The things we discover during commercial roof inspections
There’s no season as busy as the fall for commercial roof inspections because property managers and building owners all want to get their roofs ready for the approaching winter.
During our roofing inspections, we discover a lot of things, from the simple roofing defects to the really crazy issues you wouldn’t imagine seeing on a roof.
We’ve put this post together to share some of the things we experienced during our roofing inspection in the past years, as well as those things you need to pay attention to before winter gets here. Let’s begin with a very important question.
Why is it important to carry out commercial roof inspections in the Fall?
Fall is an important time for commercial roof inspections for several reasons, the first being the fact that the temperature change is always problematic for roofs; even those that have the smallest issues with their structure.
When the temperature goes down, water on the roof freezes and then expands, which results in holes and cracks that end up causing leaks. Ice and snow also cause damage to the roof by weighing it down.
It is therefore important to ensure that your roof is in the right state to support itself when snow and ice get accumulated on it.
As a building owner, you need to carry out all roofing repairs or replacements before Winter because delaying until Spring will be too risky, as your roof could get damaged in the middle of winter and leave you exposed to the elements. It will also be very expensive to repair your damaged roof when it is covered in snow.
Roof issues noticed during commercial roof inspections in the fall
Some of the roofing issues we notice when we carry out our fall roofing inspections include:
- Unusual Wear and tear signs
Our roof inspections frequently discover damaged or worn-out roofing materials. Roof membranes, seals, and flashings deteriorate over time and can cause more significant issues if not promptly fixed or replaced. Flat business roofs are particularly vulnerable over the winter, so now is the ideal time to assess any weak points.
- Drain Blockage and Debris
On the roof, you find that debris and leaves can frequently accumulate over time, causing drainage issues. The underlying structure may be harmed if they are obstructing any portion of the drainage system and water cannot drain properly.
- Animals
Rodents like mice and other small animals are searching for a warm spot to live in preparation for the upcoming winter. Unwanted animals may find a way inside your structure through small cracks or leaks in the roof and establish a home there. Even though they can enter through very small openings, over time those breaches will widen and further jeopardize the structure of your roof. If they are unable to locate an entry site, they will create one on their own, creating the ideal pathway for future rains to enter your building. Our inspectors will search for indications of these pests as well as possible points of entrance.
- Water Infiltrating Vents and other areas
Another frequent issue our inspectors find during Fall inspections is water infiltration around vents or other roof penetrations. This can be caused by a variety of reasons. There might already be indications of leaks inside the structure. Before winter falls, these problems need to be fixed right away.
- Leaks
One of the biggest problems roof inspectors search for throughout their examinations is leaks. They frequently discover leaks that may have been present unnoticed for weeks, months, or even years. It is important to remember that little leaks will gradually grow into larger ones. This is a major issue because leaks can seriously harm your building’s inside. Your best line of defence against further roof failure is early leak detection and repair.
- Water Pools
Another issue that our roofers frequently run upon during their inspections in the fall is pooling water. Pooling water can indicate a leaky roof or a roof membrane that is weak, which can cause serious problems during the freeze-thaw cycles of winter. If you notice any standing water on your roof, make sure to have it fixed as soon as possible.
- Internal Water Damage
There is always a problem outside when roof inspectors uncover evidence of water damage inside the structure. It’s crucial to have water damage repaired as soon as possible because it can seriously harm your company’s interior. A cursory walk-through may not reveal minor roof leaks since insulation, drywall, and ceiling tiles tend to retain water and conceal them.
- Algae or Moss
Another issue that our roofers frequently notice during inspections is the growth of moss or algae. Instead of growing within the building, moss and algae often grow on the roof. This may indicate that there is a problem with your roof’s drainage system that is preventing water from draining off the roof.
- Fungus, Mildew, And Mold
Our roofers frequently find moulds and mildew during inspections of commercial roofs in the fall. Any atmosphere with a lot of moisture can support the growth of mould, which is dangerous for your health. Both can be buried in internal building materials or along external walls that have absorbed water from small leaks. And as we’ve already stated, minor leaks gradually grow into larger ones
The fungus can appear as mushrooms or shelf-like growths and thrives in damp, dark locations. They could indicate a foundation leak brought on by seepage from poor drainage or a roof leak.
Although there is a large decrease in humidity over the winter, the higher humidity levels in the fall can indicate that your roof may not be completely intact.
- Beer Cans, Magazines, Cigarette Butts, Bicycles
What we discover on the roofs of our clients may surprise you. We’ve seen it all: magazines, braces, bicycles, car tires, bags of trash, iPods, and unmentionables.
We even discovered a little tree and numerous seedlings flourishing on a recent roof inspection!
If your renters or staff have access to your roof, they might use it more frequently than you think. But when we’re up there looking at your roof, we’ll see whether any dance parties have occurred that might have damaged it.
What steps can you take to protect your commercial roof from winter problems?
You may take a few steps to stop these typical discoveries from producing problems with your commercial roof. The quickest fix is to plan a fall inspection and address any issues as soon as they are identified.
The next step is to enroll in a preventative maintenance program with a dependable Phoenix commercial roofing company.
Avoid waiting until it is too late to remedy roof issues if you are already experiencing them.
Make an appointment with us immediately away to have us inspect your roof. It can need repair, and the quicker you take care of it, the less long-term harm it will do.