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Commercial Roof Inspection: 10 Key Things To Look For

Ensuring the durability and functionality of your commercial roof is crucial to the overall health of your building. Roofs are exposed to various elements that can lead to wear and tear over time, making regular inspections vital. A commercial roof inspection checklist is essential for ensuring thorough inspections, covering specific areas and elements to be examined. This guide will help you understand key things to look for during a commercial roof inspection, ensuring your roof remains in optimal condition and your business operations run smoothly.

  • Keeping your commercial roof in tip-top shape
  • Knowing when you need an inspection
  • Understanding what to look for during an inspection

Why Regular Roof Inspections Matter

For any commercial property owner, maintaining the integrity of your roof is essential for several reasons:

  • Preventing Costly Repairs: Routine inspections and proper maintenance can identify minor issues before they become major problems, saving you significant repair costs in the long run.
  • Ensuring Safety: A well-maintained roof protects your employees, customers, and assets from potential hazards such as leaks, mold, and structural damage.
  • Prolonging Roof Lifespan: Routine maintenance can extend the life of your roof, providing better value for your investment.
  • Compliance: Regular inspections help ensure your building meets local building codes and regulations.

Now, let’s explore the key things you need to look for during a commercial roof inspection.

🏠 1. General Condition of the Roof

Start with a broad assessment of the roof’s overall condition. Examine the following:

  • Surface Wear: Look for signs of general wear and tear, such as cracks, splits, or punctures in the roofing material.
  • Debris Accumulation: Check for debris like leaves, branches, or dirt that can trap moisture and cause damage.
  • Standing Water: Identify areas where water pools after rain, as standing water can lead to leaks and structural damage.
  • Roof Surfaces: Inspect roof surfaces carefully, especially the edges and overall condition, for issues like leaks, cracks, and ponding water. This is particularly important in commercial settings.

2. Roof Membrane Integrity

The roof membrane is a critical component of any commercial roofing system. Inspect the membrane for:

  • Blistering and Bubbling: These are signs that moisture has become trapped under the membrane, which can lead to further damage.
  • Tears and Punctures: Look for any visible tears or punctures that could allow water to penetrate the roofing system.
  • Seam Integrity: Ensure that all seams are intact and properly sealed to prevent water infiltration.

⚠️ 3. Flashing and Edge Details

Flashing and edge details are essential for preventing water intrusion at roof edges, penetrations, and transitions. Inspect these areas for:

  • Damage or Deterioration: Check for rust, corrosion, or damage to metal flashing and edge details.
  • Proper Sealing: Ensure that all flashing is securely attached and properly sealed to prevent leaks.

4. Roof Penetrations

Roof penetrations, such as vents, skylights, and HVAC units, are common sources of leaks. During your inspection, check for:

  • Sealant Condition: Examine the sealant around penetrations for cracks or deterioration.
  • Proper Installation: Ensure that all penetrations are properly installed and flashed to prevent water intrusion.

💧5. Drainage Systems

Effective drainage is crucial for maintaining the health of your commercial roof. Inspect the following:

  • Gutters and Downspouts: Check for blockages, damage, or leaks in gutters and downspouts.
  • Roof Drains: Ensure that roof drains are clear of debris and functioning properly to prevent standing water.
  • Scuppers: Inspect scuppers and ensure they are free of obstructions and properly draining water off the roof.

6. Roof Insulation

Roof insulation plays a vital role in energy efficiency and overall building performance. During your inspection, assess:

  • Moisture Infiltration: Look for signs of moisture infiltration, such as wet or damaged insulation.
  • Insulation Coverage: Ensure that insulation is evenly distributed and adequately covers the roof area.

🧱 7. Roofing Material Specifics

Different roofing materials require unique inspection considerations. Here are a few common commercial roofing materials and key things to look for:

Determining how many roofing layers exist during an inspection is crucial. This information, often obtained through core samples taken by the roofing contractor, provides insights into moisture levels and the overall age of the roof.

Asphalt-Based Roofing

For asphalt-based roofing (e.g., built-up roofing, modified bitumen):

  • Alligatoring: Look for cracking patterns that resemble alligator skin, indicating aging and brittleness.
  • Granule Loss: Check for excessive granule loss on the surface, which can expose the underlying material to UV damage.

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

For single-ply membrane roofing (e.g., TPO, PVC, EPDM):

  • Seam Strength: Ensure that seams are properly welded or adhered and show no signs of separation.
  • UV Degradation: Look for discoloration or brittleness, indicating UV damage.

Metal Roofing

For metal roofing:

  • Corrosion and Rust: Inspect for rust or corrosion, especially around fasteners and seams.
  • Loose Fasteners: Ensure that all fasteners are secure and not missing.

Green Roofing

For green roofing systems:

  • Plant Health: Check the condition of plantings and ensure they are healthy and well-maintained.
  • Drainage: Ensure that the drainage system is functioning effectively to prevent waterlogging.

🔍 8. Interior Inspection

In addition to inspecting the exterior of your commercial roof, it’s important to check the interior for signs of roof-related issues:

  • Ceiling Stains: Look for water stains on ceilings or walls, which can indicate leaks.
  • Mold or Mildew: Inspect for mold or mildew growth, which can result from moisture infiltration.
  • Attic or Crawl Space: If accessible, check for signs of water damage, such as wet insulation or wood rot.

9. Maintenance Records

Reviewing maintenance records can provide valuable insights into the history of your commercial roof. A professional roofing contractor can conduct a thorough inspection, starting from inside the building to identify potential leak sources and walking the roof to assess areas prone to damage, particularly around the perimeter. Look for:

  • Past Repairs: Identify any recurring issues or previous repairs that may need further attention.
  • Warranty Information: Ensure that any repairs or replacements are within warranty coverage.

Additionally, a structured roof inspection program offered by professional roofing companies can provide detailed assessments of roof conditions and tailored recommendations to meet building owners’ budgetary needs.

👷‍♂️10. Professional Inspection

While regular self-inspections are crucial, it’s also essential to schedule professional roof inspections annually or after significant weather events. For building owners, having a commercial roof inspection plan is vital to ensure thorough evaluations and informed decision-making. Benefits of professional inspections include:

  • Expertise: Professional inspectors have the knowledge and experience to identify issues that may be missed during a self-inspection.
  • Comprehensive Reports: They provide detailed reports with recommendations for repairs or maintenance.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing that your roof has been thoroughly inspected by a professional can provide peace of mind.

Schedule Your Commercial Roof Inspection Checklist

Regular roof inspections are a critical aspect of maintaining the integrity and longevity of your commercial building. By paying attention to key areas such as the general condition of the roof, membrane integrity, flashing and edge details, roof penetrations, drainage systems, roof insulation, roofing material specifics, interior inspection, and maintenance records, you can identify and address issues before they become major problems. Commercial roof inspections are essential for proactively identifying issues like roof leaks, which can prevent serious damages and save costs in the long run.

If you’re ready to take the next step in protecting your investment, contact McCormick Roofing today to schedule a professional roof inspection. Our experienced team is here to help you maintain a safe, reliable, and efficient roofing system for your commercial property.

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