Roof Inspection Checklist for Commercial Buildings

Roof inspections are necessary for any property owner. Not only are these inspections required annually, they also ensure that your property and your tenants are protected. When a roof is weakened, it can become vulnerable to numerous problems, especially during extreme weather conditions and seasonal changes.

In order to prevent any potential problems, it’s best to hire a professional roofing company to inspect your property while offering the proper recommendations that will keep your roof in its best condition.

Keep reading to learn the things that need to be checked when conducting a professional commercial roof inspection.

Schedule a Roofing Inspection

When conducting an annual roof inspection, your professional roof inspector will be able to reveal any problems you may not be aware of. In an inspection, problems like these wind-related cracks as well as clogged gutters can be discovered before the potential issue turns into costly damages that need repair. This inspection usually covers decking, surface membranes, roof vents, flashing, field tears, gutters and drainage pipes.

Clean the Debris

Make sure that any debris is cleared from your roof. When there is debris, such as branches, leaves, trash, etc., it makes it especially difficult for excess water to drain from the roof. Your roof inspector will check for debris and have it removed if you have not already.

Inspect for Ponding Water

Ponding water on a commercial roof is damage waiting to happen. The water actually will corrode the roofing surface, weakening it and causing mold growth. During your inspection, your roof inspector will check for color changes around the drains, which usually indicates that water has ponded there for a bit of time. Also, slow-draining lines and blockages should be tested and noted during the inspection. When areas prone to standing water are detected, the next step is to check for underlying damage.

Check the Flashing

If you’re not sure what flashing is, it is the metallic material that surrounds vents, chimneys, and skylights in order to protect the crevices around those areas. Flashing is meant to force water away from these areas in order to avoid potential leaks. Cracks are especially common at transition points, which is where the flashing transitions from flat to vertical. It is important to have this inspected each year because these areas are under more stress and tend to fail after several years of inclement weather.

Check the Roof Field for Cracks and Tears

The Roof field is the main part of your roof and is subject to cuts and tears, which will eventually lead to leaks and other structural damage. If any debris is found on the roof, signs of cuts or tears should be found before structural damages occur. Also, if you have an existing leak, but your inspector cannot find it, a “flood test” can be performed in order to find the source of the leak.

Inspect the Edge Detail

Your professional roof inspection will also include looking at the edge details of your roof. Especially near the windward edges, where the edge materials are more likely to shift or lift during a storm. Your roof inspector will make sure your edge materials are properly secured.

Check the Gutters

Gutters and drains should always be checked during any roof inspection. Ponding water is often caused by clogged gutters and drains, which should be inspected regularly, even if you have a PVC roof membrane. Although ponding water will not void your warranty with this type of roof, it will ultimately lead to further damage. Owners of commercial buildings that are asphalt-based need to pay particular attention to gutter and drain clogging because ponding on asphalt roofs can quickly lead to roof failure.

Look at Your Downspouts

Finally, the inspector will check out your downspouts and downspout terminations at ground level. Your downspouts can become damaged or broken by lawn equipment, vehicles, and/or other factors. It is important to replace your downspouts if they are damaged to prevent further problems.

Protect Your Investment

Hiring a professional roofer for your commercial roof maintenance projects will guarantee the protection, experience, and craftsmanship your home or property deserves. Here at Roof Advance, we have the whole package: the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to assist you with all of your roofing needs, proudly serving the Ann Arbor area since 1996.