You might think that roofing inspectors are only necessary
when there is evidence of a leak, or after the passing of a severe hail storm,
However, it's a good idea to have
qualified roofing inspectors examine your roof about a year after it has
been installed, and at least every five years
after that. It is essential to have a comprehensive roof inspection
performed prior to buying a new, or old building, and prior to the expiration
of your roofing warranty.
Even though you may have a fifteen or twenty-five year
warranty, it's much better to catch any
developing problems early and get them fixed, in-warranty, before any damage is
caused. If you do have damage, your
insurance policy will cover a portion of the expense, but who needs the hassle
of the interruption and loss of productivity.
Knowledgeable roofing inspectors should be able to identify
potential problems before they develop into actual leakage that could cause
damage to important documents or expensive electronic equipment inside your
building.
The most likely areas for leaking on a flat roof are at laps
in the membrane that provides the main protection against water infiltration.
Other vulnerable areas are anyplace where there is a transition in direction,
such as islands where air-conditioning units are installed or at a wall,
Roofing inspectors will be looking at the general condition
of the coating materials, as well as for wrinkles, ridges, blisters, and
punctures. They will be checking for proper drainage and signs of any ponding
of water. Ponding causes the roof to have to support an excessive amount of
weight.
Unlike a sloped roof, where a small leak would cause only a
minor amount of water to seep in, a small leak on a flat roof can admit
significant quantities of water in a short time, which can cause extensive
damage to your building and contents. You would be making a smart decision to make
a small investment for roof inspection, which will protect the much larger
investment in your property and the assets inside.
You can find a qualified inspector in the Twin Cities area by doing an internet search for "roofing inspectors Minneapolis."
