The roof is one of the most fundamental structures of a commercial building. It keeps the elements out and helps to insulate your home properly. It is crucial to the structural integrity of the home as well. There are cases where a damaged roof could cause water damage in your house, and can even lead to insects and other pests finding their way in. 

Therefore, it is important to do regular inspections of your roof and ensure there are no further complications. Over time, roofs wear down and require repairs. By spotting problems early, you can prevent other issues from occurring and save money in the long run. 

Please look at our roof inspection checklist for more information on what constitutes a proper roof inspection. 

Do inspect the roof for any small damage.

When performing a roof inspection, there are several key areas to keep in mind. You should inspect the rubber seals around the plumbing vent pipes and the electric service mast. Also examine any exhaust fans and air vents. It’s essential to look at shingles, gutters, dormer valleys and downpours, on the exterior of the house to see if there is any sign of damage. Even minor damage to your roof in any way can lead to water leaking in or other problems.

Do perform regular roof inspections.

Performing regular roof inspections can catch potential problems early on. At a minimum, these checks should be carried out every two years. Ideally, you should hire a professional roofing contractor to perform any inspections. These contractors have the needed skills and expertise to identify problems you might miss on your own by doing a detailed inspection. Additionally, you’ll receive vital information on any repairs that may be needed and how to keep your roof in an optimal state. 

Do hire professional roof repair services.

When it’s time to do repairs on your roof, it is vital that you hire a professional for the job. This way, you will ensure the job gets done right the first time. Although it might seem cheaper to do the repairs yourself, poorly done repairs can break down more quickly and lead to more trouble in the end. 

A seasoned roofer can help you find the source of the problem with your roof accurately, even if you do not know about proper repairs. A properly done repair will last a long time.   

Do install roof hatches for easy access. 

A roof hatch will allow for convenient and safe access to your roof from the inside of your home (such as from an attic). This will save you the trouble of having to use a ladder to climb up to your roof from the outside. Using a ladder to access your roof can be dangerous, and lead to potential falls and injuries. Roof hatches will also ensure you will never be stranded on your roof. In the rare event of your ladder being knocked over, you still have a way to get down. 

Hiring roofing specialists like Dominion Roofing guarantees the right way to deal with your roofing needs and maintenance. Call our roofing contractors now and set a schedule.

Don’t ignore the slightest roof damage. 

A minor issue with your roof may not seem like a big deal at the moment. Roof damage will not improve on its own or go away with time. It can increase and spread to other areas. 

If you wait to fix a small problem, it can worsen over time and end up being more expensive than the initial repair would have been. Take action and address the damage to prevent it from escalating to a costlier situation. Take a look at why you should never ignore a roof leak. 

Don’t attempt to make DIY roof repairs or replacements.

It could be very tempting to attempt any roof repairs you need yourself. It would seem like the cheaper option to most people. However, we don’t recommend that you perform any do-it-yourself (DIY) Repairs. Any DIY attempts may cause further damage to the roof if it’s not done correctly. There is also the possibility of injuring yourself by falling or other means. 

Most people do not have the training or equipment to do the job in a safe manner. If your repairs aren’t properly done, they will break down more quickly. Get your repairs or replacements from a licensed professional roofing contractor with the training and experience necessary.  

Don’t risk your safety. 

Roof inspection and repair is a complicated process. You should avoid walking on your roof unless absolutely necessary, this is to minimize the risk of injury. Instead, hire a professional roofer when repairs are deemed necessary. There can be other damage on your roof that you won’t be able to find yourself without the proper training. Always be sure to follow roof safety practices.

Don’t skip researching. 

To keep your roof safe and maintained, it’s important to do your research on the subject. This includes reading about checklists for maintenance, safety precautions for inspections, and researching different roofing professionals. Also, ask your roofing professionals for their insurance proof and business license. Please look for further information on the factors that influence the cost of roof repair.

To gain more insights into commercial roof self inspection, contact Dominion Roofing today.

PRO TIP:

“Regular roof inspection should not be considered as an additional expense, but rather as an investment to keep your building sturdy and properly maintained.”

FAQs about Dos and Don’ts of Commercial Roof Self Inspection

How often should I inspect my roof?

At a minimum, roof inspections should be carried out every two years. However, it’s a good idea to do them each year.

I’m scared of heights — can I inspect my roof without climbing?

Ideally, you should hire a professional to conduct your roof inspection. This is especially true if you are uncertain about any aspect of the process.

How do I know when my roof needs replacement? 

If you are seeing any leaks, this is a sign that there is damage to your roof, and it needs to be repaired.