How Often Should I Schedule A Professional Inspection For My Commercial Roof? | Big Easy Roofers
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How Often Should I Schedule A Professional Inspection For My Commercial Roof?

Have you ever wondered how often you should have a professional inspection of your commercial roof? It’s an important question that all business owners should consider. 

Knowing when, and how often, to inspect your roof can save your business from long-term damage and costly repairs. In this article, we’ll look at why regular inspections are important and provide guidelines for scheduling them.

Overview of Commercial Roofs

Commercial roofs are subject to a lot of wear and tear due to weather conditions, pollutants, and general aging. It’s important to have regular inspections performed in order to maintain the integrity of the roof and ensure that any issues are caught and taken care of as quickly as possible. 

There are several factors that can affect how often an inspection should be scheduled, including the type of roof, the environment it’s exposed to, and its age.

The type of roof is an important factor in determining how often it should be inspected. Flat roofs require more frequent inspections than sloped roofs due to their design and lack of drainage systems. 

Additionally, certain materials may require more frequent attention due to their tendency to expand or contract depending on temperature or other environmental conditions.

 The environment around the roof also plays a role; for instance, if the building is located in an area with high winds or heavy rainfall, more frequent inspections may be necessary in order to catch developing problems early on.

Finally, age is another factor when considering how often commercial roofs should be inspected. Older roofs are more likely to experience leaks or other damage than newer ones, so they should be inspected more frequently in order to catch any potential issues before they become serious problems.

By scheduling regular professional inspections for your commercial roof, you can ensure that any emerging issues are addressed promptly and avoid costly repairs down the line.

Benefits of Professional Inspections

Regular professional inspections of your commercial roof are essential for maintaining its integrity and longevity. The benefits of these inspections include the ability to detect problems before they turn into costly repairs, as well as identifying any potential weaknesses in the roof’s structure.

This helps ensure that any necessary repairs or modifications can be made quickly and efficiently while preventing more extensive damage down the line.

Inspections also provide an opportunity to review the types of materials used in roofing construction and evaluate their condition. This can help identify potential problems such as water damage or deterioration due to age or wear and tear. 

In addition, a professional inspector can make recommendations on which materials may need to be replaced, helping you stay ahead of any issues that could affect your roof’s long-term performance.

Overall, scheduling periodic professional inspections is essential for keeping your commercial roof in top shape and avoiding costly repairs or replacements in the future. 

With regular checkups, you can rest assured knowing that your roof is being properly maintained and protected against potential damage from exposure to weather conditions or everyday wear and tear.

Potential Warning Signs

Transitioning from the previous section, it is important to be aware of potential warning signs that may indicate it is time for a professional inspection of your commercial roof.

Many issues can be identified before they become more costly to repair or replace. Paying attention to these warning signs can save you both time and money in the long run.

One common sign is standing water on the roof after rain or snow melts. This may indicate a problem with drainage, such as clogged gutters, blocked downspouts, or even a puncture in the roof itself.

It’s essential to check for any visible damage and have a professional inspect the area for potential causes and solutions.

Leaking roofs are another issue that should not be ignored. If you notice any type of water intrusion into your building, then an inspection by a professional roofer should be scheduled right away in order to identify any leaks and take corrective action. 

In addition, look out for other visible signs such as worn shingles, blistered paint on walls or ceilings, damaged flashing around vents and chimneys, and discoloration of ceiling tiles due to moisture build-up.

These could all indicate problems within your roof membrane that require immediate attention.

It’s important to keep an eye out for any warning signs that could suggest there is an issue with your commercial roof so that it can be addressed promptly before bigger problems arise down the road. 

Scheduling regular inspections is one way to help prevent small issues from becoming larger ones; however, if you suspect there may already be damage present it’s best to contact a professional right away so they can inspect your roof thoroughly and make sure everything is in good condition.

Factors That Influence Frequency Of Inspections

metal roof of commercial buildingThe frequency of professional roof inspections for commercial buildings depends on a variety of factors. The age of the roof, local weather conditions, and the type of roof system are all important considerations when determining how often to schedule an inspection.

The age of the roof is perhaps the most significant factor in determining the interval between inspections. Older roofs may require more frequent inspection due to wear and tear that can occur over time. 

Similarly, roofs that have been exposed to severe weather conditions such as high winds and hail should be inspected more frequently than those in areas with milder climates.

The type of roof system also determines how often an inspection should be conducted; single-ply membrane roofs may need more frequent inspections than built-up or modified bitumen roofs because they lack redundancy.

Finally, it is important to consider any warranties associated with your roofing system when scheduling inspections.

Some manufacturers will require regular professional inspections in order to maintain their warranty coverage; these intervals can range from every two years up to every six years depending on the specific product and manufacturer’s recommendation. 

It is best practice to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for scheduling professional inspections in order to ensure your building continues to receive adequate protection from its roofing system.

How to Find a Qualified Inspector

The first step in finding a qualified inspector for your commercial roof is to research local contractors and roofing companies. Make sure to look for experience, as well as any certifications or licenses that the company may have.

It’s also important to check references from past clients and read online reviews to get an understanding of the quality of work they provide.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential inspectors, set up an appointment with each one. Ask questions about their experience in inspecting commercial roofs, as well as what kind of report they’ll be provided afterward.

If possible, ask to see a sample inspection report from a recent job so you can be sure of their accuracy and thoroughness.

When it comes time for the actual inspection, make sure that you’re present during the process if possible. This way, you can observe how the inspector works and ask any questions you might have about the condition of your roof or what steps need to be taken in order to maintain it. 

Taking these steps will ensure that you find a qualified inspector who can accurately assess the condition of your commercial roof and provide sound advice on how best to maintain it over time.

Ongoing Maintenance Requirements

Ongoing maintenance of a commercial roof is essential to ensure its longevity. Regular inspections should be scheduled in order to identify any potential issues that may arise over time.

Professional roofers can perform an inspection and make any necessary repairs or replacements to the roof.

It is recommended that commercial roofs be inspected at least twice a year, or more frequently if the building is located in a high-wind or extreme weather area.

During an inspection, the roofer will check for any signs of damage such as cracking, buckling, or water infiltration. 

The roofer will also inspect the flashing around vents and chimneys for proper installation and repair of any broken seals. Additionally, they may use tools such as infrared cameras or drones to check for areas of weakness that are not visible from ground level.

Finally, it is important to keep up with regular cleaning and maintenance of the roofing system. This includes removing debris such as leaves and twigs, clearing out gutters and downspouts, and periodic sealing of seams and joints to prevent leaks.

By taking proactive steps like these, you can help maintain your commercial roof for years to come.

Conclusion

Scheduling professional roofers for a commercial roof can help extend its life and prevent any unnecessary damage. It is important to make sure the inspection is done at least semi-annually to ensure the entire structure stays safe from potential damages or threats. 

Ultimately, there is no one right answer as to how often these inspections should be completed. That will depend on several different factors such as weather, location, and other environmental conditions that surround the building structure.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your commercial roof, contact Big Easy Roofers and speak with one of our experts today! 

We will assess your individual needs and provide sound advice on the best way you can maintain your roof over time. Knowing when your roofing system needs attention is the first step in making sure it’s protected year after year. So reach out now and find out what we can do for you!