Organize yourself to minimize worry and work when dealing with your commercial roof. Try these tips to make the most of your commercial roofer’s semiannual inspections. 

Paperwork

Keep accurate records of rooftop visitors — who is going onto the roof, for what purpose, and when they go.

For example, you may require fast roof repair in cold weather and you need to know, “Can a flat roof be repaired in winter?” 

If you have records, you can check back over the years to see that yes, your roofer went on the roof in the dead of winter to stop water infiltration from an active roof leak. Winter is not an ideal time, but flat roof repair work can be done year-round. Your paperwork can prove it.  

Eyes Open

Your facilities crew should be keeping a checklist of problem areas on the roof. Hand that over to your commercial roofer during an inspection. What is the current state of each commercial roof component? Gutters, internal drains, scuppers, HVAC curbs, roof penetrations, insulation — they all fit into three levels of concern:

  1. Good —  No immediate action required
  2. Fair — Actively monitor for developing problems
  3. Bad — Immediate action required

Specific areas that require close inspection are scuppers and drains which may be or had been clogged.  Also test and tug flashings to ensure firm attachment, no corrosion, and secure seals. Look for rust, rot, and corrosion on all roof elements. 

Smooth Sailing

When moving across your low-slope roof, work slowly. Keep an eye out for:

  • Ponding
  • Holes, punctures or blisters in the roofing material
  • Stressed or open seams
  • Material pulling away from the roof, whether from mechanical fasteners or adhesives. 

Handyman

Keep a roof inspection toolkit handy so, as you or your facilities crew accompanies your roofer, you have these tools ready:

  • Problem areas checklist
  • Paper pad and pencil to take notes
  • Camera for taking pictures of any damage
  • Roof plans or aerial photos
  • Tape measure
  • Powerful LED flashlight for dark areas

Step Inside

Inside your building, look for: 

  • Signs of mold, peeling paint, or a feeling of dampness. 
  • Damp areas around chimneys and vents
  • Proper airflow and humidity reduction from good ventilation
  • Visible cracks in rafters, the roof deck, or sheathing
  • Light shining through the roof
  • Audible or visible water leaks 
  • Dampness, mildew, or mold in exposed roof insulation

Contact us at VanWeelden Company today to set up an appointment for your next semiannual commercial roof inspection.