No commercial building owner will get far by neglecting the condition of their roofs. Commercial roof materials are durable and long-lasting, but that doesn’t mean they can be forgotten about. A regular commercial roof inspection can help catch issues such as damage, ponding, separation, and debris collection. Finding these conditions before they become serious is key to keeping repairs affordable and manageable, and getting the most life out of a commercial roof.
In this guide, we’ll go over several reasons why commercial roof inspections are a critical part of your preventative maintenance plan.
Preventing Expensive Repairs with Regular Roof Inspections
Avoiding expensive repairs is one of the most important reasons to schedule a commercial roof inspection. Roof material is constantly exposed to the elements, and wear and tear can lead to small cracks or tears and lead to leaks and other problems. These issues compound over time, creating bigger, more expensive problems down the road.
While each roof is different, a typical roof inspection plan will include a checklist of items covering everything from the roofing material and drains to flashings and penetrations. The overall roof performance relies on all the different facets of the roofing system working together and each of them needs inspecting to ensure everything is up to par.
Protecting Your Business from Disruptions
Even the most meticulous roofing contractor will have to disrupt the everyday happenings at least a few times when replacing a commercial roof. Every little disruption will cost the business owner money, whether they’re the property owner or a tenant. And, that’s just on a grand scale. Even small issues like leaks, drain problems, or ponding water can impact the interior of the building, displacing people and machines and making it difficult to conduct business.
Roofing inspections aim to minimize these instances and keep businesses’ doors open. By inspecting a commercial roof twice a year (spring and fall, specifically), roofing contractors can take note of any necessary repairs or corrections and solve them before they require a large shut-down or push tenants from their spaces.
Enhancing the Lifespan of Your Commercial Roof
Commercial roofs are an investment. And, like any good investor should, property owners want to get the most for their money. This means maintaining a roof to ensure it lasts as long as possible. A plan consisting of regular roof inspections will help, as roofing contractors can assess the roof’s overall condition and highlight any potential issues before they lead to premature roof replacement.
While inspecting a roof, contractors will look for various signs of the roof’s performance. They’ll consider the condition of the insulation, the drainage systems (drains, scuppers, gutters, and downspouts), and they may even use an infrared camera to locate potential leaks, hidden moisture, or heat loss that might be occurring. Solving these issues early will help the roof last as long as possible.
Ensuring Safety and Compliance
We can all picture how uncomfortable and messy a leaking roof can be, but we don’t often think of how unsafe a leak can be. Leaks can lead to mold and other environmental issues, but they can also cause structural damage or electrical issues, making a building unsafe to inhabit and far beyond the guidelines of general code compliance.
Performing regular roof inspections allows building owners to rest assured that their employees, tenants, or customers are safe and secure when they’re inside the building. They also help avoid expensive fines and other challenges with local regulatory bodies.
Key Components of a Roof Inspection Program
In itself, a roof inspection program is a critical part of any commercial property maintenance and safety plan. But, several components of a detailed commercial roof inspection should be included on the commercial roof inspection checklist. By checking these areas of a roof’s condition, small repairs can easily offset the cost of larger, more expensive roof problems.
Here’s what a typical commercial roof inspection checklist might cover:
- Roof Surface: Inspect for cracks, debris, ponding water, and drainage issues. Any signs of wear, like blistering or water stains, can indicate potential leaks.
- Drainage Systems: Check that roof drains and downspouts are functioning properly. Clogged drains can lead to water pooling, which may compromise the roof’s structural integrity.
- Roofing Materials: Evaluate the condition of roofing materials such as shingles, membranes, or flashing to detect any damage or wear.
- Structural Elements: Inspect for any signs of structural movement, such as cracks in the roof’s surface or base flashings that may affect the roof’s integrity.
- Fans and Equipment: Make sure that exhaust fans and other rooftop equipment are properly sealed and not contributing to leaks.
An experienced roofing contractor can also provide professional advice on improving the roof’s performance and longevity.
Addressing Seasonal Changes and Weather Events
Without proper care, seasonal changes can create issues for commercial roofs, so a commercial roof inspection is essential in spring and fall. Winter is brutal on roofs of all types, with heavy snow, ice, and bitter cold causing drainage issues, ice dams, or ponding, among other problems, so it’s best to get ahead of them in fall. Spring might seem like the worst is over, but it’s important to identify damage caused by the winter before the heavy rains and summer heat arrive.
Also, major weather events like blizzards, hurricanes, tornados, extreme heat waves, and other challenges can damage roof surfaces. A commercial roof inspection after these weather events ensures that any damage caused is kept to a minimum. A professional roofing contractor will look for lifting material, tears, and other signs to ensure that the roof is safe and sound during the roof inspection.
Partnering with Top Key Construction for Roof Maintenance
If you’re considering having your roof inspected, contact TopKey Construction today. We have over 30 years of experience in installing, repairing, and inspecting commercial roof surfaces of all types. As a professional roofing contractor, we will develop a commercial roof inspection plan that meets the needs of your building, highlighting potential problem areas and preventing bigger issues. Let us help come up with cost-effective solutions for your building by contacting us today.