Is your building ready for winter? The commercial roofing industry recommends a twice yearly inspection schedule. In Philadelphia, a fall roof inspection is critical to ensure a roofing system can withstand the pressures of ice and snow. Because weather is unpredictable, building owners and managers should call a commercial roofing company sooner rather than later.

Regular seasonal inspections can protect your investment and ensure safe working conditions for employees, tenants and customers. A commercial roofing contractor should provide an inspection of the roof from both the inside and the outside. Here in the Northeast, shingles have already gone through a hot summer and are now going to experience what is likely to be a frigid winter. This seasonal change can make shingles brittle. Asphalt shingles in particular can crack if they are old and worn – no match for a howling Nor’easter. A commercial roofing professional can quickly spot problems and recommend budget-friendly solutions.

A quality inspection will take into account your structure’s age, use, and recent nearby events such as fires and construction. A qualified commercial roofer can pinpoint any weak spots so that they can be repaired right away. There is also still time to perform waterproofing treatments that protect against the elements. Because weather is unpredictable, do not put off repairs.

A good pre-season checkup should include:

• An inspection of areas where water is entering or has entered in the past, any rusting nails, leakage around vent pipes or exterior ducts, damaged decking, and improper ventilation
• Inspection of shingles on all slopes to identify any curled or loose specimens, or damaged coating caused by water runoff or fungus
• Exterior inspection of all intrusion seals and flashing
• Inspection of gutters and downspouts for capacity and blockage to prevent winter ice damming. This occurs when runoff backs up under the shingles along the gutters
• Areas of standing water and collecting debris
• Overhanging tree branches that can fall on low-rise structures and cause damage

Snow, sleet and driving rain are among the most destructive forces that face commercial roof systems. Ice build-up can block gutters, allowing rain to spill over onto the surface below with enough force to cause damage or intrusion. Icicles and ice dams are a sign of poor gutter flow. This often leads to water back up beneath the underlayment, causing water damage, concrete spall or dangerous mold growth.

A Philadelphia roof inspection is your best prevention against winter damage from a leaking roof. The interior damage can range from minimal to severe, requiring replacement of the material beneath the water barrier, severe mold and mildew problems, or damage to ceiling and sheetrock. This is one gamble that a business owner does not need to take.

Fall is the best time for commercial roof inspection. Call a trusted professional soon to keep your building safe and comfortable, season after season.