What Does a Roofing Contractor Look for During a Commercial Roofing Inspection?

It is recommended that you have your commercial roof inspected on a yearly basis. However, you may find yourself wondering what the roofing contractor is looking for as they walk around your roof. Here are a few of the things that a commercial roofer pays close attention to when they do a commercial roofing inspection. 

Mold

One of the things that a contractor is looking for during a roof inspection is mold. The majority of commercial roofs are flat, rather than sloped. Unfortunately, this makes it easier for mold to grow as water may not drain away as quickly. A contractor will look for signs of mold and if it is noted, will recommend you have your roof properly cleaned to remove mold.

The contractor will then check the venting on the roof and offer suggestions to prevent mold from forming in the future. Mold can damage many roofing materials, including your membrane, so it is important to prevent mold, rather than to simply clean it if it is present. 

Cracks 

Another thing that a roofing contractor will look for during a roofing inspection is cracks. Flat commercial roofs are often made from materials like asphalt bitumen, rubber or TPO membranes. All of these materials can begin to crack and wear as they are exposed to the elements, including ice and sun. When they crack, they allow water to seep in through them. This can be the beginning of what can turn out to be a leaky roof. If cracks are present, it may be time to lay a new layer of roofing material or replace the roof all together. 

Drainage

Drainage is important on a commercial roof. While commercial roofs may look flat, they typically have a slight slope to them that helps to guide water to areas where it can drain. However, if the roof is dented or dinged, these paths may be impeded. A roofing inspector will ensure the roof can drain, helping to prevent sitting water. 

Sealant

The last thing a roofing contractor inspects during a roofing inspection is the sealant on the roof. Sealant is often used around gaps between your roof and items that are placed on your roof, like vents, your HVAC unit, or chimneys. The sealant may break down as it is exposed to the elements. If it does, it needs to be reapplied to help ensure water does not seep in between this small crack and your roofing material. 

During a commercial roofing inspection, a roofing contractor is looking for any signs of damage or leaks. If any are present, repairs will be needed to fix the issue. This helps to prevent further damage to your roof. As such, it is important to have your roof inspected annually to catch any problems early on. For more information on the process, visit resources like http://berwaldroofing.com.

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