#AskCentiMark: Simplifying the Complexity of Roof Management Part 2: Roof Inspections

As you may already know, a thorough inspection of your commercial roof that identifies any issues, including those that may not be noticeable to the naked eye, is a crucial first step in keeping your building watertight (or vapor-tight if applicable for your industry). But what does it entail exactly? In this article, we discuss commercial roof management with our industry veterans with over 20 years of experience: Don Lyter, Director of Service, Global Accounts and Jakub Darling, Western Group Service Director. Today, we'll shed more light on that first foundational step to understanding what's lurking above your head: comprehensive commercial roof inspections.

Why is it essential for any facility manager or building owner to understand the condition of their roof?

Jakub: Anyone managing a commercial building needs to be aware of the current condition of their roof in order to stay ahead of any significant issues that can damage the facility's contents. Repairing minor problems as soon as possible will minimize the possibility of interrupted operations, damaged property, safety hazards, product recalls and other losses that may come with a compromised roof.

How do you evaluate the condition of your customer’s roofs and achieve the level of detail needed?

Jakub: Our skilled service technicians follow a systematic approach when inspecting roofs, ensuring that every area is carefully coordinated and thoroughly examined. This process guarantees a comprehensive inspection of each section, including penetrations, edge details, drainage systems, safety equipment and much more. When applicable, we take core samples, which allow us to understand the makeup of your existing roof and check for issues like wet insulation.

Don: This detailed inspection approach allows us to generate comprehensive reports with photographs and recommendations to help you address all issues and prioritize them. Are there any immediate needs or defects? Does your roof need to be replaced or is it in good working condition and simply needs a maintenance routine? All of this can be determined after a thorough inspection with a written report. With that report in hand, you can now look at every roof section and plan your budget more precisely. For long-term strategies, check out Asset Alert and Portfolio Management programs.

How frequently should you conduct roof inspections and why?

Jakub: We recommend that roof inspections be performed twice a year, typically with the change of seasons, such as spring and fall. We also recommend that roof inspections be performed after all severe weather events. Most commercial roof warranties and insurance companies also require regular inspections to comply with your policy terms.

Can you describe the process for identifying and prioritizing repairs?

Jakub: Based on our comprehensive roof inspection data, we focus on any issues causing water intrusion, such as punctures or open seams. The main goal is to get the roof watertight. After that, we focus on issues that may escalate into more significant problems in the future.

Don: Definitely! To maximize your roofing budget, it's essential to be proactive in reducing reactive roofing situations, such as emergency repairs. Studies show that building owners typically spend over 25% of their roofing budget on reactive spending, dealing with roof leaks and emergencies. Regular roof inspections and preventative maintenance can significantly reduce or even eliminate this reactive spending. Additionally, staying on top of your roof's condition can help you avoid unexpected costs, such as an early replacement if you neglect your facility's roof.

What role does technology play in the inspection and maintenance process?

Jakub: Technology plays a vital part in the commercial roof inspection process. Tools like drones give us an excellent overview of a facility and allow us to zoom in on specific details. We can also use these drones for thermal scans, which will give us a roof reading and allow us to understand where the moisture is trapped in the roof system. CentiMark also offers a unique tool called CentiVision that provides a visualization of the existing and proposed roof systems to better understand the current issues and what we can do to resolve them. We also offer a unique customer portal called CentiMark’s Digital Customer Experience (CMDCX) to simplify your roof management. This digital customer experience platform provides customers access to their facility's history, including past and current repairs. This allows you to fully understand your roof's current condition and gives you the tools and information you need to properly manage your facility's roof.

Comprehensive inspections are your first step in preventing roof leaks and maximizing your roofing budget. Now is an excellent time to schedule your inspections to determine your exact roofing needs. With the change of seasons and a few severe weather events over the summer, your facility's roof may have damage or drainage issues that may become apparent once the fall and winter precipitation arrives. Let's keep those reactive services to a minimum and address the defects early. Contact us today to schedule your free commercial roofing inspection.

About Our Expert Panel

Don Lyter

Director of Service, Global Accounts

Don has 30 years of experience in the commercial roofing industry. He began as a roofing laborer and has grown his career to become the Director of Service for Global Accounts. His extensive hands-on experience in production, service, estimating and project management enables him to truly understand the needs and challenges of virtually every facility in North America. He is currently focused on streamlining roof management for global brands, ensuring that every building in a customer's portfolio, regardless of its location, is taken care of.

Jakub Darling

Western Group Service Director

With 20 years at CentiMark, Jakub has grown from the roofing service crews to the role of Western Group Service Director. He now coordinates national accounts and trains service teams and account managers. Throughout his career, Jakub has worked with various types of roofs and handled every imaginable issue. His extensive experience and practical knowledge make him a reliable leader for any commercial roofing project.