Commercial Roof Inspections

The average life span of a commercial roof is from 10 to 20 years if properly installed. The cost of replacing a roof may be the most expensive building component that you will ever need to replace.  Protect your investment by having your roof inspected by experienced and professional inspectors. We provide photographs of all areas of your roof, including HVAC equipment, drains, vents and hatches.  All flashings and cover flashings are carefully inspected to ensure they are sealed and properly secured.

Weather permitting we also do a complete Thermal Imaging scan of your roof.  Thermal imaging can find hidden wet spots in the underlying insulation which have not started to leak into the building itself.   Infrared technology will identify the cold spots created by trapped moisture under the roofs membrane allowing for repairs prior to roof actually leaking.

Infrared roof inspections work on the principle that different materials in the roof have different thermal masses. In the daytime, the sun heats the roof structure. After the sun sets, the roof begins to cool. If there is a leak in the roofing membrane, the insulation inside the roof will become wet. The wet insulation has a higher thermal mass than the rest of the dry roof structure. Because of the difference, the “wet” areas will maintain heat energy longer than other areas, providing the infrared thermographer with a clear picture of the damaged areas.

Common Commercial Roof Deficiencies

• Prolonged standing water or ponding on the roof, which can lead to premature aging and deterioration of the cover, which will lead to leaks.
• Bubbles in the roof cover, which may indicate trapped moisture within the roof cover or the release of gasses from insulation board that gets trapped below the cover.
• Gaps in the roof flashing or roof cover perimeter, which greatly increases the potential for roof cover failure during a high wind event and water intrusion or mold.
• Tears in the roof cover or worn or cracking seams, which can allow water to enter below the cover.
• Loose or detached lightning protection system, which can lead to a tear or puncture in the roof covering, especially during strong winds. Also, a lightning protection system that has disconnected metal cables or aerials is no longer capable of providing the intended protection for the building’s occupants.
• Improperly secured and sealed skylights, which may cause them to become dislodged and allow for wind-driven rain and debris to enter the building, especially during a high wind event.