Your roof is your building’s first line of defense against extreme weather conditions. A professional commercial roofing contractor will thoroughly inspect every part of your roof to ensure its protection and longevity.
Inspectors will walk the entire roof surface checking for physical damage, including sagging areas or areas that look worn they will also check for the condition of roof penetrations like drains, piping and skylights.
Conduct regular commercial roof maintenance to ensure longevity. Inspect for debris, ponding water, membrane condition, flashing, penetrations, and structural integrity.
Look for Signs of Water Damage
There are several signs that a commercial roof needs to be inspected, but the first and most obvious one is water damage inside a building. Water stains on ceilings, walls, or in drywall are often the first sign of a leaky roof. Especially if it is a large area, it should be looked at immediately to prevent long-term water damage and to minimize the cost of repairs.
A less obvious, but no less important indicator of a leaking roof is foul odors which can be caused by mold and mildew growing due to moisture infiltration. Foul odors can be difficult to identify, particularly in buildings with drop ceilings or high walls.
Other visual indicators include ponding water open seams in flashing and holes in membranes. Also, a thorough inspection should be made of any penetrations in the roof such as drains, vent stacks, skylights and air conditioning units to make sure they are properly sealed and watertight.
Visit Home Remodelpedia blog to learn how to identify water damage signs: check for stains, mold, musty odors, warped floors, and peeling paint to prevent potential structural issues.
Check the Gutters
Before getting on the roof its important to make sure that all access points are clear this may involve clearing pathways, securing ladders or arranging for lift equipment if necessary. A clean surface allows for a more accurate assessment and prevents inspectors from overlooking any issues.
The next step is to examine the gutters and scuppers to make sure they are free of debris and in good working order. Clogged gutters can lead to water intrusion and damage the underlayment. Additionally, the gutters should be checked for any cracks or crevices. These areas tend to be more prevalent around transition points on the roof such as stacks, walls, and curbs.
An inspector should also check for any ponding areas on the roof these are an indicator that the drainage system isn’t functioning properly and could lead to structural movement in the building. If these issues aren’t addressed they could lead to extensive and expensive damage in the future.
Check the Flashings
Your roof is a building’s first line of defense against extreme weather and temperature changes that’s why its so important to schedule regular roof inspections these evaluations can spot issues that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. And by catching these problems early, you can avoid extensive and costly repairs or even commercial roof replacements.
Your commercial roofs flashing is a layer of protection that fits around roof protrusions such as vents and skylights. It can start to deteriorate over time, and this is where many commercial roof leaks originate from.
During a roof inspection your commercial roofing contractor will look for signs of deterioration such as rust and cracking they’ll also check the flashing to see if it’s loose or damaged. Additionally, they’ll check for any water ponding or standing water, which could indicate structural movement or drainage problems.
Check the Underlayment
The underlayment is the layer of material that protects the roof deck from moisture and other threats. Commercial roofs can have a variety of underlayment materials, from felt to synthetic solutions. Felt underlayment will degrade over time, especially in warm conditions or in the presence of UV radiation from the sun.
When inspecting the underlayment, inspectors look for cracks and rips in the material that could expose the underlying roofing system to water damage or structural damage. They also check for signs of ponding water, which can cause the load on the roof structure to become unbalanced or even cause sagging.
Commercial roof inspections should always be conducted under safe operating conditions, such as with appropriate ladder or lift equipment. Inspectors should also prepare for the inspection ahead of time by clearing pathways, securing ladders and ensuring that all pertinent documentation is easily accessible this will help ensure that the inspection is both thorough and efficient.