What Is Included in a Commercial Roof Inspection?

Maintaining the health of your commercial roof is paramount not only for the safety of your building but also for its overall value. Regular roof inspections are a crucial part of this maintenance process. If you're a business owner in Salt Lake City, Utah, seeking a 'roof inspection near me,' look no further than Vertex Roofing.

Breaking Down a Commercial Roof Inspection

Exterior Inspection:

The first part of a commercial roof inspection involves a thorough examination of the roof's exterior. Our experienced roofing inspectors check for visual signs of damage, including missing or damaged shingles, cracks, blisters, or other surface issues that could lead to leaks or structural damage.

Interior Inspection:

The interior inspection focuses on identifying any signs of water damage or leaks from inside the building. We inspect the condition of the insulation and ventilation systems, and check for any signs of moisture or mold.

A professional roofing contractor will walk the roof in search of unusual circumstances, such as:

• Ponding water
• Holes in the substrate
• Cracks
• Blisters
• Uplifted seams
• Uplifted nails and/or shingles
• And much more

Structural Inspection:

A commercial roof inspection includes an in-depth structural inspection. This involves checking the condition and stability of the roof deck, joists, and other structural elements. Any signs of sagging, bending, or other structural concerns are noted.

Material Assessment:

This involves assessing the condition of your roofing materials. Depending on the type of roof, various elements are inspected, including the shingles, tiles, or metal panels, along with gutters, downspouts, and flashing.

Rooftop Equipment Inspection:

Your commercial roof likely houses various equipment like HVAC units, vents, or skylights. Our inspection includes checking these elements for leaks or damage that might affect the integrity of the roof.

Commercial Roof Inspection Checklist: What To Check

The primary focus during an inspection, particularly those conducted during or immediately following construction, is to verify if the installation aligns with the instructions of the manufacturer and the blueprint of the designer. Typically, it's crucial to ensure that components are positioned correctly, firmly secured, and free from excess moisture.

We will highlight common issues below, but here is a list of things to check during an inspection:

• Penetrations, including:
  • Drains
  • Air conditioners
  • Plumbing stack vents 
  • Ducts
  • Exhaust fans
  • Skylights 
  • HVAC curbs
• Pitch pockets
• Expansion joints
• Crickets
• Valleys
• Drainage, including:
  • Gutters
  • Scuppers
  • Drains
  • Downspouts 
• Roof edges
• Base flashings
• Seams
• Fasteners (including screws and rivets)
• Exterior walls
• Substrate firmness
• Interior (including ceilings and walls)
• Installed equipment, such as:
  • HVAC systems
  • Communications equipment
  • Solar panels

Inspection Report and Recommendations:

Upon completion of the commercial roof inspection, Vertex Roofing presents you with an in-depth report outlining our findings. This comprehensive report includes crucial details such as the areas causing leaks, spots on the roof that are saturated, and photographic evidence of these areas.

The report further includes strategic recommendations on the way forward. These suggestions can range from repairs and restorations to complete roof replacements, with the best course of action depending on the specific conditions of your roof:

Repair Recommendation: If less than 5% of your roof is saturated and only a few areas are allowing water to enter the building, and the remainder of your roof is in good condition, repair of these areas is the most cost-effective solution.

Restoration Recommendation: If less than 25% of your roof is saturated but the remaining lifetime of your roof is less than 2-3 years, a restoration would be advisable. Failing to restore may necessitate a complete tear-off by the end of the third year, a process that's estimated to be 3-4 times more expensive than a restoration.

Replacement Recommendation: If the inspection finds more than 25% of your roof is saturated, the most cost-effective course of action would be a total roof replacement. It's similar to the decision of replacing an expensive part, like a $1,200 transmission, on an old car that will likely need more repairs soon.

As a leading roof inspection company in Utah, we ensure our reports are designed for clarity and comprehendibility, enabling you to make informed decisions regarding your commercial roof's health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Roofing Inspection