiently on your commercial roof system.
2. Improved Visibility: As the days get longer and brighter, roofing contractors can more easily spot potential problems with your commercial roofing system.
3. Increased Accessibility: Getting up on your commercial roof is much easier and safer than during winter months when there’s a greater risk of slipping or falling off.
4. Less Stressful Scheduling: With fewer competing demands for roofing companies’ time in spring, it’s often easier to get a roofing contractor to visit your commercial property when needed.
5. Easier Repair: If any issues are identified during the commercial roof inspection, spring weather can make repairs much less complicated than if those issues were identified in the winter.
6. Faster Service: Sunny days and dry conditions mean that flat roof repair work can be completed faster with fewer delays due to bad weather.
7. Increased Lifespan: Commercial roof inspections in spring extend the lifespan of your system by identifying wear and tear before it becomes severe and more costly to repair or replace.
8. Cost Savings: Since commercial roof inspections in spring can be done faster due to mild weather, you’ll save money by avoiding costly delays or emergency services that may be needed if a problem is left unchecked.
9. Staying Ahead of the Curve: Investing in an annual commercial roof inspection for spring can help you anticipate potential issues before they become more severe, helping you save money and protect your assets in the long run.
10. Peace of Mind: Knowing that your commercial flat roof is in good condition and up to code provides invaluable peace of mind that your facility is safe and secure.
Don’t wait until summer rolls around before you realize your flat roof has sustained damage—invest in commercial roof inspection this spring by partnering with ROOFCORP before any problems can arise.
Problems Found During Commercial Roof Inspections in Spring
It’s essential to regularly inspect your commercial roof for potential problems after the harsh winter has passed. Several common commercial roof issues can lead to costly repairs and unexpected downtime. Taking the time to inspect and extend the life of your commercial property’s roof can help you avoid these inconveniences.
Here are a few common problems found during commercial roof inspections in spring:
Water Leaks
For commercial flat roofs—be it in California, Oregon, or Washington—leak repair is a common service request. Commercial roof leaks are one of the most frequent and hazardous issues affecting a flat roof—and for good reason. Poorly sealed or aged flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights can cause water to enter the commercial building, leading to mold growth, wet insulation, stained ceilings, warped walls and flooring, as well as structural damage.
Ponding Water
Ponding water occurs when melted snow or rain accumulates on flat or low-sloped commercial roofs and doesn’t drain properly. This is more frequently experienced in rainy areas like Washington. If left untreated, it can cause the membrane to deteriorate, eventually leading to water infiltration and damage.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains lead to ponding water, so they must be regularly inspected and cleaned of debris or buildup. Commercial roof inspections in spring—along with proactive cleaning to help maintain the functionality of drains—preserve the integrity of commercial roofs and prevent costly repairs down the line.
Improper Installation
If a commercial flat roof is incorrectly installed, it can eventually lead to deterioration, costing businesses money and time in repairs. It’s important to make sure the commercial roof is installed correctly the first time around by an experienced roofing professional.
Punctures
Punctures are often caused by foot traffic on a flat roof, as well as sharp objects like hail, stones, or exposed nails from nearby construction sites. This can cause small pinholes in the membrane, leading to leaks if left untreated for too long.
Exposed Fasteners
Exposed fasteners happen when screws aren’t properly tightened during installation, or when the screw head is loose or missing. This can cause water to seep into the commercial roof and deteriorate the underlying structure.
Wind Damage
High winds can lift sections of a flat roof membrane, causing it to tear or rip apart in some areas. It’s important to regularly inspect your commercial rooftop for any signs of wind damage so it can be addressed quickly and prevent further damage.
If your facility is located in the northwestern United States and is due for a commercial roof inspection this spring, make sure it’s done right by turning to the roofing professionals at ROOFCORP.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late—Schedule Your Commercial Roof Inspection This Spring With ROOFCORP
ROOFCORP offers comprehensive assessments that cover all aspects of your roof’s structure, from checking for potential water infiltration to inspecting the flashing around vents and skylights. Our experienced technicians will also inspect your commercial roof for hail damage, wind damage, and other weather-related issues that could affect the integrity of your roof.
Contact our experts today to schedule your commercial roof inspection this spring and get started.