Conducting a Commercial Roof Inspection

Regular inspections of your roof are vital to prevent leaks and minimize future repair costs. The process can help you identify minor problems before regular rain exacerbates the issue.

Be aware that many issues may be hidden from plain sight. Thus, a thorough inspection is more than simply making a visual check of the outside of the roof.

Once each season, collect appropriate safety equipment and start by clearing any debris from the roof to allow you to see any potential damage. You can then try to find obvious signs of problems, such as:

• Cracks
• Punctures
• Missing shingles
• Pooling water
• Moss growth
• Warped or sagging areas

Make sure to check all areas of the roof to ensure water is correctly draining away from the area, including the following:

• Gutters
• Downspouts
• Seams
• Joins
• Flashings

You can also use a moisture meter to scan the roof for any water that might not be visible from the surface. Do this on the inside on a wet day or the outside on a dry day.

If you are in the states surrounding Washington, DC, remember that the area contains many historic buildings. These may demand specific steps during both inspection and repairs. As such, contact a specialist if you are unsure what to do.

Immediate Actions to Take When You Discover a Roof Leak

When you find an issue with the leak, it is up to you to act promptly to prevent the problem from getting worse. Further deterioration of the roof structure is inevitable if you do not stop it.

You can start with a temporary solution. Several options exist in the short term while you investigate a better fix, including:

• Commercial sealants
• Commercial roof patches
• Duct tape
• Roofing tape
• Tarp for larger patches of damage

Hardware stores may also offer roofing tar and patching materials for this kind of task. However, ensure you understand how to use them before you start.

After doing this, clear out the drainage system to ensure water does not accumulate and overwhelm your temporary fix.

You should also set up caution signs to alert people of possible trips and slips before you have repaired the roof. Similarly, turn off any electrical systems in the area around leaks.

If you do not know the next step, it may benefit you to research a professional. Companies such as Function Enterprises Inc. can help you by offering both an expert assessment and repair service. Their 24/7 emergency availability means they can respond quickly, getting your business or tenants back to normal as soon as possible.

Deciding When to Replace vs. Repair in Commercial Properties

Sometimes, all it takes is a minor repair, but you might have to take the plunge and invest in a new roof in extreme cases. Many factors can impact this decision, including:

• Building age
• Damage extent
• Long-term costs
• Changing regulations
• Roofing material

Frequent repairs may result in more significant costs than a one-time replacement. As such, try to get a precise estimation of how much each will cost and how long you can expect a specific fix to last. You should also consider the energy efficiency of a fix when calculating this, as you may need to pay extra to heat a leakier building.

In general, you should probably get a new roof if you see the following:

• Large-scale leaks
• Warped sections of shingle
• Several areas of damage
• Mold and mildew
• Sagging

Sagging and mold are both indicative of more extensive trouble. Don't ignore these signs of damage, as they suggest that the roof already has problems you may be unable to fix.

In addition, if the roof is over 30 years old, it may be past its reasonable lifespan. In such a situation, replacement is often more sensible.

Understand that while upfront costs for replacement may be much higher, the long-term savings they offer can often make all the difference. Also, the damage from a repeatedly leaky roof may impact any assets within the building.

Long-Term Commercial Roof Leak Repair Solutions 

If you choose to enact a repair, you will need to research the available roof leak solutions. While professional roof repair services will already have appropriate equipment, you will need to source the following:

• Underlying structural material
• Flashing
• Coatings
• Shingles or tiles
• Fasteners
• Insulation
• Waterproof membranes

In addition, you'll need to consider the specific material from which you want to build the roof. Some of the most popular roofing materials include:

Metal offers an extremely long lifespan compared to other options.

BUR, made of tar and gravel layers, builds up a complex protective layer.

PVC or TPO are single-ply materials made of a mix of rubber or plastics. You often find it on flat or slightly sloping roofs.

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber that roofers often use as an inexpensive roofing option. It is notable for its ability to resist damage from cold.

Trust Function Enterprises Inc. With Your Commercial Roof Needs 

Taking some of the above steps will help you significantly impact the longevity and effectiveness of your roof. Along with preventative commercial roof maintenance, you can avoid many future problems.

If you need professional help with commercial roof leak repair or need someone to make an inspection, contact Function Enterprises Inc. We take great pride in our legacy of content customers and high-quality work in the VA area. Protect your commercial property from the worst the weather can throw at it.