
What Happens During Commercial Roof Inspections?
An annual visit from a certified roof inspector can save you lots of money on repairs or replacements. Learn what happens during a routine commercial roof inspection.
The Importance of Inspections and Commercial Roof Repair in Seattle
When it comes to your roof, it’s better to know it’s in great shape than to assume all is well. Don’t go for long periods of time without getting your roof checked. Rainfall, hail storms, snow, scorching heat, and other weather extremes all contribute to natural wear and tear. Most issues can be fixed, but when problems are ignored, they worsen over time and become more expensive. Plus, some issues may not be obvious and can only be spotted by a trained professional.
How Often Should You Have Your Roof Inspected?
A commercial roof should be inspected regularly to ensure performance. A thorough inspection should be conducted at least once a year, with additional inspections performed as needed following severe weather events, such as high winds, hail, or heavy rain. During these inspections, a professional roofer will look for any issues that may compromise the roof’s integrity.
The Steps of a Roof Survey
At Roofcorp, our commercial roofing surveys include:
- Overview
- Inspect all termination details
- Inspect drainage and roof slope
- Inspect all pipes and penetrations
- Inspect the curbs, boxes, built-up platforms, and equipment attached
- Inspect sight screens and other special equipment
- Document each step of the way for client satisfaction
- Provide a picture report of findings to the client
What Happens During a Commercial Roof Inspection?
Professional roofers find issues early by doing the following during an inspection:
Check Inside Your Property
Roof inspectors look for several things inside your building, including water stains, sagging ceilings, and damp carpets. These are all telltale signs of roof damage. Looking from the inside pinpoints interior roofing issues that have gone on for too long. The condition of the roof’s underside reveals whether repairs will do or if a replacement is best.
Analyze the Roof Exterior
Professional roofers also inspect the roof’s exterior. Signs of structural damage caused by rain or hail include warped material or cracks in the surface. The exterior inspection includes gutters, drains, and downspouts as well. Clogged systems packed with dirt and debris lead to drainage problems, which can ruin your roofing system. While checking the exterior, professionals also look for areas with lifted materials.
Examine Equipment and Add-Ons
If your commercial roof has heating and cooling equipment, there could be openings in the surface. Pipes, vents, and ductwork must be sealed correctly, so these areas are also analyzed during a commercial roof inspection. Improper sealing leaves the building vulnerable to water damage, HVAC inefficiencies, and pest issues later down the road.
Develop a Plan of Action
After the commercial roof inspection is complete, contractors will discuss their findings with you and make recommendations based on your roof’s condition. It’s important to ask questions to understand what needs to be addressed. The roofer should provide detailed documentation of the inspection. Go over the results with them and confirm the price point for any proposed solutions.
If you’re interested in a commercial roof inspection for your property, check out this article about why waterproofing is vital.
How To Maintain a Roof: Tips for Commercial Property Owners
Owning or managing a commercial property comes with a lot of responsibilities, including maintaining the roof. Regular commercial roof inspections are essential for any facility manager looking to keep their building in top condition. Here are a few things you can do:
Cleaning Tips
Regular cleaning is important to ensure your commercial roof looks its best at all times. Pressure washing or using a soft brush will remove dirt and debris from the surface, which is a standard service performed by contractors like ROOFCORP. In addition, there are chemical treatments available that can protect against mold, mildew, and algae growth, as well as provide UV protection for exposed surfaces.
Insulation Solutions
Investing in insulation solutions is essential for reducing energy costs while protecting your roof from extreme temperatures year round. There are various types of insulation available on the market today, including spray foam, reflective foil, and loose-fill fiberglass insulation, which can all be tailored to specific needs for each building.
Look for Signs of Damage
Another easy way to maintain a roof for commercial property owners or managers is to constantly be on the lookout for signs of damage. Water leaks inside your building or ponding water on top of your flat roof require immediate attention.
Invest in Commercial Maintenance
It may be easy to forget about inspections on a regular basis, but it’s important to keep your roof’s health in mind. A maintenance plan helps building owners keep up with this vital obligation for a separate fee, which is much cheaper than roofing problems that spiral out of control. Getting your surface checked extends the system’s lifespan and saves you money in the long run.
ROOFCORP: The Best Inspections & Commercial Roof Repair in Seattle
ROOFCORP is dedicated to helping you get the most out of your roofing system. Your business needs a roof that provides decades of strength and protection, and we make sure that’s exactly what you get.
We answer your questions and address your concerns before we get started so you feel confident about the project. Then, after a detailed inspection, we talk through the condition of your roof, the steps to restore it, and the associated costs. Our 200 years of combined experience means your roof is always in great hands. Call us today for commercial roof inspections, maintenance, or replacements.