We all talk about the importance of having a roof over our heads, but how many of us take the time to think about the state they are in? Most of us only think about roofs in emergency situations, when they spring a leak or get damaged somehow. That is why commercial roof inspection is critical to property ownership. Let’s take a closer look.

What Makes Commercial Roof Inspection so Important?

The roof is any building’s first line of defense against the elements. Making it a habit to have professionals carry out regular inspections helps in numerous ways, including;

Early Problem Detection

The saying that a stitch in time saves nine applies perfectly to your commercial roof. Any damage to your roof, whatever the root cause, might lead to moisture buildup in your building, eventually damaging the walls, ceilings, window coverings, paint, and so on. Given more time, this might develop into a dangerous mold, fungi, rot, and other issues that could pose a risk to the health of the building’s tenants.

Simplifying Insurance Claims

Property insurance is a vital resource for property owners. It makes it possible to receive compensation after hurricanes, violent storms, tornadoes, and other natural phenomena. Roof inspectors write detailed reports whenever they carry out their duties, highlighting any danger signs, trouble spots, estimated repair costs, and more. These reports can make it much easier to file insurance claims and receive the compensation you desire than it would be otherwise.

Increased Property Value

Anyone wishing to purchase property wants to know they are getting good value for their money. A roof inspection report will go a long way in convincing potential tenants or buyers that the roof is in good condition, driving up the value of the property as a whole.

Warranty Protection

Most roofing warranties require that owners have regular inspections carried out so that the warranties are not voided. Unauthorized roof modifications, improper roof installation, and improper maintenance and repair work can negatively affect the state of your warranty. 

Long-term Cost Savings

Typical roof installations come with lifespan estimates that let property owners know when to carry out replacements. Regular roof inspections can help lengthen roof lifespans by detecting and dealing with potential dangers in good time. Maintaining a regular roof inspection schedule will save you significant amounts of time and money as time goes by.

Final Thoughts

Aside from the benefits we’ve mentioned above, having roof inspectors evaluate the condition of your roof at least once a year will offer you one great advantage – peace of mind. At Vanguard Roofing, our experts have the training, experience, and tools to provide world-class, cost-effective commercial roof inspection services. Call us today!

Sources

Roof penetrations are the single greatest threat to the integrity of the performance of your commercial flat roof. These protrusions affect everything from water flow to pooling and increase the risk of water-related structural damage. They’re the reason you need a regular roof maintenance plan for your commercial building. Thankfully, multiple commercial roofing accessories help you protect your investment from water and weather-related damages. 

The second installment of this two-part guide details additional commercial roofing accessories that eliminate these risks. 

Metal Gutter Systems

Commercial metal gutters are the best way to drain rainwater from your commercial property. At 6 to 8 inches wide, commercial gutters are bigger than residential gutters and can move a significant amount of rainwater in a short time. Properly installed metal gutters prevent water from pooling on the roof of your commercial building. They prevent flooding, structural roof damage, mold, and wood decay. 

Commercial gutters are typically strong, durable, and reliable because they’re made from aluminum, galvanized, or stainless steel. Aluminum gutters are available in different colors, are rust-resistant, and can hold a lot of water. However, they are lightweight and susceptible to physical damage. 

Steel gutters are the best choice for commercial properties because they can easily withstand anything mother nature throws at them. Galvanized steel gutters are strong, durable, and reliable. Galvanized steel is coated with a protective zinc layer to prevent rusting. Stainless steel commercial gutters stand a cut above the rest because they’re rust-resistant. Routine repair and maintenance are crucial to preventing rust and physical damage to your metallic gutters. 

Two-way Venting Systems

Installing two-way air vents on your commercial roof extends the lifespan of your roof’s membrane. The air vents reduce condensation and alleviate the pressure that often builds up between the roof deck and the membrane.

Blisters will form if moisture or air is trapped between the roof deck and the membrane or between the layers of the roof membrane. Since hot air expands, the blisters will grow bigger whenever the sun heats the roof. Eventually, the membrane may crack and expose your roofing structure to water damage. 

Two-way air vents allow the roof to breathe – they equalize the air pressure in your roofing system, which prevents blistering of the roof system. Air vent installations extend the lifespan of your commercial flat roof by maintaining its integrity and preventing water damage. 

Two-way air vents can be fabricated from exterior vinyl or lightweight metal such as aluminum. The vents are cylindrical and resemble a traffic cone with a flat cap. They should be installed at the high point of your roof between the roofing deck and the roofing membrane and sealed tightly.

Typically, you need at least one two-way vent for every 1,000 square feet of the roof, but each vent must be further than 7 feet from the building’s edge. The installation often entails heat welding the air vent’s skirt to the roof deck membrane. 

Custom Features

The roofs of commercial buildings are punctured with a myriad of penetrations ranging from pipes, chimneys, skylights, vents, exhaust fans, and air conditioning units. Our custom roofing features ensure that any protrusion on your roof will not compromise the roof’s integrity. You can have as many roof penetrations as you need to maintain the building’s comfort and functionality while ensuring your building envelope remains intact.

Vanguard Roofing’s range of custom features includes prefabricated stacks, deck sheets, parapets, and curb flashings. Our custom products save you time, money, and effort. We guarantee exceptional results whether the roof penetrations are installed on the roof before or after construction. You can easily install retrofitted penetrations without any structural work on the rooftop. 

Vanguard Roofing provides custom features that are lightweight to allow quick installation without heavy lifting equipment and that comply with local building regulations. They’re guaranteed to optimize your installation process since you can install several protrusions in a day. Since they’re custom-developed for your roof, our custom features provide lasting, watertight flashing. 

Make the Most of Your Commercial Roof 

With proper installation, roof penetrations allow you to bring out the best in your commercial building. You can retrofit the roof to install exhaust fans, HVAC units, skylights, or any other feature likely to increase comfort, safety, and livability. 

Working with Vanguard roofing experts can ensure each roof protrusion works seamlessly and doesn’t compromise the structural integrity of your building. Our knowledgeable staff will help you pick the right roofing accessories to protect your commercial building from the elements. From choosing the proper metallic gutters to installing two-way air vents and custom features, we’ll help you keep your commercial roof in great shape. 

Contact us today if you have questions about roofing accessories for your commercial property in the northeastern United States. Vanguard Roofing provides comprehensive commercial roofing services in seven states, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. You can count on our services from snow removal to metallic roof installation and everything in between. 

As a commercial building owner or manager, the premature failure of a key structural asset like the roof can have a big impact on your bottom line. Managing your roofing asset with timely inspections is the best way to avoid unexpected roof-related expenditures. Unfortunately, you can’t count on visual evaluations alone to pinpoint areas where subsurface moisture is causing slow and steady roof deterioration.