ROOF INSPECTIONS

ROOF INSPECTIONS

There may be no bigger investment than a commercial building, so it’s important to protect that investment. That means ensuring every person and all contents in the building are kept safe through a commercial roof inspection which will take note of the condition of the roof. With that in mind, it is extremely important to undergo routine flat roof inspections and frequently scheduled maintenance.

Commercial roofing is always under threat from weather, structural shifting, and weight stress. While regular wear and tear from aging will affect a commercial roof, issues that arise as a result of neglect, debris, mishandling, or damage can be costly to repair and can lead to premature failure of the roof. With regular commercial roof inspections and maintenance schedules, detection of even minor problems can help to save the roof before it suffers more serious concerns. These can play out as interruptions to the building’s internal functions, or more importantly, safety concerns for everyone. Plus, years can be added to the life of the roof.

Early Detection

A routine flat roof survey in combination with a preventative maintenance program is extremely helpful to extend the life of a commercial roof through basic flat roof inspections and necessary repairs. In doing so, there are much-needed protections in place and overall expenses are reduced over the long term.

The elements of a commercial roof inspection include regular visual reviews to assess the condition of the roof membrane and flashings and provide immediate repair to any deficiencies before moisture penetrates through the roofing system and enters the building’s interior. As well, non-destructive moisture detection is done to determine whether moisture has infiltrated the internal components of the commercial roofing system.

Reducing the potential for damage is critical, so it is widely recommended that a commercial roof inspection is completed at least twice annually, with the best times to do it being in the spring after a long winter season and late fall in preparation for the next winter. A flat roof inspection is also necessary after a significant weather event or upon completion of any construction that might pose a threat to the commercial roofing system.

At All Roofs Inc., we provide total flat roof inspections that include:

  • Our team examines the interior of the commercial building for traces of water damage and possible mold growth, mildew, physical leaks, water stains, and peeling paint.
  • We carefully check for accumulated dirt and debris that can block gutters, scuppers, or drains. Leaves, dirt, and other kinds of debris can clog roof drainage. If water has no path to flow safely off the roof through the designed system, it can cause severe damage beginning with pooling water. While on the roof, we will also check all the seals on the drainage components to ensure that water flows through the drains appropriately and not around them.
  • Every blister, crack, tear, hole, abrasion, or deep scratch in the membrane is noted by our commercial roof inspection, while also checking for fungus and moss growth. Any fungus or moss found must be removed as soon as possible, as these can cause deterioration of the roof surface.
  • Any expansion joints on the roof are thoroughly inspected for cuts, gaps, or tears.
  • If the flat roof consists of flashing, our roof inspectors examine them closely. If any flashings are pulled away from the roof surface, there may be gaps where water can easily enter and cause leaks or damage to the membrane, which can lead to further issues internally.
  • We will also examine all exterior structural components of the building, including vents, pipes, and attached equipment, as it is vitally important to identify any signs of wear or aging such as peeling paint, rust, deterioration from rot, and moss or fungal growth. Our examination will also find structural damage like disfigured elements, missing components, and sagging pipes.
  • Equipment supports are also checked, as we must be certain that nothing has damaged the roof membrane as a result of failure on another aspect of the roof.
  • Stairs, crossovers, personnel platforms, and railings are reviewed to ensure they are structurally sound, have no loose parts, and have not suffered any surface deterioration.
  • Finally, any necessary safety signage is checked for legibility, accuracy, and that they are posted in the appropriate places. The lack of proper signage can put anyone who accesses the roof at risk of harm, which is yet another reason to have a roof inspection done for insurance purposes.

While all flat roof inspections are generally similar, each roof inspection checklist can vary based on the unique aspects of the commercial roof. That’s why it’s important to prioritize a checklist prior to beginning a commercial roof inspection. Note that commercial roof repairs are best left to qualified roofing contractors like All Roofs Inc. Commercial Roofing. A roof that is compromised may result in significant structural damage to the building, leaving the building owner with major repair costs. That’s why our attention to detail and a focus on being thorough are critical parts of performing a commercial roof inspection.