Everything A Commercial Roof Inspection Should Include
A commercial roof inspection begins with a thorough investigation of your building from all angles. The inspection is carried out from top to bottom and from inside to outside to make sure everything is running smoothly and find a solution when it isn’t.
Inspection elements may include the following:
Start With An Overall Evaluation
Evaluate the roofing system’s condition by looking for worn or damaged shingles, tiles, or membranes. Also, look at vents, flashings, and roof penetrations to ensure they are sealed properly. Check chimneys or other exhaust equipment that may be vented through the roof for leakage below flashing.
Check Insulation
Evaluate insulation to determine its age and condition. Insulation is an important factor in keeping building interiors comfortable and healthy. Still, older insulation can lose its ability to withstand weather variations over time. It is recommended that insulation should be replaced every 10 years or when it starts losing its value.
Take Weather Into Consideration
In addition to the roof’s condition, consider additional factors such as weather events when inspecting roofing systems, including wind storms, snow loads, and hail. For example, roofs in areas where snowfall is common will require snow retention features such as a durable metal design for your underlayment.
Protecting customers’ roofs from sun exposure is another important aspect of commercial roof inspections. When shingles get too hot, they can start to lose granules, reducing their ability to protect the home.
Install white or silver shading over dark roofs to reduce heat build-up on your roof. If this is not possible, you should at least consider replacing black or dark shingles with a lighter color shingle when it comes time to re-roof your structure.
Search For Leaks
Look for roof penetrations where pipes, vents, and ductwork make their way through the roof system. Ensure that flashings or other safeguards protect these penetrations to prevent water damage inside the building.
Inspect For Birds
Birds can be a big problem when it comes to commercial roofs. They typically roost in the same area. Their droppings damage your roofing system by eating away at your shingles or tiles. Ensure that vents, louvers, and other small openings are properly screened to prevent birds from entering them and nesting inside.
Roof Maintenance
Learn what the owner/manager does (or should be doing) for routine roof maintenance: cleaning gutters, removing debris, checking drains, and grading around the building. Clean gutters and downspouts will reduce water weight on any portion of the roof drainage system; this helps prolong the life of every element involved in channeling runoff away from foundation walls, footings, and foundation vents.
Check the Condition of Gutters and Downspouts
Ensure gutters and downspouts are in good condition, adequately sized, free from blockages, and draining properly. Also, look for proper flow direction – the water should drain away from foundation walls or other building elements to avoid damage. If gutters and downspouts overflow, they could be a sign that they need cleaning and/or repair work.
Inspect Your Commercial Roofing With Trademark Exteriors!
Be sure to have Trademark Exteriors inspect your roof at your company, and you won’t spend money on unnecessary, made-up repairs and replacements.
Unfortunately, many contractors who offer repair and replacement services tend to make biased reports to find items that need repair.
But don’t worry! That’s not the case with Trademark Exteriors. We value your goods as much as your safety. In the end, we want to provide you with high-quality roofing, so your team and inventory are always safe. We provide you with professional services and personalized attention. Let’s get that roof inspected!