Commercial roof inspections are usually no-obligation checkups that save time and money for both commercial roofers and business owners. During such a checkup, the roofer will check whether the roof poses a risk to people and the property and address minor roof problems and weak spots that may become prone to leaks and corrosion.
Here is what to expect during that process.
The Inspection Starts from the Inside
Contrary to what you might have expected, a commercial roof inspection starts from the inside of the building. The roofer will first start looking for water leaks and their point of entry. Estimating where the water is entering your building makes it easier to assess the situation on the roof.
Walking the Roof
After the roofer has inspected the inside of the building, they will move on to the roof to check for holes, cracks, ponding water, uplifted materials, etc. The walk starts from the sides of the building that have a higher chance of having problems and finishes in the middle of the roof.
Cleaning Debris in the Gutters and Downspouts
To be able to check the whole roof properly, the roofer will have to clean the debris that might have piled up on the roof and in the roof’s drainage system. Commercial roofing inspectors note a significant amount of drainage issues, such as leaks and congestion, which should be addressed before they create structural damage to the roof and the whole building.
Taking Samples
Your roofer might also take a core sample of your roof system to see what type of material it’s made out of. The sample will also show the level of saturation and moisture, as well as the age of the roof – older roofs might be suggested for roof replacement. The area where the sample had been taken will be immediately repaired not to cause additional problems.
Final Report Documented in Writing
The inspection report will include suggestions for any repairs, rework, or replacement required, a list and photos of the problems and damage found, and a schedule for follow-up work. It is best for you to go through the report with the contractor to see how long the suggested work will last and always ask for the price estimate of each segment of the work.
Schedule a Commercial Roof Inspection Once a Year
Commercial roof inspections need to be scheduled at least once a year. However, if you feel like there is a possibility that your roof has issues and poses a risk to the occupants, you should schedule the inspection right away.
Martin Exteriors offers a free commercial roofing inspection and maintains the highest industry standards when conducting roofing work. We are your number one commercial roofing contractor in Illinois that will fully protect you and your property, so contact us today!
