Regular roof inspections and maintenance help extend the lifespan of your commercial roof. A well-maintained roof protects your building, equipment, inventory and other assets from water damage, mold growth and structural deterioration.
To make sure your roof is performing as it should, it’s important to have a professional conduct this 9-point commercial roof inspection checklist.
Check for any debris that needs to be removed from your roof. Debris includes branches, leaves and other trash from drains and roof corners. These will need to be removed so water can easily drain from your rooftop.
Look for any obvious signs of damage including mildew, mold and blistering on the roofing material. If you have a metal roof, it’s important to check for corrosion, as well.
Look for signs of ponding water, such as water stains or a change in roofing material color. Water can be the source of significant structural damage over time.
After looking for obvious signs of damage, it’s time to examine the field of your roof for damage that may be harder to notice. Your inspector will look for any punctures in your roofing material including cracks and tears in the roof’s surface.
Parapet walls and the termination bar that attaches single-ply membranes need to be examined to ensure they are properly sealed. If these are cracked, and your area experiences periods of heavy rain or snow, it can lead to serious water damage.
Your roofing inspection will also include the edge details. All of these edge materials should be tightly secured. If they aren’t, a professional will need to properly fasten anything coming loose to close gaps that allow elements inside.
One of the major causes of standing water is clogged or damaged gutters. It’s important to clear them of debris, and check that they’re working properly.
Make sure that your downspouts are aligned with the gutters and aren’t blocked. If a downspout is damaged in any way, you’ll want to repair it to keep the water flowing off of your commercial roof.
Lastly, have an inspector check flashing details like stacks, walls, and curbs.
Cracks and other failures are more common around transition points. This is particularly common in areas where the flashing goes from flat to vertical because there is more stress on these sections of the building. If any flashing issues are found, get it repaired prior to the weather cooling down.
A commercial roof inspection should occur at least once a year, as well as after severe weather events like storms or high winds. Additionally, inspections should be conducted before purchasing a new property or after major renovations. A comprehensive inspection is essential for maintaining the integrity and longevity of the roofing system, preventing costly repairs, and ensuring the safety and functionality of the building.
At Besroi, we are roofing professionals with a combined 65 years of experience. We have the expertise and equipment necessary to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your commercial building’s roofing system. After completing the commercial roof inspection checklist, we will provide a detailed report outlining our findings and make recommendations for repairs or maintenance. Get your free quote today!