Flat roofing became a symbol of modernity in the mid-1800s while also providing various benefits, including lower costs, additional space for manufacturing and warehousing, and a reduced risk of snow dropping onto the sidewalk. While flat roofs continue to benefit business, they also require routine inspections to maintain their integrity. A professional inspector will use an industrial roof inspection checklist to help you locate any hidden problems.
When To Use an Industrial Roof Inspection Checklist
Roofing contractors use the inspection to determine whether your roof provides adequate protection for the building occupants. During the examination, the inspectors can detect weaknesses, deterioration and other hazards.
A couple of factors to consider before you call for a roof inspection are your roof’s age and recent weather events. The number of inspections you have in a year depends on the age of your roof. For instance, younger roofs under 10 years old can benefit from yearly inspections. However, roofs over 10 years old may require seasonal inspections.
Try to prepare your roof for the weather for each coming season. Likewise, have inspections after heavy winds, hail storms and other inclement weather events.
What To Include in the Industrial Roof Inspection Checklist
When you hire professional roofing contractors, they know the common vulnerabilities flat roofs have. Not only will they have the experience necessary to guide them on the inspection, but they’ll have a checklist to ensure that they do a comprehensive inspection.
1. Locate Roof and Gutter Debris
First, inspectors must look for debris on the roof or gutters. The wind can blow trash, branches and leaves onto your roof, but unlike on sloped roofs, this debris cannot roll or slide off. Any clutter on the roof or in the gutters can block water from draining correctly.
In addition to drainage issues, debris can also lead to moss growth. Shade, moisture and debris create the perfect environment for moss to grow.
2. Look for Ponding Water
Without proper drainage, water begins to stagnate. Inspectors will look for stains or color changes on the roof that could indicate that water stood for a length of time. Ponding water can cause the roof underneath to begin to deteriorate. As water saturation adds more weight to the structure, the rotting materials underneath can collapse.
Ponding can also result in leakage, mold and mildew in the interior of your building. To develop a plan to fix ponding water, inspectors use their industrial roof inspection checklist to look for damage to your drainage system and ensure that your roof has a proper slope.
3. Check for Cracking and Blistering
Roofs are exposed to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. The exposure can cause cracking and blistering in the roofing material. Debris can also cause tears or cracks within the roofing system. Cracks are common at the transition points. The checklist will include directions to check the flashing where it moves from flat to vertical, as there is more stress on those sections of the building.
The sealant or waterproofing membranes create a gap to keep water from touching the roof floor. Unfortunately, heat can crack the corners of the sealant. While sealant increases your roof’s longevity, you must perform routine maintenance to prevent cracking at the corners.
4. Inspect all Terminations
Termination bars support your roofing system. As part of an industrial roof inspection checklist, the inspector will check the terminations on your parapet walls for a proper seal. Additionally, inspectors look at the base of the wall to locate any cracking or failure.
All of your roof’s edge material needs to be secured and terminated. If there are problems with the terminations, the professional must close all the gaps to prevent the elements from getting into your building.
5. Inspect for Structural Damage
Sometimes, blisters, cracks and brittleness might only indicate an exterior problem. However, depending on your roof’s material, these signs can indicate a deeper problem with the structural integrity of the building. If you have a roof made from tar and asphalt, the weight can create a strain on the rest of the structure. If you have interior damage, the weight can result in collapse.
6. Check the Downspouts
Lastly, downspouts are included on the industrial roof inspection checklist. Downspouts are vulnerable to passing traffic and lawn maintenance. Once damaged, you must replace the downspouts to avoid any future problems with drainage.
When To Call a Professional With an Industrial Roof Inspection Checklist
While industrial buildings benefit from a flat roof, these roofs also have specific vulnerabilities that require a professional’s analysis and repair. Your roof’s age may determine how often you require a professional inspection, but you should consider seeking one out before every season to prepare you for frigid temperatures or stormy weather. An industrial roof inspection checklist helps professional contractors determine your roof’s health and structural integrity. Contact Benton Roofing today to obtain a quote and an inspection.