Whether you’re buying your first commercial property or you’re well versed in commercial real estate, it’s worth your time to pay close attention to the commercial roof inspection report when making a purchase. Afterall, a roofing system protects the entire facility, and a detailed accounting of its condition is critical to making the best decision for your business.
A professional inspection service can alert you to the fact that you might need to invest in a new roof or roof repair relatively soon. Alternatively, it could provide peace of mind that the roofing system still has plenty of its functional lifespan left.
Even if you’re considering a recently constructed building, understanding the trends and having a qualified roofing contractor as an ally can make a difference.
After reading the rest of this article, you’ll be more informed on how to identify the best commercial roofing services for your plans. And, you’ll have a better understanding of how to protect your investment when buying commercial property.
What’s The Purpose of A Roofing System Inspection?
There is no shortage of reasons to have the roofing system thoroughly evaluated as part of your decision-making process. A commercial facility can be a substantial investment for any company, and it only makes sense to do everything you can to ensure that investment is a wise one, free from any major roofing problems.
Identify the Type of Roofing System
Your plans for the commercial building you’re interested in purchasing can be directly affected by the type of roof it currently has. Every roofing material has its advantages and disadvantages, but knowing the differences matters. You’re most likely to find one of the following types of roofs on a commercial building.
- Metal
- Built-Up Roofing Membrane
- Modified Bitumen
- Thermoset Membrane
- Thermoplastic Membrane
- Garden or “Green” Systems
The frequency of roofing inspections and suggested roof maintenance depends on which of these options already exists (and if it’s covered under a warranty). You can’t know what to expect until you’re aware of the variations (such as the differences between the common types of warehouse roofing systems).
Document the Condition of the Roof
A thorough survey of the roof helps to guide your decision about the potential investment while protecting your financial future. Prior neglect of the roofing system can leave a building in dire straits, with the new owner having no idea there’s a problem.
Save Money and Stress With Proper Roof Maintenance
A known risk is better than an unknown threat to your investment in a commercial building. Even if you find the roof does require considerable maintenance or necessary repairs, assessing their seriousness and financial impact prior to closing on the deal can make a world of difference.
While an inspection can’t predict everything that will happen in the future, it can help set realistic expectations, especially when needing to plan for roof replacement. If the problems found are severe, you can use that information in price negotiations and build part of your repairs and/or maintenance costs into the deal.
Avoid Insurance Challenges
You’ve likely heard the term “pre-existing condition” in the context of health insurance. The same could apply to a commercial roofing system if you don’t take the time to ensure a proper roof inspection. Regular checkups and appropriate maintenance performed by a knowledgeable, local commercial roofing company will prevent insurance companies from claiming negligence.
Understand the Drainage and Prevent Problems
Proper drainage is a critical piece of the equation for a roofing system to serve its purpose for an expected lifespan, because standing water can cause major issues and quickly degrade the condition of your roof.
Drainage systems depend on a delicate balance of engineering, maintenance, and inspections. A trusted roofing professional will also consider the environmental factors around the building; overhanging tree branches or active wildlife may require a maintenance plan to prevent small challenges from becoming larger issues.
A Roof Inspector Will Find Leaks Your Eyes May Miss
The membrane of your roof is under constant stress from moisture, local plants, and nesting animals. And, it takes a professional with the right experience to locate the problem before you sink into a risky investment.
Vulnerable spots and potential leaks are not always easily visible to the eye. In fact, sometimes they are completely invisible upon a basic visual inspection of the surface. Professional roofing contractors can use advanced equipment and processes to detect these hidden problems.
If you know the frustration of finding brown spots on the ceiling without an obvious source, this section should ring true.
Plan for the Future of Your Commercial Building
When you choose a professional to inspect a commercial roof, take the time to find one that you see as a business partner, because the right roofer should have a vested interest in continuing the maintenance for your building.
Building a relationship with a trustworthy contractor who can create an effective maintenance plan will assist in optimizing your return on investment.
Minimize Your Energy Bills
Even a small leak or breach in the integrity of your roof can cause the HVAC system to work harder to produce the same heating or cooling results.
Even with proper insulation and maintenance, improvements are always possible after an inspection. You don’t want to spend years overpaying for utilities when a proper inspection and analysis could have saved you money!
Improve Your Negotiating Power
Purchasing a commercial building can sometimes feel like a tug of war between a seller who wants to cash in and a buyer who needs the price to make business sense.
Establishing a clear picture of the roof’s current condition, as well as potential requirements for repairs or replacement, gives you more knowledge and negotiating power. While a seller has the right to ask as much as possible for their property, you have the right to make an offer that reflects the actual value you will receive from the commercial building itself.
Do You Need a Commercial Roof Inspection?
Understanding the necessity and importance of a commercial roof inspection is only the beginning of the journey. You need to be armed with the proper information to be confident moving forward with your potential investment. Our roofing professionals offer years of experience and are ready to make sure you get the answers you need. Contact TEMA Roofing Services today through our website or give us a call at 330-272-0988!
