What To Expect During a Commercial Roof Inspection?
Commercial roofs last an average of 15 to 40 years, depending on the roofing materials, quality of the installation, and local climate — but proactive care and maintenance can definitely help it go the extra mile for you!
Regular commercial roof inspections are the backbone of that care. All commercial roofing contractors would advise you to have twice-yearly routine roof inspections as a preventative measure. It’s an expense that can lead to big savings in the long run, because catching roofing issues early allows you to address them in time to avoid extensive repairs and keep your property and business assets safe.
A roof inspection is also important if you’re planning a roof replacement. In this case, the inspection helps your roofing team plan for your roof installation and determine the cost of your new roof.
If you’re wondering what exactly commercial roof inspection companies do during the process, here’s a handy look at what to expect!
1. A Thorough Look at Your Roof’s Surface
Commercial roofing contractors start the inspection with a thorough look at your roof’s surface. If you have a single-ply membrane roof, they’ll look for punctures and tears and inspect the seams. For other roofing materials, your roof inspectors will check if there are cracks, blisters, missing shingles, and other signs of wear and tear. We’ll also check for pooling water, which could compromise your commercial roof’s structural integrity.
2. An Inspection of Your Flashing and Sealants
The flashing and sealants that protect your commercial roof’s weakest spots — around edges and penetrations — get a once-over, next. Commercial roof inspection companies check for cracks, gaps, and weakening.
3. An Examination of Your Commercial Roof’s Drainage Systems
Proper drainage is critical for all types of roofs, but it becomes more of a challenge for commercial flat and low-sloped roofing systems. That’s why commercial roofing companies pay special attention to your gutters, downspouts, and scuppers. We’ll thoroughly check the condition of each and run tests to make sure your drainage systems are working properly.
4. An Inspection of Your Roof’s Interior
If commercial roof inspection companies have access, they’ll also want to conduct an inspection of your roof’s interior — the roof deck and the area underneath. Your roofing team looks for signs of leaking, mold growth, condensation, and structural damage.
Even if we don’t have physical access to the interior, we can use thermal imaging techniques to get a better understanding of your commercial roof’s condition.
What Happens After a Commercial Roof Inspection?
What happens after your commercial roof inspection is complete depends on your reasons for requesting one.
You’ll always get a thorough report that includes recommendations on what to do next and potential areas of concern to watch out for. However, if you requested a roof inspection because you are considering a roof replacement, we’ll also include an estimate.
That estimate can include a projected commercial roof installation cost, but it doesn’t always have to be about a new roof price. In many cases, it’s possible to avoid a complete tear-off and roof replacement, and extend your roof’s functional life, by applying commercial roof coatings. A commercial roof inspection report can explain the advantages and disadvantages of each roofing option and include the costs involved. It concludes with recommendations.
Our work doesn’t end there, of course. White Roofing Systems is always available to answer all your questions. We understand that not everyone understands commercial roofing options well, and we’ll work hard to offer advice that matches your goals and budget.
How Can We Help You?
Are you thinking about having your commercial roof replaced — or did you recently realize you haven’t had a roof inspection in ages? White Roofing Systems has you covered.
Our Conklin-trained roofing contractors can get you started with a free commercial roof inspection to determine what should be next for your roof. Get in touch, and we’ll arrange for a convenient time to drive over!
Keep Reading on This Site
Industry Sources
- National Roofing Contractors Association(opens in a new tab)
Commercial roofing standards and guidance.
- Cool Roof Rating Council — Building Owner Resources(opens in a new tab)
How reflective roof surfaces lower cooling load.
- U.S. EPA — Using Cool Roofs to Reduce Heat Islands(opens in a new tab)
Measured surface-temperature and energy impacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 1\. a thorough look at your roof’s surface matter?
Commercial roofing contractors start the inspection with a thorough look at your roof’s surface. If you have a single-ply membrane roof, they’ll look for punctures and tears and inspect the seams.
Why does 2\. an inspection of your flashing and sealants matter?
The flashing and sealants that protect your commercial roof’s weakest spots — around edges and penetrations — get a once-over, next. Commercial roof inspection companies check for cracks, gaps, and weakening.
Why does 3\. an examination of your commercial roof’s drainage systems matter?
Proper drainage is critical for all types of roofs, but it becomes more of a challenge for commercial flat and low-sloped roofing systems. That’s why commercial roofing companies pay special attention to your gutters, downspouts, and scuppers.
Why does 4\. an inspection of your roof’s interior matter?
If commercial roof inspection companies have access, they’ll also want to conduct an inspection of your roof’s interior — the roof deck and the area underneath. Your roofing team looks for signs of leaking, mold growth, condensation, and structural damage.
