Why Professional Roof Inspections Are Crucial For Commerical Buildings

As a commercial building owner or property manager, routine roof inspections might feel like a hassle. However, identifying potential issues early can help you avoid more costly repairs later. A professional roof inspection can also help extend the lifespan of your flat or low-slope commercial roof, and that protects your building, your budget, and your business.

A commercial roof inspection includes a comprehensive analysis of the entire roofing system. It is much more than a visual assessment of the roof surface. A reputable roofing professional will incorporate the latest methodologies to understand your roof’s condition, including an interview, walking the roof, and core sampling, as necessary. Crucial aspects of a commercial roofing inspection include the following:

What Is Involved With A Commercial Roof Inspection

Analysis Of The Water Runoff System

A drainage system assessment enables the inspector to determine if proper water flow exists. Problems in the drains, gutters, downspouts, and scuppers can result in moisture intrusion.

Assessment Of Adjacent Interior Spaces

Reviewing the attics, ceilings, crawl spaces, and areas adjoining the roof can pinpoint the source of roof leaks or other issues, such as pest infestation, mold growth, and failing insulation.

Evaluation Of The Roof Penetrations

Pipes, vents, skylights, chimneys, and other roofing components protruding through the surface routinely cause problems, such as moisture leakage, poor air circulation, and heat escape.

Inspection Of The Flashing & Sealants

Damaged flashing and broken, worn, or inadequate sealants neighboring the valleys, edges, and roof penetrations make the roofing system much more susceptible to leaks and other issues.

Examination Of The Roof Surface

An inspector will walk the roofing surface to identify visible (but not necessarily obvious) problems. They will also take core samples (cuts) to understand the roof’s condition. 

Understanding the Purpose of a Core Cut in Roofing

A core cut is a critical diagnostic step in assessing an existing roof. It provides valuable insights into:

1. Roof Decking Type and Condition

This includes conducting a pull test to evaluate the structural integrity of the roof decking.

1. Depth and Layers of Roofing Materials

Identifies how many layers are present and their thickness.

1. Material Composition

Determines the type of materials used in the existing roof system.

1. Number of Roofing Systems

Verifies if there are multiple roof systems already in place.

1. Material Condition (Wet or Dry)

Assesses whether the current roofing materials are dry and usable or compromised by moisture.

The data collected during a core cut is essential for deciding the next steps:

Recovery Option (Roof Over) vs. Full Tear-Off (Reroof)

• Determines whether the roof can be recovered with a new layer or if it needs to be completely removed.

Fastening Method Eligibility

• Establishes whether the roof is suitable for a mechanically fastened system or a fully adhered system.

Building Code and Engineering Standards

• Ensures the roof design complies with applicable codes and structural requirements.

A core cut lays the groundwork for creating a safe, effective, and compliant roofing solution.

Example Checklist for Roof Inspections

The following is an example of a checklist used during a roof inspection to guide an evaluation and documentation process. It is not comprehensive.

Access and Safety, Roof Characteristics, Drainage, Decking, etc.

• Roof Access: Evaluate ease of entry and access points.
• Safety Equipment Requirements: Note items like roof hatches, ladders, safety railings, ladder docks, etc.

• Pitch of Roof: Measure and document slope or flatness.
• Gutters: Evaluate functionality and condition.

• Bad Decking: Look for areas requiring repair or replacement.
• Ballast Roof: Check the condition of ballast materials.

What Will the Customer's Experience Be?

When inspecting your roof, we prioritize understanding how your building operates and the impact it may have on roof performance and solution recommendations. We will ask you these questions (and more) to guide our process and ensure we address your unique requirements. 

Example Questions:

• Are there restrictions like noise, odors, or other factors that could inhibit roofing work during normal hours?
• Are there any rooftop mechanical issues we should know about?
• Are there areas around the building that are off-limits for staging?

The Benefits Of A Commercial Roof Inspection

The #1 objective is to help you save financial resources by avoiding far more costly repairs or premature roof replacement. A routine inspection enables you to identify and resolve roof problems early. Consequently, you will strengthen your roof’s performance while adding longevity and improving your building’s energy efficiency (by reducing excess heating and cooling consumption).

Hiring A Qualified Commercial Roof Inspector

If you own or operate a commercial building in or around Lancaster, PA, trust this region’s leading commercial roofing contractor for your flat or low-slope roofing needs. Moser Roofing Solutions offers a full range of exceptional commercial roofing services, from repairs to restorations to replacement. And it all starts with a comprehensive roof inspection.

Contact us today to book an appointment or learn more about scheduling an inspection.