Commercial Roof Inspection: Do it Yourself or Hire a Professional?
Commercial building owners have a lot on their plate, and sometimes regular roof maintenance falls to the wayside. But, making sure your commercial roof is in good condition is the first step in ensuring safety for everyone inside.
Annual roof maintenance doesn’t have to mean footing the bill for costly roofing expenditures every year, especially if you’re being proactive about preventative maintenance and commercial roof inspections for peace of mind.
Wondering how you can get started with your roof inspection plan? Keep reading to see what you might be able to do yourself and when you should bring in the expertise of a professional roofing contractor.
Do-It-Yourself Roofing Tasks
Regular inspections are critical for a well-maintained roof. One way to make sure your roof is healthy is to check it yourself. However, you need to know what to look for.
While different roofing materials require different maintenance, there are some universal things you can check for during your DIY inspection. While it may seem obvious, always look for potential leaks or penetrations, because it’s crucial that leaks are identified as quickly as possible.
The longer a leak goes untreated, the more it will grow in size and cause additional issues, requiring more roof repairs. Penetrations within the roof surface can spread, and if your roof has a wooden structure underneath, it can rot. It can also become a hotbed for harmful mold and mildew.
You can also visually check your building’s roof for sagging. When a roof suffers damage from excessive weight, it will start to sag or dip, and that dip is a sign that your roof is losing its durability. You should also check for any ponding water. (Ponding water is moisture that remains in the same spot on your roof for more than 48 hours without evaporating.) This extended exposure to moisture will corrode the roofing materials and lead to water damage and leaks.
There are areas of your roof that are more likely to become damaged or require repairs. Check these areas frequently so that you can call a roofing professional to fix the problem ASAP.
Common Problem Areas
- Spots next to landscaping or trees
- Gutters and drainage pipes
- Roof vents
- HVAC units
- Corners
- Flat sections
- Roof flashing
- Roof decks
- Chimneys and Skylights
When to Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor
While you can inspect a few things yourself, there’s no better option than hiring professional roof inspectors from a trusted commercial roofing company. For starters, commercial roofers will know exactly where problem areas lie and what to look for throughout the entire roof. They will also be able to tell you if an issue needs immediate attention or should be scheduled. In some cases, they may be able to address the problems onsite that day!
Professional roof inspectors give you a detailed report following each inspection, and this inspection report not only explains what needs to be repaired, but also details areas that should be closely monitored.
Hiring a professional is also safer than doing it yourself, not only for your roof but for you! Professional roofers know how to travel across your roof without causing any additional damage; those who aren’t experienced may not have the same awareness. (Not to mention the potential injury and liability to building owners from lack of knowledge on code and safety procedures.)
Roofing professionals also have extensive knowledge of the different types of roofing materials. Each material will have its own known problem areas and issues. For example, shingle roofs are more susceptible to water damage than metal roofs, while water stains signaling damage may have a different appearance depending on the material used. Professionals will be able to make this determination.
While it’s clear that hiring a professional roof inspector is a smart choice, is there anything you can do in the meantime?
Between Commercial Roof Inspections
In between inspections from a roofing company, there are things you can easily do in the meantime to make sure your roof has the longest lifespan possible.
Regular roof maintenance is key to preventing early roof replacement. It is much easier to repair smaller issues shortly after they arise than it is to wait for them to grow and destroy the roofing membrane.
Just a few regular tasks throughout the year will ward off early roof replacement.
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Clean Your Gutters
Cleaning out your gutters is one of the most crucial steps to regular maintenance.
Gutters collect a lot of debris like leaves, and the more leaves that pile up, the easier it is for them to retain moisture. This adds significant weight to your gutters, which can pull down on the side and damage your roofing system. Simply clear your gutters of debris and leaves throughout the fall season to prevent avoidable damage to your roofing structure.
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Remove Debris from Flat Roofs
It is easy for debris to build up on flat roofs, a common roof type among commercial properties. While individual leaves won’t put much stress onto your roof surface, this weight adds up (especially when moisture is collected), and branches can puncture roofing membranes.
Removing debris before it builds up will give your roof longevity. Too much weight on one part of your roof will cause it to sag or dip. These problem areas can lead to water damage or penetrations. Moisture is often associated with debris on your roof because excessive debris can add weight as it rains or snows. Additionally, small dips can cause standing water. When this water stays stagnant in one spot, this could lead to rusted nails, leaks, or the growth of mold and mildew.
During the fall and after any extreme weather conditions, check your roof for any collected debris and remove it to prevent this damage.
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Walk Your Building
A good way to prevent massive damage without climbing on top of your building is to inspect the inside. Walk around your building and conduct a visual inspection of the ceiling and walls to assess roof condition.
If you find any leaks or discoloration, quickly call a commercial roofing contractor to come and fix it. Leaks are important to repair early so that they do not grow and cause further damage. Another indication of penetrations is blisters on the ceiling or walls. If you find a blister (do not cut or pop it), call a roofer right away before it bursts. These contain water which could easily include mildew or black mold from the high moisture level.
TEMA Roofing Services Can Meet Your Needs
When it’s time for a commercial roof inspection, call a trusted professional! TEMA Roofing Services will ensure that your roof is thoroughly surveyed and that any damages are repaired quickly.
Services include:
- Commercial Roof Inspection & Survey
- 24-Hour Emergency Repair
- Cooperative Purchasing
- Roof Asset Management
- Commercial Roof Repair & Roof Restoration
Roof maintenance is important and should not be delayed. Get a quote today for your next inspection or repair!