3 steps to conduct your commercial roof inspection

How do you think about your roof? As a safeguard from the weather? As another “wall” helping to seal off your facility from the sun’s heat or the winter cold? Or maybe like most people, you don’t think of your roof much at all — until problems arise.

A roof is the ultimate piece of protective equipment for any structure. As such, it’s a capital investment that should be regularly inspected to anticipate vulnerabilities. Establishing a roof inspection plan can help your business lengthen the life of your roof and reduce the need for emergency repairs.

Here are some tips to plan for your commercial roof inspection to enhance the performance of your roof.

A service agreement with the roof installer is your best choice for routine maintenance procedures. However, internal employees that are qualified and taking safety precautions may also conduct inspections and perform minor maintenance. After an initial roof survey, it’s advisable to plan regular inspections twice a year. By the time a roof leak is apparent, the problem may already be acute, and repair is likely to be costly. The spring and the fall are the best times for this check-up. In the spring, check for potential damage that could have occurred from severe winter storms and determine necessary repairs. In the fall, check for any preventive action required before winter.

A best practice is to review the elements of your roof methodically, so you don’t miss anything. Chubb Risk Consulting roofing specialists recommend doing inspections in the following order:

• Building interior. Lift ceiling tiles and the underside of the deck for signs of water and note any water marks on ceilings, surfaces, and walls, which may be caused by roof leaks.
• Building exterior. Check for signs of misalignment due to settlement of the foundation and walls and for unadhered shingles. Inspect drains and downspouts to make sure they’re clear of obstructions and aren’t damaged. Look for evidence of standing water.
• Roof membrane. Note if the membrane is properly adhered to perimeters and flashings and check the fastenings. Document tears or punctures in the membrane. 
• Roof flashings. Many roof leaks originate with flashing. Inspect each flashing and make sure they are properly attached.
• Exterior installed equipment. Careless workers or improper installation of roof-mounted equipment — such as satellite dishes, skylights, AC units, or ventilation fans — can cause damage. Make sure any new apparatus has proper, intact flashing.

Remember to keep a list of problem areas, flag susceptibilities to monitor, and address issues that require immediate attention.

After conducting a roof inspection, you can put preventative measures in place to mitigate the risk of roof damage. You can train maintenance personnel on these ongoing needs:

• Keep roofs and drainage systems clean and free of debris
• Eliminate standing water
• If you have a sloped roof with overhangs, watch for the formation of ice dams and add insulation to the attic as necessary

While a twice-a-year inspection is generally recommended, the frequency is contingent on several factors, including roof surface material, age, and geographic location. Planning for regular inspections and ongoing maintenance can prolong the life of the roof and help you anticipate possible problem areas before the intrusion of water causes a serious problem.

• National Roofing Contractors Association
• BHS: Best Practices Guide for Roofing