The Importance of Regular Commercial Roof Inspections in OK
Commercial roof inspections are a must when you run a business in Oklahoma. As a company that offers commercial roofing services, our team at Robbins Roofing makes a point to emphasize just how important these services are to not just keep your building in top shape, but to also keep your business running without a hitch.
Keep reading to find out exactly why routine commercial roof inspections should be a priority for every business owner in OK.
Oklahoma’s Weather Can Be Tough on Commercial Roofs
High Winds and Storm Damage
Oklahoma is right in the heart of Tornado Alley, which means high winds are a regular occurrence. Even outside of tornado season, the state sees plenty of storms with strong gusts that can rip roofing materials loose, tear away flashing, and weaken seams on flat roofs. Wind damage isn’t always obvious from the ground, but a single loose seam or lifted shingle can let water seep in, and this can then lead to leaks and interior damage.
Routine inspections help catch problems before they spiral out of control. A professional roofer will check for signs of wind damage such as loose membranes or missing shingles and recommend repairs before leaks start appearing inside the building.
Hailstorms
Hail is another major concern for commercial roofs in Oklahoma. Even small hailstones can crack roofing membranes, dent metal panels, and weaken protective coatings. However, remember that hail damage can sneak up on you, and just because you don’t see leaks right away doesn’t mean your roof is in the clear.
Over time, hail damage can lead to bigger problems like punctures and insulation damage. That’s why it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected after every significant hailstorm. A professional will be able to spot hidden damage (if any) and make repairs as soon as possible.
Extreme Heat and Sudden Temperature Changes
In Oklahoma, temperatures in the summer can easily climb over 100°F. Too much exposure to this intense heat can make your roofing materials expand, which then leads to cracks and weakened seams. Then, when temperatures drop suddenly—like they often do in the fall and winter—those same materials contract too quickly and make the cracks even worse.
Even tiny cracks can let water in, which can lead to mold and rot. With regular inspections, you can spot these issues early so your roofing systems won’t be left vulnerable to severe weather when it hits.
Regular Roof Inspections Save You Money
One of the biggest misconceptions about commercial roofing inspection and maintenance is that it’s an unnecessary expense. In reality, professional roof inspections are an investment that helps you avoid massive repair costs later on.
Small Problems Get Big (and Expensive) Fast
The number one reason roof inspections matter is that they catch problems early. These periodic inspections let you know if your roofing system is in need of roof repairs and allow you to address any issues before extreme weather can compromise your roof even more. Ultimately, a commercial roof inspection costs far less than a full roof replacement or a major, extensive repair.
A Well-Maintained Roof Lasts Years Longer
Commercial roofs aren’t cheap, so you want to get as many years out of them as possible. When given proper maintenance, a roof can last 20, 30, or even 40 years, depending on the material. But if it’s neglected, that lifespan can be cut in half.
Regular inspections allow you to fix minor wear and tear before it shortens your roof’s lifespan. Simple things like resealing flashing, patching up small punctures, or clearing out debris can make a huge difference in how long your roof lasts.
Preventing Business Disruptions
Your roof’s condition can dictate how well the day will be for your business. If you have a major roof leak or something worse like structural failure caused by roofing issues, your business will be disrupted one way or another. For instance, if water damage forces you to close for a few days or weeks, that’s lost revenue on top of the repair costs.
Scheduled roof inspections help prevent unexpected problems so you can plan repairs for your commercial building’s roof in advance rather than deal with an emergency situation.
What Happens During a Commercial Roof Inspection?
A thorough inspection goes beyond just looking at the surface. Here’s what the proper commercial roof inspection process should look like:
1. Checking for Visible Damage
The first item in the commercial roof inspection checklist is checking for visible damage. A roof inspector will walk the roof and look for cracks, rips, punctures, blisters, and loose seams. These are early warning signs of potential leaks.
2. Examining Flashing and Seals
Flashing around roof penetrations is one of the most vulnerable parts of any commercial roof. If it’s loose, or if there’s damage in hard-to-reach areas, water can seep in around vents, HVAC units, and skylights. Inspections can identify these weak points before they cause damage.
3. Inspecting the Drainage System
A clogged or slow drainage system is the beginning of a lot of roof problems. If water isn’t draining properly, it can pool on the roof, adding weight and increasing the risk of leaks. Regular inspections make sure gutters and drains are clear and functioning.
4. Checking for Insulation and Mold Issues
Wet insulation loses its ability to regulate temperature, leading to higher heating and cooling costs. Roof inspections check for signs of trapped moisture or mold growth inside the roofing system. Additionally, roof inspectors typically take core samples by cutting out a small portion of the roof to see the entire roofing system’s condition. This helps them determine what the issues are and how to fix them.
How Often Should You Schedule a Commercial Roof Inspection?
Commercial property owners in Oklahoma should arrange roof inspections at least twice a year. One should take place in the spring, and another in the fall. This way, you can check for damage after winter and prepare your roof for the colder months ahead.
If a major storm hits, we recommend scheduling an additional inspection to check for hail or wind damage. Doing this will help you minimize the extent of roofing issues and also avoid costly repairs.
How Robbins Roofing Can Help with Commercial Roof Inspections
At Robbins Roofing, we’ve been working with commercial properties in Oklahoma City, Mustang, Edmond, and Norman for years. We’ve got a firm understanding of the specific challenges that come with the region’s climate, and we know specific approaches and techniques to effectively tailor our services to location-specific needs.
Expert Commercial Roof Inspections
Our team provides thorough inspections that go beyond a surface check. We look for hidden damage, structural weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and potential problem areas that could turn into costly repairs later.
Detailed Inspection Reports and Maintenance Plans
After every inspection, we provide a full report detailing any issues we found, along with recommendations for repairs or maintenance. If you want to stay ahead of roofing problems, we can also provide maintenance plans to keep your roof in top shape year-round.
Insurance Claim Assistance
Our team does a full inspection and documents all damage with photos, detailed reports, and descriptions that are typically required by insurance companies when filing claims. Once your claim is approved, we handle the actual roof repairs or replacement.
Schedule a Commercial Roof Inspection with Robbins Roofing Today
Don’t wait until a leak forces you to take action. Regular inspections by a reliable roofing contractor like Robbins Roofing can save you a lot of money and help you avoid inconveniences. Based in Oklahoma, we offer roof inspection services for commercial and residential roofs as well as roof repairs and new roof installations.
Visit our website or contact us to learn more about our services.
