If you own a commercial building, scheduling routine roof inspections is essential to ensure your facility is stable and able to withstand the elements. United Contracting & Roofing LLC offers expert commercial roof inspections to examine your facilities for potential problems.
1. Examine Public Records and Conduct Interviews
Before the physical inspection starts, we examine your building’s public records and interview its Facility or Property Manager. A building’s existing floor plan can provide helpful information regarding the condition of its roof. Questions such as “Have you experienced leaks of any kind in the past?” and “Are there any new improvements or modifications that have been made on the roof?” help us better understand the situation.
2. Inspect the Interior of the Roof
Our experienced team will inspect the interior of the facility and evaluate its condition from within. We look for signs of water stains, rust, weakness, corrosion, and structural defects, as well as the condition and type of mechanical fasteners used. Identifying issues early allows us to address them promptly.
3. Examine the Building Envelope
Before heading to the rooftop, we perform a general examination of the building envelope, looking for unusual defects such as cracks, damaged doors, and precast panels. These defects can indicate severe structural damage. Proof of water damage, including issues with downspouts and gutters, should also be noted.
4. Inspect the Top of the Building
Next, we conduct a thorough inspection of the rooftop. This involves a visual inspection to identify problems such as mold, vegetation, wear-and-tear, debris, and standing water. Information from the building’s blueprints is valuable during this process.
5. Conduct a Field and Perimeter Check
We then inspect the roof field and perimeter, as most issues and leaks occur here. We closely examine gutters, base flashings, counter flashings, coping, and coping joints. After the perimeter, we inspect the main body of the roof, often discovering pooled water or poor design elements.
6. View Roof-Based Equipment
We review roof-based equipment and accessories, as leaks are often caused by equipment or accessories in poor shape or improperly installed. Features such as seals, drains, and flashing are also inspected for potential problems.
7. Help You Understand Your Options
After completing the inspection, we help you understand your options for addressing any problems. We can tailor solutions specifically to your structure and offer useful advice, helping you determine the right option that fits your budget and quickly repairs your roof.
Importance of Roof Inspections
Numerous issues can arise on your commercial property’s rooftop over the years. Winter problems like snow buildup, leaks, and frozen gutter drains can become serious if left unattended. Extreme weather conditions, such as rapid temperature changes, can cause your roof to expand and contract, leading to cracks and thermal shock. Severe damage can even cause roof collapse. Regular inspections can prevent these problems.To learn more about Flat Roof Drainage Systems: How They Work, click here.
