Dont Wait: Why Regular Commercial Roof Inspection Is a Must

The commercial roofing market is worth over $10.56 billion. It’s expected to grow to $17.08 billion by 2029.

The roof system is a critical investment/asset on any commercial building. Maintaining the roof is the best way to protect this investment, but it’s often ignored or deferred. Out of sight, out of mind.

Commercial building owners may also defer the most important part of the process, inspections. These inspections can serve as an alarm bell that warns of impending problems before they become problems.

Read on to learn why you should never put off a commercial roof inspection.

What a Commercial Roof Inspection Involves

During an inspection, a professional roof inspector looks over the entire building. They’ll typically start at the roof’s perimeter, inspecting securement of metal flashings and terminations, condition of vertical membrane flashings, and perimeter seams.

The roofs perimeters often show the first signs of a roof’s problems or failure i.e., metal flashing failure, wind uplift damage, membrane shrinkage is often visible before leaks actually occur.

The purpose of all these inspections is to identify any signs of potential roof damage, ideally before they become leaks or even larger problems. These include:

• Open seams
• Failed perimeter or penetration flashings
• Excessive standing water
• Clogged drains or scuppers
• Clogged gutters
• Leaks
• Blisters
• Splits or cracks
• Damaged roofing materials
• Potential problems with mechanical or other rooftop equipment

Once the inspection is completed, a report can be generated documenting the findings descriptions, photographs, and satellite imagery.

Proposals can then be provided for repairs of any issues discovered.

Benefits of an Inspection

The major benefit of a commercial roof inspection is the early detection of damage. You’ll be able to fix issues before they become major safety hazards or cause structural issues.

A commercial roof lasts an average of 20-40 years depending on its materials and environment. Get it inspected so that you can perform proper maintenance and repairs as soon as possible. This extends the roof beyond its average lifespan.

You’ll also save time and money in the process. Repairs cost $376-$1649, but getting a new roof costs $5,500-$11,000. Knowing when to do one helps you prevent the other.

An inspection can help you if you ever need to make an insurance claim. The cause of roof damage is often outside of your control, such as weather or animals. Many insurance companies assume that the damage comes from the one element in your control; proper roof maintenance. A detailed report from a professional roof inspector eliminates this concern and makes your claims cheaper.

You may need regular inspections to keep your warranty up to date. It won’t cover the cost of any damage if you haven’t proactively prevented it.

There are even legal benefits to getting regular inspections. They can make you aware of any code violations in your home.

When to Get an Inspection

The general recommendation is to have your commercial roof inspected at least twice a year. Only doing it once a year leaves it vulnerable to developing water damage.

There are exceptions to this rule. Thick steel or aluminum roofing may only have to be inspected every five years. It’s hardy and resists damage. It does need to be checked for degradation from seasonal changes such as:

• Wind
• Solar radiation
• Thermal warping

Speaking of seasons, spring and fall are one of the best times of the year to schedule an inspection. The weather is calm with less risk of storm damage. Roofers aren’t as busy and will be more available to handle your job.

Inspections also go hand in hand with commercial roof repair. The same signs indicate a need for both, including:

• Leaks
• Blistering or bubbling
• Loose shingles
• Increased energy bills

The weather is an uncontrollable but common reason for inspections and repairs. Intense, unpredictable storms rage all over the world. They’re becoming more and more common thanks to climate change.

Any extreme weather, including hail, floods, and wind can damage your roof. Go and look outside when it’s safe. Call for an inspector if you notice signs of storm damage.

You should also get an inspection if you plan to sell your property. A clean, well-maintained roof can increase its value. Show them your inspection reports as proof that it’s stable. Buyers will pay more for the peace of mind they can provide.

Why You Need a Professional

Inspecting a roof is not a simple, DIY job. You should keep an eye on it and look for signs of damage, but that’s only a first step. Always go beyond that and get regular inspections.

A professional roofing company has the necessary experience and training. They can identify issues that you may not have noticed.

This experience allows them to give comprehensive reports. The paperwork includes any potential risk factors and recommendations for the best way to react to them.

Roofing is a dangerous job. There are 29.9 deaths per 1,000 full-time workers. That’s the fifth-highest fatality rate in construction accidents. It’s also almost twice the rate for all construction workers, which is 15.2.

Imagine then the risk of a non-professional attempting to get up on a roof. Trust a company with employees that have the right equipment and training. They’ll also offer insurance to protect you and themselves in case anything does go wrong.

The products they use are also the most up-to-date, energy-efficient options on the market. They can save you hundreds of dollars per square foot of roofing.

There are even more ways to save on an inspection if you choose the right commercial roofing company. They trust their professionals and materials so much that they offer warranties on them. Additional repairs may be included in that warranty for free. Many companies also offer refunds if you’re not satisfied.

Where to Get a Commercial Roof Inspection

A commercial roof inspection is the best way to prevent issues before they happen. You’ll reduce the need for expensive repairs and extend the lifespan of your roof. Inspections are also helpful during insurance claims and necessary for maintaining your commercial roof’s warranty.

Get one at least twice a year during summer or fall or before any major roof repair. Call a professional who has the experience and tools to get the job done effectively and safely.

Contact us at Matrix Roofing for roof maintenance, coatings, replacements, or retrofitting.

Jeff Hartsock