Time For The Spring Roof Inspection
May 9, 2011
Today's tip is how facility managers should inspect their roofs. It's springtime, the flowers are pushing up and the birds are chirping. And it’s time to get up on your roof and see how it did over the long winter.
The first thing you may want to consider is dusting off that roof warranty to find out if there are any restrictions regarding repairs that may need to be made, or, if you haven't been up there since it was installed, if you’re even able to walk the roof without voiding the warranty.
Next do a walk-through of the interior of the building - especially unoccupied areas - to check for leaking. Then, inspect the building’s exterior to find any cracks in exterior masonry or pre-cast panels. These could be indications of a roof leak as well. If you find leaking, it's probably a good idea to hire a consultant or contractor right away to determine the extent of the damage, including whether or not the insulation is wet.
Then, walk the roof to look for ripples or areas where water may be ponding. Look for any loose seams or any other obvious signs of distress. Take special care at the corners and edges, as most roof problems begin in these areas. Finally, carefully inspect flashings and roof drains, and the area around any rooftop equipment.
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