Commercial building owners must be aware of how the condition of their building’s roofing system can impact their business. A damaged roof can lead to water damage throughout the building, and severe damage might necessitate a temporary shutdown or relocation until the contractor has finished the restoration or installation of a new roof. It is best to be cautious and conduct routine inspections to avoid such interruptions in your business operations.
In this article, we’ll discuss what to expect during a roofing inspection, why it is essential for the maintenance of your building, and how you can further prolong the lifespan of your roof.
Roof Inspection
If you’re a commercial building owner, you should consider the importance of commercial roofing inspection and maintenance for several reasons. The health of your roof can be directly related to the health of your business. If left unchecked, you might not see the minor damages that can lead to severe problems that can grossly disrupt your business, not to mention entail unwanted costs. Routine inspection and maintenance can also protect your business while saving you a lot of money down the line.
During the roof inspection, the professional contractor will examine your ceiling for any water stains, defects, or corrosion. This will determine if there is any leak or structural damage to your ceiling. The roofing professional will then walk around the rooftop’s perimeter to check for any indication of water, dirt buildup, or the usual signs of wear-and-tear, such as holes, cracks, blisters, or broken and missing parts. They may also take a core sample to help them determine the number of layers, the materials used, the level of saturation/moisture, and even how old your roof is.
Afterwards, the contractor will provide you with a complete assessment report that includes the overall condition of your roof, including its structural soundness, findings from the core sample, and any damages detected, as well as their recommended solution—whether to repair, restore, or replace your roofing system.
A regular inspection can help you identify potential issues before they worsen. Professional contractors can conduct assessments semi-annually, when you plan on having an extensive renovation project, or whenever a major storm hits.
Commercial Roof Maintenance
- Addressing water ponding
- Inspecting roofing systems for wear and tear
- Monitoring the overall structural integrity of the roof
Roof Repairs, Restoration, and Replacement
Professional contractors can provide a more accurate assessment of whether repair, restoration, or replacement is recommended for a roof. Repairs will be advisable when visible damage is present on at least 5% of the rooftop. Restoration is possible if at most 25% of the total area has been affected, but it can only be a band-aid solution that would probably last only 2 to 3 years.
Replacement, on the other hand, is recommended when more than 25% of the total roof area is damaged; it will be more cost-effective to tear off the entire rooftop than restore the damaged areas because it will still likely need more repairs anyway after restoration, which will incur more costs.
Summary
The integrity of the roofing system is critical to any building—they protect your property and its occupants from the various elements and keep them safe from potential hazards. Moreover, a well-maintained roof will decrease the risk of costly water damage and structural issues.
Regular commercial roofing inspection and maintenance are vital for ensuring the longevity and safety of your building. Roofing issues can often be very subtle, so you may not notice them until they have become serious problems. It will give you peace of mind to find potential issues before they become too difficult to handle.
If your roofing system requires repair or replacement, you can use our online roofing estimator to receive a free cost estimate.
