5 Reasons Why Commercial Roofs Should Be Inspected

callEven though it is the most important part of a building, a roof is hardly the first thing anyone thinks of that needs regular maintenance or inspection.  But when a problem rolls around, it sure can quickly get your attention. Worse, if left untreated, even the smaller roofing defects can lead to bigger roofing problems—and expensive repair needs and more money out-of-pocket.

Thus, just like in medicine, the best defense against any roofing issue is preventative action. Getting your roof regularly inspected will help you cut down on roofing repair costs, anticipate extensive damage before it makes its unwelcome appearance, and in general keep your commercial building and its contents safe.

Below, we lay out five concrete reasons for why getting your roof inspected at least once a year is a good idea.

Five Good Reasons for Regular Roof Inspection

    1. Safeguard against weathering and aging.

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Even the longest-lasting roofs are subject to the effects of wear-and-tear over time. As time passes by, many problems can become clearly visible. One of the most common problems associated with older or more weathered roofs is a roof leak, which may be an indicator of larger or more subtle problems. Alternatively, a break or crack in the roof’s structure can lead to water making its way into your building. Getting your roof inspected regularly will raise your awareness of where affected areas may be, and allow you to quickly schedule maintenance on them before they become more severe.

    2. Regular maintenance and cleaning for long-term protection.

Naturally, if you want your commercial roof to last for a long time, it is necessary to keep it clean and in good shape. That means that getting the small areas of your roof where problems are located serviced, and getting your roof cleaned periodically, will be optimal for your long-term protection. Plus, if pieces of debris have been pulled up on your roof during a strong windstorm, you will identify big problem-causing issues such as sitting puddles of water.

    3. Leaks assessment and identification of other problems.

Heavy storms often lead to roof leaks, which is the time most building owners request a commercial roof inspection for determining whether there is any damage. However, a leak may only be a small indicator of a problem that a building has had for a long time. Other problems can be at play, such as moisture gathering under a roof’s surfacing layer, leading to rotten materials, corrosion, mold, or compromised insulation.

In those cases, an experienced roofing professional is needed. An entry point for moisture can be far away from the detection point or a visible problem. If left alone, a roof leak may lead to your whole roof needing to be replaced. Plus, getting your roof inspected can draw your attention to other issues, such as clogged gutters or overgrown tree branches. Clearly, a roof inspection can be multi-functional in its usefulness.

    4. Shoring up storm damage.

When a big storm has passed through your area, getting your roof inspected is strongly recommended. For one, that will help you cut back on bigger issues arising from water infiltration into your building. Wind and hail can likewise damage your roof and require it to be maintenanced or repaired.

In addition, debris may be swept up on your roof in powerful storms, causing roof blowouts at your roof’s perimeter or breaks in your roof’s surfacing layer. An inspection right after a storm will let you identify and take care of those problems immediately before they become even more costly.

    5. Determining required building improvements or updates.

A roof inspection can highlight a need for a building update or continual improvement. For example, some building owners may install electronic equipment on their buildings, which means they have to install lighting protection on older buildings. Some of these improvements or updates can affect the roof itself. An inspection can thus be a great, cost-effective way for identifying what improvements or updates may be required.

 

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Written by: Ian Myers
Ian Myers
Ian was the very first team member brought on by the original co-founders of the Choice Roof Contractor Group to assist with nationwide growth. Since then he has written 120+ blog posts and provided excellent support to the roofing contractors in the group. Through his multiple roles in the commercial roofing industry, he has gained tremendous knowledge in the sector.