The roof of your commercial property is extremely valuable. It’s the component that protects your assets — the building itself and its contents — from whatever Mother Nature dishes out.
Responsible property owners know that proper care and maintenance of commercial property is necessary for long-term financial stability. An annual roof inspection is the first step on this journey. An inspection with a reputable commercial roofing contractor in Wichita helps identify problem areas before they get out of hand.
That said, many business owners balk at spending the money on regular roof inspections and maintenance. They question what a commercial roof inspection entails and the value it provides. Here’s what you need to know.
Commercial Inspectors Walk the Roof
Most roofing inspections begin with a physical look at your rooftop. You can expect your roofer to come equipped with the tools they need to climb up and look at your roof’s current condition. They’ll look for signs of damage and investigate any potential problem areas like cracks, holes, pooling water, or uplifted seams.
Then, they’ll begin the inspection on the perimeter — the more common location for problems — and work their way to the center or the primary roofing field. You might notice them making a few marks with chalk. This is a standard way to keep track of any concerns that can be explored in more depth once the initial inspection is complete.
Commercial Inspectors Sample the Roof
Next, no expert on roofing in Wichita will offer a recommendation without thoroughly vetting your roof’s current status. Commercial roofers want a good grasp of the materials used, any layering techniques applied at the time of the initial installation, and information on the decking used underneath. Don’t be alarmed if they take a few chunks out of your roof. This is a necessary piece of the puzzle and will guide the rest of the inspection process.
Commercial Inspectors Provide a Detailed Report
Next, your commercial roofing contractor in Wichita will begin the documentation process. They’ll likely explain any damages in written form, but they’ll also record photo evidence. They may also give you a heads-up on what to expect for the future integrity of your roof. For example, they may tell you your roof isn’t quite ready for replacement but may require one in another year or two. An experienced commercial roofer should provide enough documentation that you feel comfortable and educated on your roof’s current condition. If anything on the inspection report doesn’t make sense or confuses you, ask about it. This is your property, and you must fully understand what you’re dealing with.
Commercial Inspectors Provide Claims Assistance
Finally, if your commercial roofing contractor discovers damage that requires a hefty financial investment, they’ll provide a detailed cost analysis for repair (or replacement) that you can submit through your business insurance. Any reputable roofer should be experienced in insurance paperwork and claims processes. Filing a roof claim can be confusing. Having a trusted professional by your side makes it considerably less stressful.
Does Your Commercial Roof Need an Inspection? Call Shamrock!
As a successful business owner, you have a lot on your plate. Even if you know your roof could use a little TLC, it’s tempting to put it off until later. We’d advise against this. Contact us at Shamrock Roofing and Construction. We’re experts on commercial roofing in the Wichita area. We’ll take care of your roof so you can focus on taking care of your business.