On March 14, an incident occurred at Miller Hill Mall in Duluth, Minnesota, where a section of the roof collapsed, causing snow and debris to fall into the building. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. A similar event happened a month later at Browerville High School in Todd County, Minnesota, resulting in the loss of the gym due to a roof collapse.
As a business owner, safeguarding your commercial property’s structural integrity is paramount. Among the crucial aspects of building maintenance, the roof is often overlooked. Regular commercial roof inspections ensure your facility’s safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations.
Neglecting roof maintenance can lead to four major adverse effects on your building in the short term. These problems worsen over time, transforming minor annoyances into significant issues. This article will provide comprehensive insights into roof inspections and why they are indispensable for commercial property owners.
Why You Need a Roof Inspection
Regular inspections are frequently necessary to uphold warranty agreements. Many roofing manufacturers and contractors stipulate specific inspection schedules as a condition for honoring warranties. These inspections help identify and address potential issues early on, preventing them from escalating into costly damages.
By adhering to the inspection requirements, property owners demonstrate proper maintenance, which can be crucial for keeping the warranty coverage valid and ensuring the manufacturer or contractor will stand by their product or workmanship in case of any problems.
- Early Weather Damage Identification
Weathering is the gradual degradation and wearing down of a roof’s materials due to exposure to the elements. It includes effects from sun, rain, wind, snow, hail, and temperature fluctuations. Identifying weather damage early is crucial to prevent larger repair costs and maintain the roof’s longevity.
Roofs are constantly exposed to harsh weather conditions, leading to various issues. UV rays from the sun can cause the roof’s surface to deteriorate, leading to cracking, peeling, and loss of protective coatings. Heavy rainfall can result in water seepage and moisture intrusion, leading to rot, mold growth, and structural damage. Wind can lift and damage roofing materials, leading to potential leaks and compromising the roof’s integrity.
By conducting regular roof inspections, weather-related damages can be detected early on. Timely identification allows for prompt repairs, preventing minor issues from escalating into larger and more costly problems.
For example, patching up a small crack or replacing a few damaged shingles is far less expensive than dealing with extensive water damage or a roof collapse caused by delayed repairs. - Prompt Detection of Leaks
Detecting leaks promptly is of utmost importance to prevent water damage to the interior of the building. Leaks can be tricky as they may start small and go unnoticed for a while. However, even a small leak can cause significant harm over time.
Water infiltration from leaks can lead to mold and mildew growth, which damages the structure and poses health risks to occupants. It can compromise the building’s insulation and lead to higher energy bills due to reduced thermal efficiency. Persistent water leakage can damage ceiling tiles, walls, electrical systems, and even valuable assets within the building.
During roof inspections, trained professionals can use various techniques such as thermal imaging and moisture meters to detect leaks, even if they are not immediately visible. By identifying leaks early, repairs can be made promptly to mitigate the water damage and safeguard the building’s interior. - Addresses Clogged Drains
Effective drainage is vital for any roof to prevent standing water accumulation, which can cause many problems. Flat or low-slope roofs are particularly susceptible to drainage issues, as they don’t naturally shed water as efficiently as steep-slope roofs.
Clogged or blocked drains and gutters prevent proper water flow, leading to ponding on the roof surface. Prolonged ponding can cause roof membranes to deteriorate, leading to leaks and potential roof collapse under the weight of accumulated water.
During inspections, professionals can identify and address drainage issues. They can clear debris from gutters and drains, effectively channeling rainwater away from the roof. Proper drainage maintenance reduces the risk of water-related damage, extends the roof’s lifespan, and preserves its structural integrity. - Uncovers Damage from Previous Repairs
Previous maintenance or repair work on the roof may not always be executed correctly, and mistakes can go unnoticed for some time. Inspections provide an opportunity to uncover any damage or deficiencies from past repairs.
For instance, improper sealing of flashing, poor installation of roofing materials, or using low-quality products can lead to leaks and other issues. Detecting such problems early on allows property owners to hold the responsible party accountable and address the issues before they worsen.
Role of Roof Inspections In Solar Panel Installation
Installing solar panels on a roof requires a structurally sound and well-maintained surface to ensure safe and effective integration. Roof inspections are crucial in determining whether the roof is suitable for installing solar panels.
Professionals assess the roof’s structural integrity to ensure it can support the additional weight of solar panels. They also look for signs of damage or wear that the installation process could exacerbate. Addressing any pre-existing issues before installing solar panels is essential to avoid future complications and potential damage to the panels or the roof.
Preemptive Checks
Regular roof inspections offer numerous benefits, even if there are no visible signs of damage. These preemptive checks are proactive approaches to catch potential issues early and take preventive measures.
By identifying minor problems or signs of wear, property owners can address them before they escalate into significant and costly repairs. Preemptive inspections help maintain the roof’s overall health, prolong its lifespan, and avoid sudden, unexpected issues that could disrupt the building’s operations.
Advantages of Drone Roof Inspections
- Increased Safety
Drones eliminate the need for inspectors to physically access roofs, reducing the risks associated with working at heights. Roof inspections can be dangerous, especially on steep or unstable roofs. Drones allow inspectors to perform the assessment remotely, minimizing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. - Increased Precision
Flying at precise altitudes and angles allows for capturing detailed images and videos of the roof. This level of precision allows inspectors to identify even minor issues, such as cracks, loose shingles, or damaged flashing, that might be challenging to spot from the ground. - In-Depth Data Collection
Drones with high-resolution cameras can capture comprehensive data about the roof’s condition. The collected imagery can be further analyzed and stored for future comparisons, enabling better tracking of any changes or damages over time. - Quicker Inspections
Drone roof inspections can be completed much faster than traditional methods. With drones, inspectors can quickly cover large areas of the roof, reducing the time needed for the inspection process. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for large commercial or industrial buildings with expansive roofs. - Reduced Insurance Costs
By using drones for roof inspections, property owners and insurers can better assess the roof’s condition without resorting to expensive and invasive traditional methods. This can lead to more accurate risk assessment, potentially resulting in lower insurance premiums for properties with well-maintained roofs. - Cheaper Than Traditional Inspections
Drone roof inspections are more cost-effective than traditional methods. Traditional inspections often involve specialized equipment, manual labor, and potential disruptions to building occupants. Drones require fewer resources and personnel, making them a more economical choice.
Thermal Drone Roof Inspections
Besides standard visual inspections, drones with thermal imaging cameras can perform thermal roof inspections. These inspections are beneficial for detecting temperature anomalies that may indicate water leaks, moisture infiltration, or areas of inadequate insulation. The thermal data collected by the drone can reveal hidden issues not visible to the naked eye, enabling property owners to address potential problems before they escalate into more significant damages.
Achieve More Comprehensive Roof Reviews With Thermal Drone Inspection
Regular roof inspections are vital for upholding a building’s integrity, safety, and efficiency. However, employing drones for roof inspections can take this process to a higher level. Drone roof inspections and thermal assessments improve safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Embracing drone technology enhances the effectiveness of roof assessments, ensuring a more secure and well-maintained property.
Experience the exceptional thermal drone roof inspection services offered by The Chandler Companies, providing captivating and comprehensive aerial tours of your property. Our cutting-edge editing solutions and advanced drone cinematography systems ensure top-notch resolution and clarity. Stay ahead of the competition with our high-quality thermal drones.
Reach out to us today to learn more and schedule your inspection!