While running your business, your commercial roof might be the last thing on your mind. But neglecting your roof may lead to bigger problems later. Protecting your building’s roof is part of securing one of your major assets, and doing so involves regular roof inspections and maintenance.

Learn more about the importance of commercial roof inspections, including how often you should inspect your roof and the main benefits of having a regular inspection and maintenance schedule.

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Commercial Roof Inspection Frequency

It’s recommended to have your commercial roof inspected twice a year — before winter and after winter. Checking your roof twice a year ensures that any damage can be addressed and fixed as soon as possible. This way, you can keep your business’s roof in optimal condition all year long.

Inspect your commercial roof twice per year

Reasons to Inspect Your Commercial Roof

There are a variety of reasons why it’s essential to have your commercial roof inspected in order to protect your business and promote the longevity of the roof.

Aging

Roofs have an average life expectancy of over 30 years if regularly inspected and maintained. Natural aging due to wear and tear presents more problems. You may start noticing leaks, cracks and sagging, and your roof may be more susceptible to warping and caving in or collapsing.

Think of your commercial roof like a car engine. It can only reach its maximum life span if you care for it regularly. For example, if you want your car to reach 100,000 miles, you must give it a certain number of oil changes. By caring for your car engine, you help give it a longer life. The same is true if you want your roof to reach the 30-year mark — it needs comprehensive inspections, maintenance and updates once a year, at minimum.

You can help your roof’s membrane last 30 years by taking the following actions:

  • Repair any damage before leaks happen.
  • Clean off any harmful debris like screws and sharp objects.
  • Update sealants on all penetrations and coping joints.

Taking these steps can significantly improve the chances of your roof remaining in good working order for longer.

Insurance Claims

Dealing with insurance companies for roof damage claims poses an inconvenience. If you’ve failed to inspect and maintain your roof, you may experience irreparable damage after severe weather, forcing you to submit an insurance claim. At that point, many companies will investigate whether you’ve had proper and regular maintenance and assess your roof’s age.

Spare yourself the trouble and time of dealing with insurance companies by committing to a regular inspection and maintenance schedule. It’s a good idea to work with a reputable roofing company that can inspect your roof and determine if any repairs are needed.

Weather Damage

The weather impacts your commercial roof’s condition, leading to wear and damage over time. Your roof is exposed to the elements daily, enduring extreme conditions like thunderstorms, hail, snow and high winds. In the summer, the sun can warp and damage shingles and other roofing materials.

In addition to everyday rain, wind and sun, severe storms and natural disasters can cause extensive damage, requiring urgent attention once the event is over. After storms, debris and loose materials may block the gutters, causing them to overflow and affect your business’s foundation.

Commercial roof inspections are essential in the context of both everyday weather and more extreme storms. Working with a professional is the only way to check for weather-related damage and determine a plan to resolve it.

Security Concerns

As a business owner, you want to ensure your building is secure from unlawful entry at all hours of the day and night. But did you know that burglars can find their way in through weak spots in your roof? If you are in the hospitality industry or own an apartment building, it’s also important to protect the occupants of your building.

Having a foolproof roof is imperative to keep your business safe and secure. Regular inspections help pinpoint any potential weaknesses so they can be assessed and repaired.

Preventative Maintenance

Preventative commercial roof maintenance — having a professional make small repairs before they turn into more costly ones — can help extend your roof’s life span. A well-maintained commercial roof can last as long as its expected life span, while a neglected one may need replacing sooner.

For example, low-slope roofs present different challenges compared to single-ply and other roofs. Their structure often causes water to pool, leaking into cracks and causing water damage. With an inspection and preventative maintenance plan, you can address any small issues in your low-slope roof right away.

Benefits of Regular Commercial Roof Inspections

Investing in roof inspections on a regular basis comes with many advantages, including:

  • Extended life span: Checking your roof ensures you don’t miss existing or developing issues — if you notice any, they can be addressed immediately. This due diligence helps extend your commercial roof’s life span so you can get the most out of it.
  • Save money: Regular inspections and preventative maintenance help you steer clear of more expensive repairs that could have been avoided in the first place. You will also save money by avoiding the need for a complete roof replacement.
  • Safety mitigation: Inspecting your commercial roof allows the professionals to determine whether any possible safety concerns are present. To comply with building codes and regulations, the roof must be checked to ensure your building’s structural integrity remains intact.
  • Potentially reduced insurance premiums: Your insurance company may negotiate better premiums for regularly inspecting and maintaining your commercial roof. Talk to them about this possibility as every company and insurance plan is different.
  • Further damage prevention: Catching issues in advance helps prevent further damage, especially if existing damage threatens the roof’s stability. Small issues you’re unaware of can escalate into bigger problems, which can be prevented with regular inspections.
  • Reduced energy consumption: If your roof is insulated, inspections can help you save on energy bills by making sure your roof is insulating as it should. Inspections can also reveal areas where the insulation is worn or needs replacing.
  • Budgetary: Understanding the health status of your rooftop membrane helps you create your annual budget more efficiently and aggressively. With a commercial roof inspection from AmeriPro Roofing, we can determine if your roof is in good shape, helping you defer a significant expense for a few years. As a result, you gain greater budget flexibility by not having to invest in a large roof project right away.

Schedule Your Next Commercial Roof Inspection With AmeriPro Roofing

Commercial roofs must be cared for to keep them in good condition for many years. If you haven’t been inspecting your roof or it’s due for one, trust AmeriPro Roofing to complete the job.

We have extensive experience and industry knowledge, ensuring your roof is scrutinized for any signs that require repair. Our expert team provides a lifetime workmanship warranty and delivers top-class customer service with Standards Through The Roof®.

Call us at 800-283-7413 or schedule a commercial roof inspection online. We cover vast service areas to ensure we can accommodate all our clients.

Schedule an inspection with AmeriPro