Is Your Roof Ready for Fall? A Commercial Property Manager's Pre-Winter Inspection Checklist

It’s that time of year when back-to-school sales are everywhere and the daylight hours are just starting to shorten. The cold season will be here before you know it. That’s why now is the perfect time to get on your roof to make sure it’s ready for winter.

When should I inspect my roof?

Let’s get real: sometimes the nasty weather begins in October, and sometimes we don’t really get hit until March. But it’s always good to be prepared. August and September are the ideal months to do a commercial roof inspection because you have mostly dry, hot weather, leaves haven’t started falling, and there’s good light to get the best views. Plus, then you have time to make any needed repairs before the inclement weather starts.

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However, once autumn rolls around, a little bit of rainfall or wind combined with smaller roof issues could lead to much more serious problems, including active leaks and interior damage. That means more expensive emergency repairs. There’s truth to the saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

What should I look for when I do a commercial roof inspection?

Of course, every roof is different, but commercial property managers should look for some typical issues that can occur on their roof. Here’s a list of things you’ll want to check.

1. Seams and Membrane

• Check for lifted, separated, or open seams. This is especially important on TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen systems.
• Look for any blistering, ridging, or ponding near seam lines.
• Inspect patched areas from prior repairs to make sure they’re still in good shape, both adhered and sealed.

2. Flashing at All Penetration and Edges

• Examine flashing for any cracked, pulled-away, or missing sealant, as well as gaps where water could get in. Make sure you look at:
  
  • Roof edges
  • Parapet walls
  • Skylights
  • Any vertical-to-horizontal transitions

3. Drains and Scuppers

• Clear all roof drains, overflow drains, and scuppers of debris, leaves, and granule buildup.
• Confirm drain strainers and baskets are intact and properly seated.

4. HVAC and Mechanical Penetrations

• Assess every rooftop unit, curb, and pipe penetration for membrane or flashing issues.
• Check pitch pans for cracked and shrinking sealant. Refill if needed.
• Evaluate HVAC condensate lines for proper drainage. You shouldn’t see standing water or membrane wear in a particular spot.
• Examine rooftop equipment supports and walkway pads for wear or shifting.

5. Gutters and Downspouts

• Clear all gutters of debris.
• Look for sagging sections, loose hangers, or separated joints.
• Confirm downspouts direct water away from the foundation. Also ensure they aren’t discharging near entrances, which could lead to ice and slip hazards.

6. Fascia and Roof Edge Condition

• Scrutinize fascia boards for soft spots, discoloration, or peeling paint, which could be signs of moisture behind the roof edge.
• Verify the edge metal is securely fastened.
• Note any gaps between the fascia and the building that could let pests or water in.

7. Interior Areas

• Look for visible sagging, ceiling stains, or signs of past leaks that haven’t been addressed.

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Make sure you walk the full roof surface and do it at a time when you have good visibility. Photograph and log anything questionable. That way, even if it doesn’t need to be addressed now, it can be tracked and compared at the next inspection.

Still feeling unsure? We offer free inspections.

If all of this seems a little overwhelming to you, don’t worry, Landmark Roofing is here to help. We can do the inspection for you, free of charge. Or, we can pick up where you left off and handle any repairs you identified through your walkthrough. Either way, we’ll get your commercial roof ready for winter.

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Free Inspection

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