If you own a commercial building, you should schedule routine roof inspections to ensure your facility is stable and able to withstand the elements. To avoid roof issues, we recommend hiring a company specializing in commercial roofing to examine your facilities for potential problems. If you are ready to schedule an appointment with a roofing company, here are the seven steps of the commercial roof inspection process.
1. Examine Public Records and Conduct Interviews
Before the physical inspection starts, the roofing company will examine your building’s public records and interview its Facility or Property Manager. A building’s existing floor plan can offer helpful information regarding the condition of its roof, as can interviews with management. The roofing company may ask questions such as “Have you experienced leaks of any kind in the past?” and “Are there any new improvements or modifications that have been made on the roof?” Such questions can help the roofing company better understand the situation.
2. Inspect the Interior of the Roof
An experienced commercial roofing company will inspect the interior of the facility and evaluate its condition from within. The roofer will seek out signs of water stains, rust, weakness, corrosion, and structural defects. He or she will also note the condition and type of mechanical fasteners used. The source of leaks in the roof should be inspected to uncover any issues. The earlier issues are identified, the earlier they can be addressed.
3. Examine the Building Envelope
Before heading to the top deck of the roof, the roofer should perform a general examination of the building envelope. They must look for unusual defects, such as cracks in the building, damaged doors, and precast panels. Often, these defects can be indicative of severe structural damage. Proof of water damage should be noted – there can be defects with down spots, gutters, and other building features.
4. Inspect the Top of the Building
A physical inspection of a rooftop will then take place. The roofer will commit a significant portion of their time to examining the top of the building. The information obtained from the building’s blueprints will be helpful here. There will be a general visual inspection to identify problems such as mold, vegetation, wear-and-tear, debris, and standing water.
5. Conduct a Field and Perimeter Check
The roof field and perimeter must be inspected next, primarily because the perimeter is where most issues and leaks occur. Gutters, base flashings, counter flashings, coping, and coping joints will be closely inspected. Once the perimeter is examined, the main body of the roof will be looked at next. Often, pooled water or poor design elements are discovered during this process.
6. View Roof-Based Equipment
Once the roof has been inspected, you can start reviewing roof-based equipment and accessories. Often, leaks are caused by equipment or accessories, such as HVAC units, that are in poor shape or have been improperly installed. Features such as seals, drains, and flashing should also be inspected for potential problems.
7. Help You Understand Your Options
After your roofer completes the entire inspection, they will help you better understand your options for addressing any problems. An experienced roofing company can tailor solutions specifically to your structure and offer useful advice. Roofers can help you determine the right option that fits your budget and quickly repairs your roof.
Are Roof Inspections Really Important?
Numerous things can happen to the rooftop of your commercial property over the years. During winter, problems such as snow buildup, leaks, and frozen gutter drains can become serious if left unattended. Extreme weather conditions, such as rapid temperature changes, can cause your roof to quickly expand and contract, resulting in cracks and thermal shock. Severe damage can even cause your roof to collapse, which would be a major disaster. To prevent any of these problems from occurring, you might want to inspect your roof from time to time.
Learn More About the Commercial Roof Inspection Process
If you have more questions about the commercial roof inspection process, you should contact Benton Roofing. We understand the finer points of commercial roofing and can help you maintain, repair, or fully replace your roof. Your roof is one of your building’s most important structures, so you should always make sure it is in excellent condition. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.