Should You Pay to Have Your Commercial Roof Inspected?

The roof is one of the most critical components of any building, protecting the interior from the elements and helping to maintain a comfortable environment for occupants. If you’re the owner of a commercial building, replacing the roof can be an expensive proposition, so it’s important to keep it properly maintained.

While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, regular roof inspections are crucial to ensure the long-term safety and durability of your commercial building, even if your roof is relatively new. In fact, there are several reasons why scheduling regular roof inspections is a wise investment for any property owner.

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Preventative maintenance

Regular inspections help identify potential issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money in the long run. Catching minor issues early on can prevent costly repairs or even the need for a full roof replacement. Here are some common issues a professional inspector will look for:

• Water damage — Water damage is a common issue in commercial roofs, particularly in areas with high winds, heavy rainfall or snow — which have become more and more frequent in the Niagara region. Signs of water damage could include stains on the ceiling or walls, mold or mildew growth or water pooling on the roof.
• Damage to the roof membrane — The roof membrane provides primary waterproofing for the roof, so any damage to the membrane can lead to leaks and other issues. Inspectors will look for cracks, punctures and tears in the membrane, as well as signs of wear and tear.
• Poor installation — An improperly installed roof can lead to issues down the line. Signs of a poorly installed roof include uneven or sagging areas, improperly sealed joints, or missing or damaged flashing.
• Holes or punctures — Inspectors will look for holes or punctures caused by falling debris, foot traffic or other sources.
• Poor ventilation — Proper ventilation can help prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to issues like mold growth, structural damage, and poor indoor air quality. Identifying poor ventilation in a commercial building requires a combination of visual inspection — like condensation on the underside of the roof — specialized tools to measure temperature and humidity and airflow testing. They’ll also ensure insulation is properly installed and in good condition.
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Identify safety hazards

A damaged or weakened roof can pose a safety hazard to occupants of the building. Regular inspections can help to identify potential safety hazards, such as damaged electrical equipment or wiring and structural issues — like weakened supports or deteriorating materials — that could compromise the safety of the building.

Debris or other materials that accumulate on a poorly maintained roof will need to be removed since this can pose a fire hazard if exposed to heat or sparks or even puncture your roof.

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Increase energy efficiency

A properly maintained roof can help to improve energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs. An inspection can identify areas where energy loss may be occurring, such as gaps or cracks in the roof or insulation. This allows you to make necessary repairs to improve efficiency.

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Extend the life of your roof

By identifying potential issues before they become major headaches, regular inspections can help extend the life of your roof. Making timely repairs help keep your roof in good condition and prevent premature deterioration.

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Maintain your roof’s warranty

Many commercial roofs come with a generous manufacturer warranty, so it’s important to have the roof inspected on a regular basis. If a problem covered by the warranty is detected, the claim can be quickly processed. If you fail to perform regular maintenance on your roof — identified by inspections — and minor issues become major issues that destroy the integrity of your roof or its materials, the warranty could become void.

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Don’t take a chance when it comes to your roof

In extreme cases, failing to maintain your roof can lead to catastrophic roof failure. Periodic roof inspections are cost-effective, making repairs more manageable and minimizing disruptions to your business.
If you want to inspect your roof on your own quickly, here are a few things to watch for:

• Pools of water that remain on your roof after a rainfall could indicate your roof isn’t draining properly. Check for clogs in your drainage system.
• Even if you don’t see water pooling on the roof, it’s a good idea to periodically check the drains for leaves and other debris.
• Cracks are a normal part of wear and tear, but it’s important to pay close attention to them to ensure they aren’t causing leaks.
• Vegetation growing on your roof can destroy it over time. Unless you’ve made plans to grow a rooftop garden, remove any weeds or plant life that takes root in the cracks.
• Check that the roof flashing hasn’t broken or been damaged. It should be flush with the surface, with little space between it and the roof.
• Gravel can help improve the durability, safety, and longevity of your roof. However, heavy storms can move it around the surface of the roof or blow it off altogether. If you see any bald spots or low areas, you’ll need to add gravel to bring it up to the proper levels.

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Schedule a roof inspection for your peace of mind

Having a trained and certified roofing professional inspect your roof means you won’t have to wonder about the condition and integrity of your roof. By identifying problems early on, the repair will be smaller and more manageable, and your roof will last longer.

At Horizons, we specialize in roofing services for retail complexes, warehouses, institutions and more — and that includes roof inspections. Just contact us for a free estimate… it’ll give you one less thing to worry about.