Do you own a retail store and are experiencing water dripping from the roof? Then, you are not alone. Many commercial business owners face these roof leaks and cracks frequently. But how can you upgrade your roof before it becomes damaged? To do this, you have to follow the commercial roof inspection checklist. But what does this checklist include, and how does it help improve your roof’s condition?
In this blog, we will share a 10-step commercial roof inspection checklist to protect your roof from leaks and water damage. Moreover, what are the potential issues that occur on your rooftop?
Issues That Can Occur on Your Rooftop
Are you trying to identify the problem without understanding what it looks like? So, here are some common problems and roof issues that many commercial business owners face:
- Water Ponding: Have you ever seen water accumulation in the form of a pond over your roof? Water ponding occurs after heavy rain and snow when water doesn’t find its way to the gutter. So, it may be due to gutter blockage or the installation of weak tiles.
- Cracks and Tears: Commercial roofs experience cracks due to the accumulation of water over 48 hours. This prolonged water sagging can lead to increased mold growth and peeling paint.
- Flashing Failures: Flashing is used to secure the windows and skylights to the walls, but they are also prone to damage. Water sneaks in from the surroundings of the skylight. Thus damaging all of your products and goods for sale.
- Clogged Gutters and Downspouts: Sometimes, gutters get blocked due to debris and wilted leaves. So, our commercial roof inspection checklist helps you to identify this issue before water overflows.
- UV Exposure: Roofing material is prone to damage due to high temperatures. So, if your business is in a hotter region, your roof material can expand. It not only deteriorates the quality of shingles but also their shelf life.
- Foot Traffic Damage: If you walk or run on the roof without any care, your roof is likely to experience wear and tear issues. Further, professionals who climb the roof without proper care for regular inspection also contribute to this issue.
10-Step Commercial Roof Inspection Checklist
Do you want to avoid the high roof replacement costs? Then, follow this commercial roof inspection checklist. It not only saves your money but also increases the shelf life of roofing material.
- Conduct a Detailed Roof Inspection
Why are regular inspections important, and how does professional commercial roof inspection cut down on your roofing costs?
A report by Holcim Elevate and ProLogis reveals that if you maintain your roof regularly, it costs you around $0.14 per square foot annually. But if the problem gets worse, you have to pay $0.25 per square foot annually to get your roof fixed. So, it indicates the importance of early fixes.
- Clean Debris
A roof protects you from harsh weather conditions, but do you care for it? Although it protects you, it also encounters leaks due to the buildup of debris and leaves. So, make sure to inspect the roof daily and clean up all the mess.
According to Bloom Roofing, a roof with regular inspection increases the lifespan of tiles by 21 years as compared to 13 years of last-minute roof maintenance.
- Inspect for Ponding Water
Have you ever noticed water accumulating over your roof? Then, it’s time for your commercial roof inspection to fix this water sagging problem. Make sure to check your roof after rain because if water stays there over 48 hours, it’s alarming.
But why doesn’t just water pass through gutters after rain? Water ponding is a sign of poor drainage and gutter blockage. So, inspect your roof promptly after rain for all of these issues.
- Look at the Flashing
Are you aware of leakage loopholes in your roof? Flashing metal is used to secure the wall with skylight windows, but sometimes it slips, allowing water to leak into your building and damage belongings.
Therefore, it’s important to check flashing, chimneys, and skylight windows to address the issue on time. A survey of Business Research Insights indicates that the compound annual growth rate of roof repair inspection is going to increase by 10% in 2033.
5. Inspect the Field for Tears
Have you ever paid attention to your roof field? But what is the roof field, and why is it prone to cracks? We always focus on the sides, gutters, and skylight, but the large plane surface of the roof also requires care.
So, add this to your commercial roof preventative maintenance checklist to avoid wear and tear problems. Moreover, make sure to find the holes or cracks on the roof, if any. So, professionals can cover them before they damage your attic.
6. Inspect Terminations in Parapet Walls
Some people design their commercial buildings in a way that the walls extend over the roofline. Some roofs are built with parapet walls that help prevent water runoff and dripping. Some roofs are built with parapet walls that help prevent water runoff. But sometimes these termination points get weak or loose, allowing water to pass through them.
So, this problem-solution checklist of commercial roofing helps you catch problems on time. People also hire professionals to check these termination points for water damage. A survey of Business Research Insights reveals that the commercial roof maintenance market has experienced a rise from $0.44 billion in 2024 to $1.1 billion in 2025.
7. Check the Edge Detail
Make sure to check the edge of your roof because it experiences strong wind pressure. So, the chances of edge damage are higher than in other areas. Adding this to your roofing checklist saves you from future costs.
8. Inspect Roof Surfaces
Not all roofing materials show similar signs. So, make sure to check for the stains, bubbles, or sagging on your roof. Because inspecting the roof surface is a must in the commercial roof inspection checklist to protect belongings.
9. Check the Gutters
One of the most important steps of the commercial roof inspection checklist is to cross-check your gutters. Sometimes they get blocked and lead to water overflow. So, identifying and mitigating the gutter blockage is essential to enhance the drainage system.
10. Look at Your Downspouts
You might have encountered the situation where the gutter looks fine, but water still overflows. You inspect it multiple times, but the results remain the same.
In this case, the issue might not be the gutter but the drainage pipes. So, look for all the pipes that direct water away from the building.
Prepare Your Roof for Every Season!
The above-mentioned commercial roof inspection checklist is your guide to save on costly roof replacements. Roof inspections not only increase the shelf life of your roof but also cut down the total maintenance cost. Many commercial business owners in Connecticut follow this checklist to protect their goods.
At Rick’s Main Roofing, we offer complete roof installation, repair, maintenance, inspection, and replacement services. We also provide emergency roofing services and even perform emergency repairs during harsh weather conditions. So, contact us right now for your roof inspection in Connecticut!
FAQs
- Why is a commercial roof inspection important in 2025?
It’s important to follow the commercial roof inspection checklist every year to avoid costly repairs. Roof inspection saves your money and also increases the shelf life of tiles.
- How often should a commercial roof be inspected?
While regular inspections are highly appreciated, checking the roof at least twice per year is a must.
- What are the common issues that can affect a commercial rooftop?
Roof leaks, gutter blockage, flashing failure, and water ponds are the most common problems with roofs.
- What seasonal preparations should I make for my roof?
Follow the 10-step checklist and make sure everything is working perfectly before every new season.
- Can I do a roof inspection myself?
Yes, but it’s dangerous for you to climb steep roofs. Moreover, you also lack the proper safety tools and working equipment required for inspection.
