What Is Looked at During a Roof Inspection?

Making sure that the envelope of your building is in top shape should be job number one for any business owner. Ensuring the integrity of these exterior components starts with maintaining the roof.

Consistent maintenance is a must, and a big part of that is scheduling a regular roof inspection for your business. A roof inspection ensures that any small problems are caught before they grow bigger, which makes it an integral part of caring for a building.

Read on for more insight into what inspectors keep an eye out for during a standard inspection:

• Scheduling: First off, it’s important to know how often to schedule a roof inspection. Once a year is considered industry standard, and it’s also what we recommend. A commercial roof inspection in particular is always a good idea after a severe weather event like snow, hail and wind.
• Structural inspection: The structural integrity of your roof should be any inspector’s top priority. All inspectors need to ensure that it’s in no danger of sagging or collapsing. Your inspector will first check that there are no low or high points across the roof’s surface, which could indicate trouble beneath. Next they’ll look where any masonry (like chimneys) meets the roof. They’ll verify that all flashing there is in good shape and successfully diverting water away from integral structures. Next they’ll check out the venting around the roof—it’s critical to keep vented air moving to make sure moisture and temperatures are under control.
• Interior inspection: Your inspector will examine the condition of all beams, rafters and other structural components in your building’s attic or crawlspace, particularly around any trouble areas that they spotted during the structural inspection. They’ll also check your walls for water stains. This type of moisture invasion usually indicates compromised roofing components. They’ll also check for the mold and rot that can go hand in hand with water problems, whether they’re performing a residential or a commercial roof inspection.
• Material inspection: Finally, your inspector will look at the actual components that make up the roof. If you’re undergoing a commercial roof inspection, this could mean looking at tar paper, metal or other materials. Residential roof inspections are more likely to cover materials like asphalt shingles or clay tiles. Inspectors know the warning signs of trouble with all of these materials such as curling shingles or aggregate from shingles starting to pool in valleys across the roof or gathering in downspouts. They’ll also check all seals around pipes and vents, like the one you might use for your clothes dryer.

If you’re worried about the roof on your business or if you just want a set of professional eyes on it, then it’s time to call our team at R & H Roofing, LLP. We handle everything from residential to commercial roofing services, and our 35 years of serving the community speaks for itself. Get in touch with us today to experience a renewed peace of mind about your roof.

Categorised in: Roof Inspection

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