Roof inspections are one of the most important ways you can lengthen the lifespan of your commercial roof. It’s vital to do roofing inspections multiple times of the year, especially with a trained professional. We know that using a trained professional every week or month can be costly And performing self-inspections can be useful and cost-saving. If self-inspections are a possibility with your commercial roof, it’s important to maintain ultimate safety. Read our list of tips below to keep in mind during self inspection.
Be Mindful of Safety Hazards
Before you perform the self inspection, you won’t know the current condition of your roof. There are a variety of problems your commercial roof may be experiencing, including shrinking, a damaged membrane, roof separation and more. Check past notes from your roof inspections in case anything is due to be replaced. Keep an eye out for anything you can fall through and consider marking skylights, compromised parts of your roof, and even areas close to the edge of your roof. Marking potential dangers will help with future inspections, whether performed by you or a professional.
Be Thorough
If you’re going to the trouble of performing a self-inspection of your commercial roof, avoid simply walking around and doing a quick review. Throughout the year, your commercial roof will experience weather elements and get dirty from branches and other waste—clear your roof of any debris and unclog drains. Look for obvious damage especially if you’re doing the self-inspection after a weather event.
Avoid Voiding Warranties
Does your commercial roof have any roof warranties that require who inspects the roof and performs repairs with specific materials? Check your roofing documents to ensure you won’t be inadvertently voiding the terms and conditions of your roof warranties.
Check OSHA Regulations
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regulates safety-related matters for US employees. Specifically dealing with commercial roofing, the OSHA determines mandates and guidelines that follow safe practices within the roofing industry. While much of the OSHA guidance involves dealing with repairing damages to commercial roofs, some of their roofing requirements involve the kind of risks workers are exposed to during inspections.
Contact a Trained Roofing Professional
If there are any small or large areas that look like they might be damaged, contact a trained professional to do a more in-depth inspection. Exterior Remodel & Design, Inc., includes a team of highly skilled roofing professionals who offer more than 45 years of combined experience in the commercial and residential roofing industry.