When your business’ roof begins to leak or crumble, it’s easy to see that it’s time for a commercial roof inspection. But some signs of roof damage aren’t so apparent. A commercial roof is an investment, and one that should be protected by all means necessary. Catching the small things while they are still small can save you from larger repairs or even full roof replacements down the line. Here are some signs it’s time to get a check up, and what to expect during the roof survey process.Frequency of Commercial Roof Inspections
As a rule of thumb, commercial roof inspections should be conducted twice per year for all of your commercial buildings. Business owners in Florida should be extra vigilant and partner with a commercial roofing service in the fall, to check for any summer storm damage that may have occurred. If you notice any of the following signs it may be time to call Westfall Roofing for an inspection:
Fallen Debris
It’s easy for things like branches, leaves, or even plastic bags to end up on commercial roofs. If left unattended these seemingly insignificant items can cause major damage to the structure of your roof. Letting debris sit or gather can weaken certain areas and ultimately compromise the overall integrity of your roof. Debris can also lodge itself in the gutters, causing pooling water or overflow when it rains.
Blocked Gutters
When gutters become backed up with debris, water cannot properly drain off of your roof. This can lead to pooling water, and overflow down the sides of your building. All of this added moisture ultimately leads to wet rot, which eats away at the internal structure of your roof. Check your gutters regularly for any blockages of debris.
Pooling Water
Pooling water is a business owner’s worst nightmare, leading to costly repairs if left unchecked for too long. Sometimes the signs of pooling water can become apparent inside your building, usually showing up as dark spots on the ceiling, especially around bathroom ceiling fans. Even when water isn’t present, you can identify the signs of water damage by checking for discoloration or stains around the roof’s typical draining points.
Cracks and Tears
Operating a business in the Tampa Bay area means high amounts of wind and rain, which can lead to lifting shingles, cracks and tears on the surface of your commercial building’s roof. The edges of your roof are particularly vulnerable during storms, and should be checked with extra care. If you see any cracked or seemingly loose shingles, it’s time to call an expert.
What to Expect During a Commercial Roof Inspection
Westfall Roofing proudly offers free commercial roof inspections to all of Tampa Bay. We pride ourselves on making the inspection process as easy and stress-free as possible for you. On the day of your inspection, we will call you an hour before your appointment and 15 minutes before we arrive so that you don’t have to wait around for the entire day.
Commercial roof inspections usually begin inside, where inspectors check for any internal water damage to the ceiling and where water may be entering the building. Next, your roofing expert will walk the roof and check for any of the above mentioned issues to get a full picture of any possible damage. Our roofing reps will then provide you with a same-day estimate if any damage is assessed.