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When to Schedule a Commercial Roof Inspection - and What To Look For

Commercial Buildings in Arizona have special problems, like the intense summer heat and UV rays that break down roofing materials. The intense rains during monsoon season puts valleys, flashings, every seam and drain to the test. If you run an office building, a shopping center, or a warehouse, the roof is one of the most important parts of the building.
Knowing when to have your Commercial Building checked for roof leaks and moisture intrusion into the building, is imperative and what the inspector should be looking for. This can help you avoid costly damage to the building and surprise repair bills that may go beyond just the roof repair.
Commercial & Residential Inspections, LLC does a lot of commercial roof inspections all over The Valley in Arizona. Our detailed, easy to read, reports help property owners, investors, and business owners make a more informed decision on their property or purchase.

Why Commercial Roof Inspections Are So Important

A commercial building's roof is more than just a piece of material on top of another. It has flashing, insulation, drains, coverings, and supports for the structure. If any of these parts break, it could cause leaks, mold growth, or even safety risks.
Regular inspections help find problems early on, which means that small fixes don't turn into costly repairs.

When to Schedule a Commercial Roof Inspection

Timing is very important. When you should check your roof depends on how old it is, what it's made of, if it's been properly maintained and how much deterioration from the weather. In general, Arizona property owners should do the following:

1. Before Buying or Leasing a Property
You should always have the roof checked before you buy or lease a commercial building. A lot of sellers don't know about roof problems like standing water, loose or missing flashing, or worn-out membranes unless they've had a reason to be up on the roof or had a repair recently. Buyers should make informed decisions on their future investment.
2. After Major Storms or Monsoon Season
During the monsoon season, Arizona can get a lot of rain, wind, and hail. Even tiny holes or drains that are blocked can let a lot of water penetration in. After the storm, do a check to find and fix damage quickly, before it spreads inside.
3. Twice a Year for Preventative Maintenance
You should have your roof checked every six months, once before summer and once before winter. By inspecting a roof on a regular basis, you can keep track of wear and tear, check seals, and find weak spots before they break.
4. Before Warranty Expiration
You should have your roof checked out before the warranty runs out if you have one. A lot of warranty claims need proof that the item was cared for and that problems were found before the warranty ran out.

What a Commercial Roof Inspection Should Include

Commercial & Residential Inspections, LLC looks for more than just visible damage on commercial roofs. When our trained inspectors check for dependability, safety, and durability, they follow a strict set of rules.

1. Visual Assessment
When we look at metal, TPO, EPDM, elastomeric, foam, or built-up roofs, we look for holes, cracks, boils, or coverings that have opened up. This may be an important report or evaluation for your insurance company or future liability.
2. Drainage and Ponding
Roofs that are flat or have a low slope need to be able to drain well. Inspectors always check to see if the scuppers, gutters, or drains are blocked and standing water stains where the roofing material tends to deteriorate faster. If there are, water can collect and put stress on the building's components.
3. Flashing and Seal Integrity
Flashing is needed to protect things that go through the roof, like pipes and HVAC ducts. Inspectors look at skylights for cracks and proper seals, as these can be common problem areas. Seals should be tight and waterproof so that they can handle the heavy rains that can happen in Arizona.
4. Roof Structure and Decking
We check the decks for signs of water damage, decay, wood rot, or soft spots in the roofing materials. These could mean that there are leaks or structural problems.
5. Signs of Mold or Moisture Intrusion
Water can get into the roof or insulation and make mold grow. We use moisture meters and other tools to find problems that are hard to see.

Common Roofing Problems That Lead to Expensive Damage

If you ignore small problems with your roof, they can turn into big structural repairs. Some of the most common issues we see in Arizona commercial buildings are:

  1. Membranes that are cracked because of excessive UV exposure and lack of maintenance
  2. Water that stands still because of clogged drains
  3. Metal roofs that have rust and corrosion
  4. Flashing that isn't put up correctly around HVAC, exhaust pipes or skylights
  5. Holes and tears from people walking on it or moving equipment

Finding these early can help your roof last longer and save you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Why Arizona Property Owners Trust Commercial & Residential Inspections, LLC

We know what makes Arizona roofs special. Our inspectors have years of experience checking the roofs of shopping centers, office spaces, restaurants, gas stations, auto mechanic shops, medical buildings, warehouses, and more.

You get the following when you hire Commercial & Residential Inspections, LLC:

  • Certified inspectors who follow the ASTM E2018 standards
  • Full photo reports
  • Reports that are clear and easy to understand for owners, investors, and facility managers
  • We are experts in inspecting roofs, structures, and the overall condition of all types of commercial properties.

Protect Your Investment with Regular Roof Inspections

A small leak today could cost a lot of money tomorrow. Regular inspections of your commercial roof give you peace of mind, help you plan maintenance, and keep you from having to deal with unexpected downtime.

It's time to schedule a roof inspection if you don't remember when the last one was.
Call Commercial & Residential Inspections, LLC right now to ask for a professional Commercial Roof Inspection in Arizona. Our inspectors will travel all over Arizona to accommodate our clients needs.
Take care of your investment. Stop expensive surprises. Work with professionals who know everything there is to know about Arizona roofs.