What Does A Commercial Roofing Inspection Include?

Last Updated: November 13, 2024Categories: RoofingTags: 4 min read

Commercial roofing inspection is a process that can be performed on any type of commercial property, including office buildings, hotels, restaurants, and retail spaces. The goal of the inspection is to identify areas in need of repair or replacement before they become an issue. Once identified, these issues are taken care of before they affect the integrity and ability of the building’s structure.

clay roof

As a business owner, it’s important to know what your commercial roofing inspection includes.

An Inspection of Inside the Facility

Inside the facility, an inspection will check for water damage and roofing leaks. We might also look at the insulation in your walls to see if it needs replacing. If you’ve got a heating or air conditioning system, the roofing expert will check to see if it’s working properly. Checking the inside of your facility helps identify any immediate problems that may have been caused by storms, rainwater, or wind damage. Florida Southern Roofing – commercial roof replacement in Sarasota, FL experts note that a commercial roofing inspection thoroughly investigates the entire facility. The inspector will look at your exterior and interior to determine if any damage has occurred. Roof inspections should be scheduled regularly, especially after a bad storm or heavy rainfall, and done with minimal interruptions to your business.

Exterior Building Inspection

A professional will inspect the exterior of your property for any signs of damage to the flashing, gutters, downspouts, and chimneys. They’ll also take note of any leaks or water stains that may be present on walls or ceilings. The roofing inspector will then check all vents and exhausts for proper installation and operating efficiency. Finally, they’ll check all ventilation equipment to ensure none have been clogged by fallen leaves or other debris from surrounding trees or shrubs. The goal is to make sure there are no signs of damage, leaks, or mold present anywhere on your walls or roof. Mold can grow in damp or wet areas and lead to costly repairs if not taken care of immediately. The exterior roof inspection will typically vary depending on the type and size of the property under inspection. A high-rise commercial building will have a different focus than a single-story building, for instance.

A Topside Roofing Walking Tour

Another core part of a commercial roofing inspection is the top-side roof walking tour. This allows technicians to identify any roofing damage or issues that may have been caused by weather, animals, debris, equipment and/or other factors. A walk on the roof is done with safety as a priority. For example, if the roof is wet or icy, technicians will not be able to walk on it. This part of a commercial inspection helps identify any damages that need attention and provides an opportunity for you to ask questions about your roofing system, how long it may last, and what preventative roof maintenance can help keep costs down in the future. A top-side roofing tour helps you learn more about your commercial building’s current condition so that informed decisions can be made for its future maintenance needs. It also gives technicians the chance to identify concerns before problems occur, potentially saving you time and money.

clay roofing with roof windows

Core Roof Samples are Taken for Tests

Roofing inspectors also take core samples from your roof. The inspector inserts a long hollow metal blade attached to the end of a pneumatic drill into the asphalt shingles or tiles and extracts a small piece of material for testing by a certified lab specializing in asphalt materials. Each sample is sent to the lab separately as they are taken at different times. The lab will test the material to determine how much asphalt is in the sample, what type of reactive aggregate it contains, and its coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). These three measures are essential for evaluating how your roof might react over time as weather conditions change. Taking core samples enables inspectors to identify which materials were used on your roof originally. Your roofing inspector should also take samples of underlying materials, such as plywood or other wood decking. Wood can decay over time and needs to be replaced every so often. This is especially important for flat roofs that are directly exposed to rainwater flowing off the top of your building rather than being diverted away by downspouts.

A Final Report Will Be Provided

Being aware of the damages to a facility is important for maintenance and peace of mind, but being prepared can save you time, money, and stress down the road. A commercial roofing inspection is an effective way to monitor the condition of a building’s exterior. A final report will be provided with findings, photos, and recommendations for corrective action.


Share This Tip With Your Friends!

About the author

Handyman tips logo

The Handyman Tips Team is a group of authors that provides tips on the Handyman Tips website. The Handyman Tips team consists of real handymen, contractors, carpenters, woodworkers, and experts in home repairs, appliance repairs, and landscaping. The team is always there for visitors to the Handyman Tips website. If you can’t find the answer to your question on the Handyman Tips website, one of them will reply to you almost immediately if you contact them through the Ask the Handyman page!

Leave A Comment