Commercial Roof Inspection & Survey

There are two types of commercial roof inspection and valuation survey. If you think of having a roof inspection but need a survey, you might ask for the wrong service. To avoid confusion, we explain these terms and share inspection methods so you can inspect yourself if you don’t feel like calling the professionals. Our professionals perform the commercial roof survey before starting a replacement or repair project. Alternatively, roof inspections include real estate dealings or insurance assessments.

Commercial Roof Inspection

Typically, the property inspector performs the commercial roof inspection. These inspections clearly highlight the condition of the commercial building, tend to be brief, and most are done visually. A commercial roof inspection is as necessary as:

• Fire safety Inspection
• Wood Durability Inspection
• Lead-Based Paint Inspection
• Environmental Inspection
• Asbestos Inspection
• Air Quality Inspection
• Radon Inspection
• Roof Condition and Lifetime of Roof
• Building Envelop

Commercial Roof Survey

Professional companies like Elm City Roofing typically perform commercial roof surveys. These surveys are intended to declare the state and value of the roof structure, membrane, and insulation.

In addition to the visual inspection, different samples and other measurements are taken. With a commercial roof survey, you will know:

• Membrane, deck, and insulation condition
• Flashing condition
• Metal edge condition
• Drain and gutter condition
• Wall copping and surface condition
• Slope of roof
• Any moisture or standing water
• Drainage condition
• If additional ventilation or drains are needed

After the survey, you will receive a report outlining the different technical specifications and observationsSurvey and a conclusion. The Survey is usually a written document and may include photos of the other roof elements. You can also have a blueprint or drawing of the technical specification of your roof that may consist of vents, HVAC, Drains, etc.

Infrared Survey

An infrared moisture survey is performed better to understand the roof's quality and insulation. This Survey is conducted in the even ng when the temperature drops. The infrared camera takes pictures to locate any spo s where the insulation is wet. With infrared photos, estimates for the insulation replacement are much more accessible.

Commercial Roof Survey Checklist

Hot weather and cold weather is bad for your commercial roof, so it is helpful to conduct an inspection yourself to avoid any ex ensive repairs or replacement. Here is what professional inspectors look for while doing the roof survey.

What Can Go Bad On a Roof?

With cold weather, you may experience moisture that can lead to roof leaks, frozen gutte s or drains, and snow buildup. Extreme weather can also create roofing problems. Temperature changes cause the roof to expand or contract, leading to cracks, leaks, and even collapse of the top. Additionally, watch out for freezing water in the trials of the roof. They will widen as ice melts and temperature rises. The cracks grow even more comprehensively when the water starts to freeze again.

When Do You Need a Roof Survey for Commercial?

A roof survey is needed to find if a roof needs replacement or repair. You can also survey the top by yourself with the help of our checklist below, which will help you figure out what to look for. Our professionals will:

1. Conduct the detailed Survey

If you want to keep your roof in perfect condition, you must complete your roof evaluation. We will look for the following:

• Decking
• Roof Vents
• Flashing
• Field Tears
• Gutters
• Drainage Pipes

A regular survey can help make you aware of tiny cracks that can result in wider gaps in the winter.  You can perform the inspection by yourself, but you might not be able to find everything that professional roofing professionals can find. 

2. Clean Debris

While inspecting, you should look for debris that needs replacement or removal.  Debris can hold branches, leaves, and other things that cause water to clog. Removal of this debris allows water to drain from the rooftop quickly.

3. Inspect Ponding Water

You can check for ponding by looking for slow-draining lines and totally blocked drains. Look for color changes and stains on the roof around the drains if you are experiencing slow or clogged drains.

4. Look for Flashing

Flashing includes stacks, walls, and curbs. To check for the flashing, look for cracks or crevices along the roof. Most commonly, you will find crashes and other failures around transition points. Flashing can go from flat to vertical due to additional stress on that building section. If you find any flashing, it is essential to make these repairs before winter.

5. Check the Field for Any Cracks

A complete inspection of the roof can help uncover any debris or signs of cuts or tears. If you have an inspection team helping you, they can also provide a flood test.

6. Inspect Termination in Parapet Walls

You also need to look for termination on your parapet walls and ensure that it is adequately sealed. The experts can look at the base of the border for any signs of cracking or leaking.

7. Check the Edge Detail

Our professionals will look for edge details, but if you are conducting the Survey yourself, keep an eye out for any securing fixtures that may be lost or compromised.

8. Inspect the Roof Surface

Our professionals will inspect the roof thoroughly, but you can check for any leaks or cracks with a visual inspection of the surface.

9. Check the Gutter

Checking gutters and drains is essential because they can both create ponding of water. If any gutter is clogged, water will likely hold on the roof. Such ponding of water on the PVC roof membrane will not void the warranty, but it is essential to check as it can eventually lead to cracks and other things that can void the warranty.

10. Look for Downspouts

Check the downspouts or downspouts terminating to the ground level to ensure water is draining correctly. A professional company like Elm City Roofing can help find any damage you may miss.

Do you need a commercial roof inspection & Survey? Our experts are ready to attend to you!