Maintaining the integrity and longevity of a commercial roof is essential for protecting your building and the people inside it. A crucial step in this process is scheduling regular commercial roof inspections to identify any potential issues before they become major problems. However, not all inspections are created equal. There are several different types of commercial roof inspections, each with its own purpose and recommended schedule. We’ll explore the different types of commercial roof inspections, including visual inspections, thermal imaging inspections, and drone inspections, and provide guidance on when to schedule them.
Visual Inspections
Visual roof inspections are the most basic form of commercial roof inspection, and involve a trained inspector physically walking on and around the roof to identify any visible signs of wear and tear or damage. During a visual inspection, the inspector will look for things like missing or damaged shingles, cracked or worn flashing, and any other signs of wear or damage. They may also check for things like proper drainage and the overall condition of the roof’s surface.
The ideal process for visual roof inspections is to conduct them at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. This allows for the identification of issues that may have occurred during the winter and summer months, and provides an opportunity to address them. Conducting visual inspections twice a year allows to catch any issues that may have appeared since the previous inspection. Meaning you can address them before they can cause significant damage. This is integral to any building management plan.
It’s important to remember that this schedule is a general guideline and depending on the specific building, location, and type of roof, the frequency and schedule may differ.
Thermal Imaging Inspections
Thermal imaging inspections for roofs involve using specialised cameras to detect and measure temperature differences on the roof surface. This type of inspection is particularly useful for identifying areas of the roof that are experiencing heat loss or excess heat gain. This can indicate issues such as insulation problems or air leaks. Thermal imaging can also detect issues such as moisture intrusion, which can lead to the growth of mould or other harmful organisms.
Ideally for thermal imaging inspections you would be to conduct them annually, as part of a regular roof inspection schedule. This allows for the identification of issues that may have occurred during the previous year and address them before they can cause significant damage. It’s also recommended to schedule thermal imaging inspections after severe weather events such as heavy rain, high winds or hail as these conditions can cause damage that may not be visible to the naked eye. Keep in mind that this schedule is a general guideline and depending on the specific building, location, and type of roof, the frequency and schedule may differ.
Drone Inspections
Drone inspections for roofs involve using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with cameras to conduct a detailed inspection of the roof surface and surrounding areas. Drone inspections offer several advantages over traditional inspection methods, such as the ability to access hard-to-reach areas and to provide high-resolution images and videos of the roof surface. Drone inspections can also be completed more quickly and safely than traditional inspections, which reduces the risk of injury to the inspector and allows for more frequent inspections.
The ideal schedule for drone inspections would be twice a year. Depending on the condition of the roof, the age of the building, and any recent weather events that may have affected the roof. For example, if a recent storm has caused damage to the roof, it would be beneficial to conduct a drone inspection as soon as possible to assess the extent of the damage. Additionally, it’s recommended to schedule drone inspections periodically, depending on the type of the roof and the age of the building, to check the condition of the roof and identify any potential issues early on.
By completing regular commercial roof inspections is an essential part of maintaining the integrity and longevity of your building’s roof. The 3 different types of inspections have their own unique purpose and recommended schedule. It’s important to understand the different types of inspections and when to schedule them. This will ensure the safety and well-being of the building and its occupants. To ensure the longevity and safety of your commercial roof, it’s important to make a schedule for regular roof inspections and to choose the right type of inspection based on the condition of your roof and the age of your building.