First Flat Roof Inspection

[John Adrian Sopher]

Got my first flat room inspection Monday.  Any tips trick or concerns I need to know or watch out for before I get there?

[Will Handley]

#1 it should not be totally flat.  Look for stains/discoloring which would indicated standing and or ponding water during inclement weather conditions.  Standing water on a flat roof for more than 24 hours after rain can cause abnormal thermal expansion resulting in seam separation to the roof surfaces.  Check for blistering about the field, another indication of water intrusion between the layers of the rolled cap sheet and or built up hot tar roofing materials.  Edge metal and lifting related to same will cause damage and or discoloring at the perimeter eaves and or starter boards.  Check the visible seams for wear and separation and of course the penetrations.  If the roof system has some age, you may see hot mop or cold patches to the existing system.  Take photos and look for corresponding stains and or intrusion relating to same. You should be good to go.

Good Luck!

[John Adrian Sopher]

I think I will also read up on flat roofs too.  We just don't see many of them on residential houses here.  Kinda like boiler heating systems.  They just aren't around here unless its a school.

[Ian Niquette]

John, I have performed alot of flat roof installation. One thing you want to look for is soft spots, that may not be leaking right where you are standing. You need to walk the whole thing and get a FEEL for the roof. FEEL for areas that are softer than the rest of the area. If you find any, try to follow the 'spongy' to the origination of the leak or entrance area of water. Good luck.

[John Adrian Sopher]

Okay thanks

[David Macy]

Hows this one look? It was 99% covered with snow. Lots of roof penetrations. The home owner told me he replaced sections of the roof. (Not good) 

[John Adrian Sopher]

So how did you check it?  I think I would have put in the report to have it inspected by a qualified professional or something.

[David Macy]

I could not properly inspect the roof due to snow. I walked it because I wanted to see the chimney/siding/roof penetrations. But I told my client it is most critical that it drains properly. There were so many roof penetrations that needed to be at least monitored. I told them to obtain documentation from current owner and history of permits. The roof drainage system was a mess.

The life expectancy was about 8<>12 years. It was a modified/roll/ashpalt roof surfaces. Less than 5% was visible.

[Ian Niquette]

DEAL KILLER!! It's holding all that snow just fine DAVid. What more do you want. Kidding, good luck John, take your time and you will do just fine.

[Jay Markanich]

John - If you can look at the roof with an IR camera at the end of a sunny day, any water underneath will still retain some heat.  If there is no camera, what Will and Ian said will do you fine.  Investigate anything that looks suspicious.

And not walking on a snow-covered roof does not make you a weenie...

(That was for Dave)