Roof Inspections & Detailed Reporting

A typical commercial roof inspection takes 2-4 hours depending on the size and complexity of your building. A small single-story building (10,000 sq ft) may only take 2 hours, while a large multi-building campus or complex roof with multiple penetrations and equipment can take 4-6 hours.

The inspection includes interior examination, comprehensive roof surface assessment, technology-assisted detection, and photo documentation. We take the time needed to thoroughly evaluate every aspect of your roof system rather than rushing through a checklist.

Commercial roof inspections typically range from $500-$2,000 depending on building size, roof complexity, and inspection type. A basic maintenance inspection of a simple 20,000 sq ft flat roof might cost $500-$800, while a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection with infrared thermography on a 100,000 sq ft complex building could cost $1,500-$2,000.

Factors affecting cost include:

• Building size and number of roofs
• Roof accessibility and safety requirements
• Technology used (infrared, moisture mapping, etc.)
• Report detail and documentation requirements
• Geographic location and travel requirements

We recommend bi-annual inspections (spring and fall) for most commercial roofs. Spring inspections assess winter damage, while fall inspections prepare your roof for the harsh winter months ahead. Additionally, you should schedule an inspection after any severe weather event (hail, high winds, heavy snow).

More frequent inspections may be necessary for:

• Roofs over 15 years old
• Buildings with known roof issues
• Roofs under active manufacturer warranty (usually annual requirement)
• Properties in sale or refinancing process
• Buildings with valuable equipment or inventory inside

Regular inspections are an investment that typically pays for itself many times over through early problem detection and extended roof life.

A roof inspection is a comprehensive assessment and documentation process. Our inspectors thoroughly examine your roof, take detailed photos, and produce a formal written report with findings, recommendations, and cost estimates. No repairs are performed during an inspection - the goal is assessment and planning.

A roof maintenance visit includes an inspection but also involves performing minor repairs and preventative tasks. During maintenance, we clean drains, reseal minor openings, replace damaged flashing, and address small issues we discover. Maintenance visits keep your roof in good condition between inspections.

Many of our clients combine both: formal inspections twice per year for documentation and planning, plus quarterly maintenance visits to keep everything functioning properly between inspections.

Yes, whenever safely possible. A thorough inspection requires physically walking the roof surface to examine membrane condition, feel for soft spots, check seam integrity, and inspect all penetrations and flashing details. Our inspectors are trained to walk roofs safely without causing damage.

In some situations, we may use alternative methods:

• Steep slopes: Drone photography and edge examination
• Fragile materials: Strategic access points to minimize traffic
• Extreme weather: Reschedule for safe conditions
• Large roofs: Representative sampling with technology assistance

All inspectors use proper safety equipment including harnesses, lanyards, and appropriate footwear. We're fully insured and follow OSHA safety requirements.

Absolutely. We have extensive experience documenting storm damage for insurance claims. Our detailed reports include specific documentation that insurance adjusters need: clear photos of damage, correlation to storm dates, scope of work descriptions, and repair cost estimates.

Our storm damage inspection service includes:

• Comprehensive photo documentation of all damage
• Written assessment linking damage to specific storm event
• Detailed scope of work for repairs or replacement
• Cost estimates formatted for insurance claims
• Support during adjuster meetings and inspections
• Supplemental documentation if initial claim is disputed

We can also attend meetings with your insurance adjuster to explain findings and ensure all damage is properly documented and covered. Our professional reports carry weight with insurance companies.

You don't need to be present, but we recommend a brief meeting at the start (10-15 minutes) so you can share any concerns, point out problem areas, and discuss access to interior spaces. Many property managers simply provide roof access and arrange a follow-up call to discuss findings.

What we'll need from you:

• Safe roof access (key, ladder, hatch code, etc.)
• Interior access if needed for leak investigation
• Information about known issues or concerns
• Roof age and history if available
• Contact information for report questions

After the inspection, we'll email your comprehensive report within 48 hours and are available for a follow-up phone call or meeting to discuss findings and answer any questions.

If we find significant issues, your report will include a detailed explanation of the problem, why it matters, potential consequences of delaying repairs, and recommended solutions with cost estimates. We'll prioritize findings into immediate needs, short-term concerns, and long-term planning items.

Our goal is to give you the information needed to make smart decisions:

• Emergency issues: Active leaks or safety hazards requiring immediate attention
• Urgent repairs: Problems that will worsen quickly without intervention
• Preventative repairs: Issues that should be addressed within 1-2 years
• Monitoring items: Conditions to watch but not requiring immediate action

We can provide repair quotes if desired, but there's never any obligation. Our inspection reports are detailed enough that you can get competitive bids from any qualified contractor. Many clients use our inspection findings to budget for repairs, negotiate property purchases, or plan multi-year capital improvements.