Doing a simple inspection may sound like an easy thing to do, and for the most part, it is. But some things are easy to overlook. It is always a good idea to have a checklist, so you do not forget an essential item.
So Exactly What Steps Do You Take to Inspect Your Duro-Last Roof Properly?
You should know that Duro-Last has a Care and Maintenance Guide & Owner Checklist available.
We all throw things away by mistake or misplace them. If this happens to you, there is no need to worry. You can simply go to your Certified Duro-Last Commercial Roof dealer and get a new one. If they are closed or you do not have the time to drive up there, the tips below will assist you with the inspection.
Clean Off the Roof
You should inspect your roof two times a year, preferably in the spring and the fall. When you do these inspections, you want to remove all debris that accumulates during the season. There are a few different ways you can do this. You can simply use a push broom to sweep it or wash it using Duro-Last Roof Wash. If you wash it, it will also remove any surface dirt, so you can make sure there is no wear on the roof itself.
Inspect the Roof for any Damage
Most business owners do not think about the contractors they have had on their roofs throughout the year. Believe it or not, your roof gets quite a bit of foot traffic, and things do get left behind. HVAC inspectors go up to inspect HVAC systems twice a year. Your skylights need inspections and so do the vents on your roof.
With the various tradesmen working on top of your roof, there is a lot of damage. First, they wear steel-toed boots for their safety. Contractors also work with many tools that can accidentally damage sealants, plus the screws that are frequently left behind can puncture the roof. The littlest hole can lead to leaks in a short amount of time.
Inspect Your Drainage System
You may believe that your drainage system only consists of downspouts and gutters. No drainage systems on commercial buildings consist of much more than that. The most important part of the drainage system is the pitch of your roof; there should be enough pitch so that the water can drain off the roof. If you find puddles on your roof, this is a sign that one of the drainage system components is plugged or there is not enough pitch on your roof.
If you find any soft spots, puddling, or signs of leaking, call your Duro-Last Commercial Roof Certified specialist to come and inspect your roof. The weight caused by the pooling water can put too much weight on the roof and cause damage to the roof’s structure.
Inspect the Roof Tie-Ins
The tie-ins are where your Dura-Last commercial roof connects to a different material. Roof tie-ins cause stress to the area that can lead to cracked or splitting sealants. If you find a place showing signs of cracking, contact your Doro-Last contractor to check your commercial roof.
Inspect HVAC Units
During the inspection, the ductwork around the HVAC unit to make sure there is no leaking. Leaking can cause hot or cold air to escape from the tubes, and this may cause the Duro-Last Commercial Roof’s support to weaken, causing potential issues. Check for condensation on the roof caused by the HVAC system. Standing water can cause mold to damage the roof’s membrane. When the HVAC system has a proper drainage system, there is no standing water on your Duro-Last commercial roof.
The sheet metal and any stands or bases are other places that need to inspect. Because of the added weight of the HVAC units, it can cause the sealant to crack or the seam not to be tight. Any sign of issues you need to report to your Duro-Last contractor.
Summary
You need to inspect your commercial roof twice a year to ensure no damage to your roof. If you find damage, make sure to contact a trusted commercial roofing contractor that specializes in Duro-Last. If you attempt to repair your Duro-Last commercial roof independently, any further damage may cause further damage to your roof.
If you have questions or concerns about your commercial roofing system, MacDermott Roofing can help. As an Elite Master Contractor for the Duro-Last Roofing System, we have been installing, repairing, and maintaining industrial roofs for more than 45 years. Call us to see why we are leading experts in the roofing industry and how we can help with your commercial roof project. Free Consultations