What Goes into a Commercial Roof Inspection?

How long has it been since your last roof inspection? If you’ve never had one, or if it’s been more than a year, you’re overdue. At a minimum, you should be getting a roof inspection at least once a year. Whether you own residential or commercial property, getting a yearly roof inspection is the only way to prevent major problems like leaks.

Roof inspections are easy to overlook, but are one of the most important preventive maintenance tasks you could perform on your home or commercial building in Atlanta. Letting roof damage go unrepaired for too long can have expensive consequences and can be a major inconvenience.

If you regularly get on the roof to clean your chimney or wood stove flue, you might feel comfortable getting up there to look around for potential damage. However, each time you get on the roof you’re risking injury. It’s better to get a roof inspection performed by a licensed and insured professional who is aware of all the potential hazards and trained to take safety precautions.

Here’s what professionals look for during a roof inspection:

• *Dented or dinged gutters. This can indicate further damage to the roof from hailstones.
• *Cracked caulking.
• *Damaged rubber boots around vent pipes.
• *Rust spots on flashing.
• *Blistered, buckling, or curling shingles.
• *Shingles with worn or missing protective granules.
• *Missing and broken shingles.
• *Proper attic ventilation.
• *Shingles have proper overhangs at gutters and eves
• *Large amounts of moss or lichen, which indicates the potential for a decaying roof.
• *Moisture or dry rot in your attic’s interior.
• *Blocked gutters.
• *Proper fastening method from the original installation.
• *Proper seals around all storm collars.

When you get an inspection, roofing professionals will assess the damage and make recommendations based on those findings. For instance, you might just need some repairs, but you could also benefit from a roof replacement. Which option is right for you will depend on the damage to your roof, along with other indicators. When your roof incurs damage, commercial roofing contractors can also perform roof inspections for insurance claims to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
Now is the perfect time to schedule a roof inspection. We provide free residential and commercial roof inspections in Atlanta and can have someone at your door in less than 24 hours.
We’ll tell you what’s going on with your roof, where you have damage, and recommend the best steps to take care of that damage. We’ll let you know what all of your options are so you can decide which solution fits your budget. Don’t wait to get a roof inspection, especially if you suspect you have some damage. The integrity of your home’s structure is at risk. Contact us today to schedule your free roof inspection.

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  Safe Ways To Inspect Your Own Roof
  If you want to perform your own roof inspection, there are ways to do it safely. For instance, you can use binoculars or a ladder to get a closer look. However, the safest way is to fly a drone over your roof to get a clear and safe visual. Although, even with a clear visual, only a professional will know exactly what to look for. For example, you might mistake hail damage for wear and tear. If you leave hail damage unrepaired, you could end up with roof leaks that cause water damage.
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  How To Deal with Moss and Lichen
  At some point, your roof may start to collect moss and lichen. Not only does this make your roof look ugly, but it can cause larger problems down the road. However, you don’t want to knock all this greenery off with a broom or even by power washing your roof. These methods will ruin your shingles by stripping off the granules designed to protect your roof from the elements. Power washing can even knock shingles off your roof entirely.
  Instead of knocking moss and lichen off your roof, get a moss killer and sprinkle it on your roof several days before it’s supposed to rain. When it rains, some or all of it should wash away depending on how much growth you have. If you have a lot of growth you may need to repeat this process several times. Although using moss killer takes time, it won’t harm your shingles.
  If you have a large amount of moss and lichen, it’s ideal to have a professional inspection because your roof might be decaying underneath. An inspection can help you catch this type of damage before it becomes too costly.

Sometimes roof damage can’t be seen until the problem becomes exceptionally large. Don’t let this happen to you. Getting regular roof inspections can save you from expensive repairs down the road. When you get regular roof inspections, you’ll be made aware of potential problems before they get out of hand. For instance, if a leak is discovered, you’ll be able to repair that leak before it rots your roof and walls. You’ll also be able to make the decision to replace your roof if necessary.
Roofs don’t last forever, and if your roof is made of asphalt it only has a lifespan of about 15 years. However, if you replace your roof, the National Association of Realtors says you can expect 100% ROI if you sell your home later.