Let’s face it – commercial property managers are busy. With so much day-to-day responsibility involved in keeping a building running operationally, only the most urgent tasks get attention. Routine inspections , especially for a roof you rarely see, seem mundane and perhaps not very important. However, commercial property maintenance activities such as scheduling a roof inspection are critical preventative efforts that can help identify minor problems before they grow out of control.

What Can You Expect at a Roof Inspection?

We recommend hiring a professional roofing contractor experienced in commercial properties to benefit from the most comprehensive and insightful roof inspection. You can typically expect an initial meeting with your contractor, followed by an interior visual inspection, a walk-around of the rooftop, and the delivery of a final report.

Initial Conversation: At the initial meeting, your roofing contractor will ask about any issues you are aware of pertaining to the health of the roof. This is the time to report any leaks or damage you may have noticed and any other concerns. Even if you only suspect an issue, be sure to point it out so that the inspector can investigate your suspicions. At this meeting, you should be ready to share about the property’s history, the age of the current roof, and any current or previous damage you are aware of.
Interior Inspection: When a leak has been present for a long time without remedy, eventually, the water intrusion reaches the interior walls and ceiling of the property. Inspectors may be looking for areas that are currently wet, water stains that indicate past water damage, or any active leaks. While catching water intrusion early on should prevent any interior damage from occurring, the evidence of interior leaks will point to the extent of the issue.
Rooftop Walkthrough: After a visual interior inspection, the roofing contractor will venture onto the roof surface to continue his inspection. The contractor will take note of pooling water, water stains, debris on the roof and gutters, and indications of cracks or missing roofing material. In order to be thorough, the contractor will walk the entire surface area of the roof from the perimeter inward. They will document any items of note with photos or video and inspect the areas around HVAC systems, satellite dishes, skylights, and any other seams where water could intrude into the building.
Inspection Final Report: After the inspection is complete, the roofing contractor will deliver an inspection report that includes all of their findings. The inspection report summarizes the roof’s current condition, highlights any areas of concern, and recommends necessary repairs and preventive action.

The Peril of Failing to Schedule Routine Inspections

Serious roof issues develop over time. Therefore, any significant structural damage can be prevented when discovered early on. Sometimes, property managers avoid scheduled inspections to save money, but their hesitancy is largely unfounded. Reputable roofing contractors often offer free inspections that can identify minor problems before they become significant issues – saving thousands of dollars per event avoided. Roof damage can proliferate hidden from view for a long time, but a trained roofing professional can identify and remediate potential issues.

Schedule a Free Roof Inspection Today

Scheduling a professional commercial roof inspection is easy. Fill out this online form to start the process and protect your property.

No facilities management strategy is complete without a plan for ongoing roof maintenance, inspection and repair. If you are responsible for the management of a commercial property, call Unicoat Industrial Roofing to schedule a free inspection and learn more about our professional roofing services.