No two roofing systems are the same. For one thing, each roof has a different set of weak points. It’s standard practice to inspect these during an inspection. Alpine Roofing Construction, your go-to contractor for all your metal roofing needs, lists the weak points of each kind of roof and their corresponding inspection process below.
Flat Roofs
Due to their lack of elevation, flat roofs are vulnerable to UV damage. UV rays can break down the roof surface, turning it brittle and increasing the risk of leaks. That’s why if you’re doing a preliminary inspection of a flat roof, you should start with their main form of UV protection.
Built-Up Roofing
If you have a flat roof, there’s a good chance it’s made with built-up roofing. Layers of fabric and asphalt are placed on top of each other to manufacture this type of material. A layer of gravel on top of the surface protects the flat roof from sunlight.
During preliminary inspections, look for displaced gravel or bald patches. Water tends to pond on flat surfaces, so make sure there aren’t any gaps in the surface. It would also be a good idea to check the rooftop penetrations and the flashing—these are vulnerable points on any flat roof.
Modified Bitumen
Flat roofs with modified bitumen membranes also rely on a layer of gravel for protection from UV rays. In particular, you should keep an eye out for ponding water. Modified sheets are easily damaged by standing water.
Keep in mind that the aforementioned info is only useful for preliminary inspections. Whether your roof is composed of shingles or metal roofing, we strongly recommend leaving inspections to experienced roofing professionals.
Looking for experienced contractors in your area?
Alpine Roofing Construction, a contractor with nearly two decades’ worth of experience, offers a wide range of roofing services, including metal roofing installations. To get a free quote, call us at (214) 380-4607. Or leave us a message on this form. We serve homeowners in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington, TX.