Today, the roofing industry holds a value of about $48 billion and is on the rise.
The way that you take care of your commercial property means a lot to your business. Few components are as important as the roof.
As a business owner and a property owner, you need to get your roof inspected regularly. So what should you know about getting a commercial roof inspection?
Read on to learn more about a commercial roof inspection report.
- Find Any Sources of Leaks
When you have municipal roofing, unchecked leaks can quickly become a costly problem.
Moisture damage will wear the parts away little by little. Once water finds its way inside your building, it can create mold and mildew, and can also damage your furniture and electronics.
A roof inspection report will include the condition of the roof and sources of any leaks. From here, a qualified commercial roofer will be able to fix your leaks and let you know any other kind of work you might need.
- Signs of Rust and Water Damage
Leaks aside, it’s possible that your roof has already sustained some form of water damage. Corrosion and rust can eat away at your roof and create insurmountable damage.
A qualified roof inspector will check the roof inside and out to look for signs of rust. They will assess the severity of the rust and whether it is more cosmetic or structural.
Many roofing professionals make use of high-tech tools, such as infrared scanners. The scanners can find areas of rust that aren’t easily noticeable.
Leave serious water damage issues to qualified roofers that can handle them. Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to make sure you have nothing but qualified eyes checking for rust and water damage on your commercial roof.
- Any Problems With Seams and Shingles
The quality of your roof often starts with the seams and shingles. A seam is often the first place that you notice structural issues with your roof. This is where adhesive material and connected parts begin to fall apart.
Allowing these issues to go on will inevitably cause your roof to fail you. What’s more, a roof inspection will let you know the condition of your shingles. If the shingles begin to crack or peel, it could be a sign that it’s time for new roofing or repairs.
Old shingles can begin to stiffen, become brittle, or just fall apart completely. The roof inspection report will grade the severity of this damage.
- A Core Sample Report
The core sample report is one of the most foundational areas of a roof inspection. This involves taking out a tiny chunk of the roof to fully inspect it.
The core sample report will include details such as what material it is made with, the quality of the material, how much saturation it has endured, the number of layers, and the age of the roof.
These core samples tell roofers a whole lot about the quality of the roof as a whole and will give you an idea of what you should expect from your roof in the coming years.
- The Condition of Your Gutters
Make sure that you also get the gutters inspected, since this is a make-or-break area of your roof. If you don’t have gutters that can easily drain moisture, this moisture will simply stay on top of your roof over the course of the year.
Your commercial roofer will let you know whether the gutters have been punctured if there are any clogs, and whether or not the gutters need to be cleaned.
As a rule of thumb, you should also take time to get your gutters cleaned at least a couple of times per year. You can also install gutter guards that will keep leaves and debris out long-term.
By starting with this inspection upfront, you will be better able to look after the condition of your entire roof.
- A Recommendation on Repairs and Replacement
Perhaps the most important part of the commercial roofing report is the recommendation that you get at the end of it. This recommendation will let you know whether you need to repair, restore, or replace your roof, or leave it as is.
A repair is recommended if the roof isn’t heavily saturated and it is structurally in great condition. When restoration is needed, you need to get the roof replaced within a few years, and the restoration will extend its lifespan.
You will need to replace the roof if it is heavily saturated or damaged, or if you have had it for several years.
When you have the help of a qualified commercial roofer, you can put trust in any recommendation that they offer in this regard.
- Price Estimates on Any Work That Needs to Be Done
Of course, the cost of any work that you get is crucial. A commercial roofer will help you to get this work done quickly and conveniently, and at a fair price.
The roof inspection report will contain cost estimates on any subsequent work they recommend. You can then take the estimates that they give you and compare them with some other roofing contractors.
Carefully Read Your Roof Inspection Report
Let this article help you understand your roof inspection report. The level of detailed care that you give your roof will keep your commercial building solid for years to come.
Consider these tips as you begin reaching out to roofing professionals.
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