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The Atlanta Business Guide to Commercial Roof Inspections

Written by Zach Reece | Nov 27, 2024 11:25:00 PM

Your Atlanta business needs regular commercial roof inspections because the city's heavy rains and scorching temperatures can put your roof to the test! Think about it - your roof stands between your business and some intense weather conditions. You want to make sure it's doing its job right. Plus, you can stay away from those annoying code violations, too!

Professional roof inspectors spot those early warning signs before small problems turn into serious problems. We've seen it happen. You might not spot that small crack or a blocked drain. But these experienced experts will catch the troubles right away. Taking action on repairs now means you won't have to shell out big money for emergency fixes later. Your roof can last 20 or 30 years longer, too, when you maintain it properly.

Let's break down everything you need to know about commercial roof inspections in Atlanta.

Note: Colony Roofers is offering free roof inspections for a limited time - contact us to schedule yours today!

Types of Commercial Roofs

You'll find a few commercial roofing options for your Atlanta building. Each one works differently in our hot and humid climate! These options can help you choose the right roof for your business needs.

Single-ply roofing systems have grown popular in Atlanta recently. You'll love TPO roofing because it's light and tough and bounces sunlight away from your building. Your warehouse roof could last up to 30 years when you take care of it. PVC roofing excels, especially if you run a restaurant or industrial building.

EPDM rubber roofing has kept Atlanta buildings dry for decades now. You'll save some money first with this budget-friendly option. It handles our unpredictable weather well. Just remember that the black surface soaks up heat, so you might see higher AC bills in the summer. While installation is pretty easy, you'll need to pay extra attention to the seams to keep water out.

Metal roofing shows up all over Atlanta's commercial community! You can count on these ultra-tough roofs to protect your building for more than 70 years. They'll last through all our heavy rains and intense sun. Sure - you'll pay more at first. But consider how much you'll save on repairs and replacements down the road.

Built-up roofing can give your building multiple layers of protection topped with gravel. Your building stays safe from harsh UV rays with this traditional option. Watch out, though; the installation kicks up some intense fumes. This method can add a big weight to your roof structure.

Modified bitumen roofs perform well in Atlanta's up-and-down temperatures. You won't have to worry about leaks or storm damage with this tough combination of asphalt and fiberglass. Make sure you hire experienced pros for installation. That material needs careful handling.

Liquid-applied roofing has caught on fast with Atlanta business owners. You'll get complete waterproof coverage without any seams, and installation won't disrupt your operations. This coating helps slash your energy bills by keeping your building cooler all year long.

Green roofs are appearing more across the Atlanta skyline. You'll manage rainwater better and cut cooling costs with these plant-covered surfaces. Just plan for regular maintenance to keep your roof garden thriving. First, ensure your building can manage the extra weight.

Common Roofing Issues in Atlanta

You'll spot leaks on Atlanta's commercial roofs first through water stains on your ceiling or damp places along your walls. What starts as a small drip can quickly turn into a massive problem. One that costs you thousands of dollars for repairs!

Standing water creates many giant problems for your commercial building if you have a flat roof. You have to be worried about the real danger of structural damage and nasty mold growth. This happens when water sits there for more than two days. Just think about it - that extra weight pushing down on your roof can make it sag and might cave in.

Georgia's quick sun does a number on your roof over time. Your roofing materials expand during the day and shrink at night because of the heat. This non-stop movement can give you cracks and bubbles popping up! You'll notice these problems first around the edges and seams of your roof. These areas tend to be the weakest.

Those famous Atlanta thunderstorms pack a real punch when it comes to damaging your commercial roof. Your drainage system might not manage the downpours. Strong winds can rip up your roofing materials. Watch out for falling tree branches, too. They can punch holes right through your roof and create instant leaks.

Poor installation work makes everything worse. Some roofers try to save money with low-quality materials or rush through the job. You'll run into problems way too soon when your contractor skips steps or ignores the way to install materials.

Most building owners don't think about maintenance until something goes wrong. Your drains and gutters get stuffed with leaves and debris. This blocks water from flowing off the roof. Even something as simple as people walking on your roof to service the AC unit can create weak spots. These turn into bigger problems later.

Atlanta's humidity creates the perfect environment for harmful growths to develop on your roof. Moss and algae love to take over the shady places where water tends to pool. These unwanted guests actually eat away at your roofing materials. They create new paths for water to sneak into your building!

Regulatory Compliance and Standards

Commercial roofing in Atlanta needs to follow some strict rules to keep everyone safe. You have to know and follow the complete guidelines in Atlanta Municipal Code Chapter 24. It tells you exactly what you need to stay within the law.

You need to get the right permits before making any changes to your commercial roof in Atlanta. Don't even think about skipping this part - you'll face some serious consequences if you do. Make sure your contractor has the paperwork in hand before they start working on your building.

Fire safety plays a big role in Atlanta's roofing regulations too. Your commercial roof needs specific fire-resistance ratings that match what your building is used for. These ratings protect your building and the structures next door if a fire breaks out.

When you get your commercial roof examined, the professional will check several features. They'll check how strong your roof deck is and make sure the support beams are holding up well. They'll also examine how water drains off your roof and search for any leaks.

Recent roof inspections in Atlanta are pretty advanced (and fun)! You can now use drones to check out those hard places to reach on foot. Infrared cameras help, too - they'll show you where water could be hiding even if you can't see it.

For any roofing job that costs more than $2,500, you need to hire contractors who have licenses and insurance. Your contractor needs a valid business license and insurance to protect you and their workers.

Atlanta's unpredictable weather means you need to stay on top of your roof inspections. Those heavy rainstorms we get can do significant damage in no time at all. And let's talk about those trees hanging over your building or that construction site next door. They can certainly damage your roof, too.

Atlanta's building codes have improved recently. You can now use an Express Permit service when you're doing smaller roofing jobs. That means you won't have to wait as long to get started on your project. This is helpful news for everyone.

Maintenance and Repair Strategies

You'll get the most out of your commercial roof in Atlanta by following a regular maintenance schedule. Your commercial roof can last more than 20 years when you take care of it! Skip the maintenance, and you might need to shell out money for a new roof in just 13 years.

Make sure you get your roof looked at twice a year. Spring and fall are perfect times for this. These regular checkups can help you spot and fix small problems before they turn into giant and expensive problems. Ask your professional roofer to look for any cracks and loose places or water damage during these visits.

Keeping your roof clean doesn't have to be tricky at all. Just sweep away the leaves and branches or other debris so water can't pool up. You'll also want to keep those gutters and downspouts clear, so water flows where it should. Water sitting on your roof for just two days can damage everything.

The trees around your building can affect your roof's condition. Make sure you trim back any branches hanging over your roof. These branches could come crashing down during a storm and cause serious damage. Those trees drop leaves that can clog up your drainage system, too.

Your roof will tell you when something's wrong - you just need to spot the signs! If you see water stains showing up on your ceiling you've probably got a leak. When you hear weird settling noises or see cracks in the walls, don't wait around - call in the experts right away!

Start keeping a complete log of everything that happens with your roof. Write down when you get inspections and what repairs you've done or when you've had it cleaned. These records help find patterns and plan future maintenance. You'll need them to keep your warranty valid.

Only let maintenance workers who need to be there access your roof. Each footstep can damage your roofing materials bit by bit. You can set up dedicated walkways for workers who need regular access. This one small change can save your roof from unnecessary wear.

Each season has its own set of challenges for your roof. Summer heat makes materials expand and crack while winter's freeze-thaw cycle can create gaps. You should schedule extra inspections after any serious weather events like hail storms or heavy downpours.

When you spend money on professional repairs, it might feel costly now, but it saves you big dollars down the road. Those quick DIY fixes usually cause bigger problems later on. Regular upkeep can put up to $20,000 back in your pocket over your roof's lifetime. You won't have to deal with surprise leaks shutting down your business operations.

Find A Qualified Roof Inspector

A reliable roof inspector in Atlanta is actually pretty easy to find once you learn what to look for. You'll want someone with proven credentials from top organizations like GAF or CertainTeed. These show you're working with a true professional who knows their techniques.

You should go with an inspector who has been in the business for at least a decade. They've probably dealt with every kind of roof issue you can imagine. They can spot trouble before it turns into a real problem for your building.

Make sure you're working with an expertly insured and licensed inspector too. Georgia doesn't force roofers to get licenses but the experienced ones do it anyway. You'll want to check that they have liability insurance and workers' comp. That way you're covered if anything goes wrong.

Feel free to ask tons of questions when you're shopping around. Get specific about how many commercial roofs they check out each year. Ask what exactly they look at during an inspection. A thorough inspection needs to cover everything from your building's interior ceiling to the drainage systems on top.

Recently, the best inspectors have used some pretty cool tech to get the job done right. You'll want someone who uses modern equipment to track down hidden leaks and place loose materials. They should also take lots of pictures and give you a clear overview of what's going on up there.

Take some time to dig into their background. You can jump on HomeAdvisor or TrustDALE to see what other people are saying. You might also want to ring up a few of their past clients to get the real story of how they work.

Skilled inspectors always follow the guidelines set by groups like the National Roofing Contractors Association. You need someone who knows Atlanta's building rules and keeps up with any changes. They should take a look at every detail when they're checking out your roof.

Look for an inspector who's always learning about the latest roofing materials and methods. The most qualified ones are always hitting up training sessions and keeping their certifications fresh. This extra knowledge helps them catch problems that rookie inspectors would probably walk right past.

Protect The Roof Over Your Head

Regular roof inspections can do more than double your roof's lifespan. You'll see it last for 40 years instead of just 20! You'll also save money by staying away from unexpected, expensive emergency repairs that pop up at the worst times. Plus, you won't have to worry about sudden roofing problems disrupting your business operations.

You can't put a price tag on the comfort that comes from having a well-maintained roof over your head. Your employees can come to work feeling protected. Your equipment stays protected and dry. You'll see those energy bills staying much lower, too. Just ask some other Atlanta business owners! They'll tell you how much better they sleep when they know their roof is sturdy.

Colony Roofers wants to help you keep that investment protected for many years to come. Our team knows commercial and residential roofing inside and out. We have home bases across Georgia, Florida, and Texas. Don't leave your roof's health up to chance. Let our experienced pros manage all your repair needs!

Give us a call, and we'll come out for a free inspection. We'll make sure your roof gets the expert care it needs. Ready to work with a trusted roofing team that puts your preferences first? Reach out to Colony Roofers now!