Maintaining the roof of any property can come as a challenge, but even more so for commercial ones. A properly scheduled and conducted roof inspection, though, can help greatly.
The Benefits of Commercial Roof Inspection
Commercial property owners already have a lot on their minds. You need to manage tenants, attract customers, and keep the property in tip-top shape. Because of the long list of responsibilities you must fulfill, it can be easy to neglect your roof. But, a roofing inspection is a necessary part of commercial property maintenance.
Here are the reasons why every building owner should prioritize roof inspections.
1. Identifies Damage Early On
The roof is perhaps one of the most difficult areas to pinpoint damages.
It is not something you see every day, and getting to it takes quite a lot of work. As such, it is easy to forget to inspect your roof, thereby allowing damage to occur and worsen over time.
Roof damage might sound non-threatening, but it can actually have detrimental effects. When your roof takes damage, it allows moisture to penetrate and get inside the property. This will ultimately lead to water damage, affecting the ceiling, walls, and floors. Water damage can also affect the items inside the property, such as furniture, appliances, and other objects.
Additionally, water build-up can also negatively impact your health, as well as the health of your customers and workers. Damp areas can invite mold and mildew growth, which are known for causing several health effects. Apart from mold and mildew, water damage can also encourage the development of dust mites and fungi.
While you can spot damage with the help of a roof inspection checklist, the job often calls for professional help. Professionals have the proper tools and equipment to get up to your roof in a safe manner. They also have the necessary knowledge, expertise, and experience to identify even the smallest of problems.
2. Ensures Safety
Safety should be among your top priorities as a commercial property owner. Your building gets tons of traffic every day. Tenants and employees also spend a lot of time inside your building. Making sure they are all safe is paramount to the success of your business. Plus, safety risks can invite legal liability.
By regularly inspecting your roof, you can prevent safety risks from coming to fruition. In addition to the health effects defined in the previous section, neglecting your roof can also lead to collapse. Inspecting your roof will allow you to identify weak spots that require reinforcing or repairing. This will prevent parts of your roof from breaking down.
Of course, as explained before, professionals have access to the right tools and equipment to make roof inspections as safe as possible. If you try to do it yourself, you run the risk of falls and injuries. Professionals, on the other hand, know how to avoid soft spots and loose shingles. They also know how to properly perform inspections in a way that limits further damage.
3. Supports Proper Drainage
Roof maintenance also supports proper drainage. Over time, all sorts of debris can accumulate on the roof. The debris can block the gutters and prevent water from draining properly. When water pools on the roof, it can cause damage to the roofing materials and lead to leaks. A professional roof inspection, though, can pinpoint problems with your drainage system and remove stubborn debris.
4. Makes Insurance Claims a Breeze
Even the strongest roofing material can take damage in the face of extreme weather conditions.
And while some damages are immediately noticeable, others take time to reveal themselves, making it harder for you to file your insurance claims.
Thankfully, a roof inspection at the hands of a professional can identify damages quickly. After a thunderstorm or hurricane, make sure to schedule an inspection as soon as possible. This will allow you to spot damages immediately and file your insurance claims at once. A professional can also provide you with a detailed report of the roof’s condition and the extent of the damages.
5. Protects Warranty
If nothing else, a roof inspection can help you protect your warranty. Most of the time, roofing warranties require you to have an inspection done at least once a year. An inspection will not only reap other benefits as listed here, but it can also help you prevent voiding your warranty.
6. Saves Money in the Long Run
It is easy to cross out roof inspections from your budget in an attempt to save money. But, doing so will actually cost you more money in the long run.
When you neglect your roof, it can deteriorate at a much quicker rate. Damage can occur and go unnoticed for years on end. Once the damage becomes noticeable, it will already be at the point where extensive repairs or even a full replacement is necessary. This will cost you significantly more money than if you had budgeted for roof inspections in the first place.
7. Extends Lifespan
In conjunction with the point above, scheduling regular roof inspections will help you extend the usable life of your roof.
When you address problems as soon as they come up, you can prevent them from becoming worse and dealing more damage. This helps slow down deterioration and prevent premature roof replacement.
How Much Do Roof Inspections Cost?
The cost of roof inspections can vary greatly depending on a few factors. These factors include the size of the roof, the location of your commercial property, the type of roof, and the roofing materials used. On average, though, you should expect to shell out somewhere between $200 and $500 for a commercial roof inspection.
The expense associated with professional roof inspections is typically what scares away most property owners. But, considering how the benefits outweigh the cost, it is definitely worth the investment.
No Worries With Professional Assistance
Roof inspections can be tricky and unsafe, especially if you have no experience in the field. As such, it is never a good idea to try a DIY approach to inspecting your roof. Hiring a professional is the safest and smartest choice.
Maintenance Specialists, Inc. provides roof inspection services to commercial properties in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. Call us today at 704.405.6000 or contact us online to learn more.
RELATED ARTICLES:
- 7 Common Electrical Problems In Commercial Buildings To Keep An Eye Out For
- 9 Reasons Why Parking Lot Striping Is Important For Commercial Establishments
- Preventive Maintenance Schedules For Commercial Properties You Can Follow