What To Expect From Your Commercial Roofing Contractor In A Roof Inspection

How healthy is the roof on your commercial premises? Commercial roofing contractors can conduct periodic inspections to get answers to this question. In some cases, your commercial roofing contractor will ask you to accompany them during the inspection since both parties must be on the same page regarding what needs to be done to fix any issues found during the inspection. Here's what you can expect from your commercial roofing contractor in a roof inspection.

1. Check for Ponding Water Spots

When a commercial roofer checks for ponding water spots, they look for areas where water pools up and stays for several hours. Ponding indicates problems with your roof's pitch. Standing water on a commercial roof can be very problematic because it can cause organic growth on the roof. It is a more acute problem for a metallic roof because of the risks of corrosion and rusting. 

2. Assess the Flashing at Different Points

Commercial roofers assess flashing on walls, curbs, and stacks by performing a visual inspection. Flashing is installed around openings like pipe boots and conduits; it essentially works as waterproof insulation. The roofer will assess for cracks because they reduce the flashing's waterproofing properties. 

3. Look for Tears and Cracks in the Roofing Membrane

Most commercial roofs have membrane covering. While this roof has various advantages, including versatility and cost-efficiency, it has several weaknesses. These include susceptibility to punctures, tears, and cracks that can cause leaks if not repaired immediately. A commercial roofing contractor will look for these problems during an inspection.

4. Assess the Seals at Termination on Parapet Walls

The terminations at the roof's parapet walls can be weak points for moisture buildup if the membrane is not sealed tightly. The roofer will look for any unsealed tiles or sections of the parapet wall to check for leaks or gaps. Fortunately, these gaps can be quickly resealed. 

5. Assess the Gutters and Downspouts

The roofer will check the gutters and downspouts for blockages and damage; these prevent water from being effectively diverted away from your building, leading to pooling. They will also look for gaps in gutter connections, signs of corrosion, and dangers of collapse. The downspouts must also be in shape to direct rainwater safely.

The state of your commercial roof is crucial to your business's continuity and brand image, so you should always be on top of emerging roof problems. Contact a commercial roofing contractor to schedule an inspection to spot these issues and fix them promptly. 


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