What a Commercial Roof Inspection Might Find
You want help assessing the condition of your roof. You want to prioritize repairs and get information for long-term roof management planning. You want to comply with the roof system manufacturer’s warranty requirement to take reasonable care of the roof.
What you need is a roof inspection by a qualified person.
Routine roof inspections increase the longevity of your roof through the early detection of problems. D. C. Taylor Co.’s roof inspection assesses the condition of more than 20 components of the roof. What follows are some of the most common conditions we see during a roof inspection.
1. Signs of Aging, Damage, and Deterioration
Your roof is exposed to the elements, and over time, wear and destruction are inevitable. Skylights crack and their seals fail. Long-term UV radiation exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, and violent winds can result in rusted metal, blisters, membrane deterioration, and even a damaged roof deck. Trades people who drop tools, screws, and catch the corner of metal panel doors on the roof surface can accidentally puncture the roof. The sooner these conditions are identified, the less likely it is that a leak will result.
2. Detached, Delaminated, Loose, and Unadhered Roof System
When adhesives and fasteners fail, the damage that results can be substantial. Whether the cause is wind uplift, poor installation, water penetration, or trapped air/moisture, an inspection will catch the first signs:
- Seam delamination.
- Voids.
- Unadhered membrane or loose insulation under the roof system.
- Loose, tented, rusted, or exposed fasteners.
- Delaminated coating.
The sooner these defects are detected, the quicker a repair can commence. If these problems persist, leaks, wet insulation, a rusted/deteriorated roof deck, and roof blow-off are possible.
3. Obstructed Drainage
Whether storm debris, rags, and bottles left behind by tradespeople, or lack of maintenance are to blame, clogged scuppers, gutters, downspouts, and drains can create a range of problems (e.g., ponding water, leaks, structural damage, etc.). Inspect before seasons with the most potential for damaging weather and after severe storm events; this can identify when drainage paths are blocked, so swift action can be taken.
4. Missing Components/Elements
When granules on a built-up roof are missing, the roof system underneath is exposed to the elements. When drain baskets are not present, large debris can create a clog that requires a plumber to resolve. Missing or loose fasteners on metal roofs mean less wind resistance and a greater chance for moisture infiltration. Inspections will check for missing components like these as well as the absence of vent covers, pipe supports/sleepers, and straps on gutters/downspouts. These problems can’t be corrected until they’re identified.
5. Plants and Animals
Unless you’ve intentionally installed a green roof, the presence of vegetation on the roof is not good. Sprouting plants and weeds can grow from windborne seeds and dirt that collects on the roof. They can clog drains and cause damage when roots grow into and through the roof system. Whether you’ve got algae, microorganisms, or saplings on the roof, you’ve got a roof problem.
Birds, bugs, and rodents are equally concerning. Grain and food processing residues on the roof can attract these pests. Nests inhibit drainage, acidic droppings corrode roofing materials and reduce the efficiency of solar panels, and gnawing and pecking create punctures that cause leaks. Regular inspections will look for signs of unwanted vegetation or pests so you can clean the roof and, if necessary, hire pest control.
6. Failed Sealant or Caulking on Penetrations
Roof vents, electrical conduit, utility pipes, satellite dishes, HVAC curbs, and lightning protection: these are all reasons for roof penetrations. Unfortunately, the sealant and caulking on penetrations eventually dry out. High temperatures and direct sunlight (UV rays) can degrade these materials and diminish their waterproofing ability. An inspection will examine pre-manufactured flashing (such as boots), field-wrap flashing, and pitch pans to make sure the sealants or caulking are still performing.
7. Junk on the Roof
During high winds, obsolete equipment, leftover parts, metal fasteners, and other unsecured items on the roof can be forced across the surface, causing damage. During an inspection, expect to be nudged to clean up the field of the roof to prevent potential punctures.
8. Lack of Fall Protection
Working at a height is a considerable safety risk. If you have people working on your roof, servicing HVAC or other equipment, you need to provide fall protection. OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D – Walking-Working Surfaces outlines the requirement for fall protection for the general industry and applies to everything from flat working surfaces to ramps, stairways, and ladders. It addresses hazards such as roof edges, skylights, and other openings where a person could fall. During your roof inspection, expect to be asked how often you have workers on the roof, and if permanent fall protection isn’t installed, don’t be surprised when it’s recommended.
Roof inspections are the simplest way to prevent small problems from becoming bigger, more expensive ones. Don’t neglect; inspect!
Schedule your roofing inspection now. Call D. C. Taylor Co. at 319.731.4118 or email [email protected].
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