Friday, February 27, 2015

Spring Roof Inspection

Spring is almost here! In some parts of the country winter still has a tight grip and is exposing your roof to brutal conditions. Now is the time to schedule a roof inspection so that you know your roof will be ready for the spring showers.

In addition to being one of your building’s most valuable assets, the roof is also one of the most vulnerable. Commercial roofs have a formidable job. They must protect the building’s interior, tenants, equipment, inventory, and workers while being exposed to the elements 365 days a year. Spring is the time to make repairs following a harsh winter and before the hot summer months begin.

Benefits of a Spring Roof Inspection 


A professional roof inspection ensures continued efficiency and extends the optimum life of the roof. Most facility managers understand the importance of discovering small roof leaks and repairing them before they can expand and wreak havoc on the entire building, but a spring inspection has additional benefits you might not have considered.

 A qualified roof inspection team will:

  •  Pinpoint areas that are weathering prematurely
  •  Discover damage caused by roof top unit installers/ repairmen
  •  Evaluate the need for roof cleaning and debris removal
  •  Locate previous storm damage caused by hail, blown debris or wind
  •  Conduct a thorough leak assessment
  •  Discover drainage problems
  • Determine the need for warranty repairs and maintenance

 

What Happens During the Spring Inspection? 


Before the inspection begins, it’s a good idea to gather your documents detailing the age of the roof, previous repairs, and warranty documents. Has rooftop units been installed since the last inspection. The inspector will review all the relative information and then begin the physical inspection. 

The physical inspection starts with a review of the roof’s surface, noting areas of surface deterioration. The inspector will create a new record of all issues he finds, such as the amount of dirt and debris, membrane condition and the integrity of the sealant around penetrations, coping joint and end and around all other rooftop units, projections or skylights. 


The inspector will observe and evaluate the condition of the seal between the walls and the roofling, which is a particular weak spot where leaks frequently develop. In addition, he’ll examine parapets, flashings, gutters, scuppers and strainers. For your protection, all parts of the roof will be inspected.


What Happens After My Inspection? 


The inspector gathered a lot of data and now it’s time to analyze it and decide the best course of actions. If your roof is in good-to-excellent shape, cleaning, debris removal and regular maintenance should be all that’s required to protect your facility from the coming spring. 


If the roof needs additional repairs or restoration work, this is a good time to schedule them. In extreme cases, when restoring an old roof is no longer feasible, it might be time to think about a replacement. A Brown Roofing professional will explain your options and help you make an informed decision that meets your budget and goals.

We can’t guarantee that your roof will receive a glowing inspection report, but we can guarantee that by having semi-annual inspections and performing regular repairs and maintenance, you can extend the useful life of your roof by up to 20%. Contact us today at 256-238-8859  or email at office@ brownroofingco.net to schedule your spring roof inspection and to find out how Brown Roofing can protect your roof and save you money!