How often should a flat commercial roof be inspected?

Twice a year, spring and fall, and after any major storm.

Does a commercial roof warranty require inspections?

Most manufacturer warranties require the owner to maintain the roof and keep records; scheduled inspections are how that is documented.

What does a commercial roof inspection include?

Membrane, seams, flashings, drains, penetrations, equipment curbs, ponding areas and the ceiling below, with dated photos.

How long does a commercial flat roof last?

About 20 to 30 years for EPDM or TPO and 15 to 25 years for modified bitumen, with regular maintenance.

How Often Should a Commercial Roof Be Inspected?

Short answer: Twice a year, in spring and fall, and after any major wind or hail storm. That is the schedule the roofing industry recommends for low-slope commercial roofs, and most membrane manufacturers expect documented maintenance to keep their warranty valid. Each visit should check seams, flashings, drains, penetrations and rooftop equipment curbs, and leave you with dated photos.

What a real inspection covers

Field membrane for punctures, blisters and wear paths; every seam; perimeter and wall flashings; drains, scuppers and gutters for blockage; penetrations, pitch pans and equipment curbs; ponding areas; and the interior ceiling below for stains. Debris and clogged drains are cleared on the same visit.

Why spring and fall

Fall clears leaves from drains before freeze-thaw season; spring finds what winter opened up before summer storms arrive. After a named storm or hail, a separate check documents damage while an insurance claim is still possible.

What it is worth

A membrane rated for 20 to 30 years reaches that only with drains kept clear and small breaches fixed early. Inspection records are also what you show a buyer, a lender or the manufacturer when a warranty question comes up.

How we help property managers

We inspect, photograph and report on commercial roofs across Maryland and Northern Virginia, and when replacement comes due we price TPO, EPDM and modified bitumen systems with the survey already in hand.

MHIC #111971 in Maryland, Virginia Class A #2705183185, family-owned since 2005.

Get it looked at, free

We inspect across Maryland — Montgomery, Prince George's, Howard, Anne Arundel, Frederick, Carroll and Baltimore counties. Free inspection, photo report within 24 hours, and the report is yours to keep whether or not you hire us.