Commercial Roof Inspections: Indianapolis Building Owner’s Guide

If you own an office building or warehouse in the Indianapolis area, you know that your tenants can get upset if they are too hot, too cold, or if the building has a leaky roof.

  If you have to replace or repair a roof, your tenants may be unable to work for a few days. You will have to reimburse them for the money they lost or find them another place to work. If you inspect your roof and perform maintenance regularly, it will last a long time and is less likely to need repair.  You can inspect your roof yourself, but it is best to use a trained roofing contractor in Carmel.They will know just what to look for. Before they begin the inspection, you should take a look at the interior of the building to see if there are any leaks or mold. Finding leaks will make the inspection go much faster. Clean Debris The first thing you should do is clean any debris from the roof. Flat roofs that are near trees are likely to be covered with fallen leaves and branches. Plastic and paper bags may fly through the air and land on a roof. In some cases, you may even find dead animals on your roof.  Look For Puddles of Water Your roof has a drainage system that is supposed to keep water from pooling on it. If you see puddles and it has not rained recently, the drainage system may be clogged. Standing water can cause discoloration and attract bugs. It can also cause mold, which is unhealthy for the building’s occupants. Inspect Flashing Flashing is a long, thin piece of metal that goes around the parameters of a roof. It helps protect the roof from damage by snow and rain. Flashing will not work if it has cracks, and it needs to be replaced if there is any damage. Carefully Inspect The Roof  Check the roofing material to ensure that it has no cracks or tears. A professional roofer will do a flood test to make sure there are no cracks in the roof. They will need special training and equipment to perform this test. Check the Gutters If your building has a gutter drainage system, you should check it for clogs. Debris in the gutter will prevent it from working properly. When a gutter cannot function properly, rain and snow can weigh down the roof, causing leaks and deterioration. Inspect the Parapet Walls Parapet walls are small walls built around the perimeter of a roof or balcony. The purpose of these walls is primarily aesthetic. However, they also make a roof safer to walk on, and they hide equipment. They have a termination bar, which must be inspected, which is used to hold down single-ply membranes. If a parapet wall is cracked, it will not look good and defeat its main purpose. If the termination bar is not sealed properly or has cracks, it can cause damage to the parapet wall and the roof.  Perform inspections at the beginning and end of the winter and summer seasons. A regularly inspected roof will last a long time. A well-maintained roof will increase the value of your property and its curb appeal. You will save money on expensive repairs if you have a well-maintained roof.