Volume 42, March 2001: 4 Reasons to Inspect NEW Roofs

Perspectives
A Quarterly Information Source from Benchmark, Inc.
Volume 42 March 2001

4 Reasons to Inspect NEW Roofs

by Tom Irvine, RRC

Too often, we hear people explain that they don't need their roofs inspected because they are "new". The following four factors identify the benefits of inspecting new roofs, and explain the potentially high value of this proposition:

1. To identify future preventive maintenance parameters
As time passes, roof replacement projects are normally required several times throughout the life of a building. The primary objective in maintaining roofs should be to maximize the service life of each new system, thus reducing each roof's life cycle cost. As with any other asset, this goal is attainable only if a comprehensive preventive maintenance program is implemented when the asset is new.

Performing an initial investigation early in a roof's life will allow recommendations for future maintenance activities to be mapped out when they pack the most punch. Waiting until the roof is middle aged and random leaks have occurred, is not the best time to begin a maintenance program.

2. To identify potential problems early
The longevity of a roof system is largely dependent on three factors: quality of workmanship, quality of materials and appropriateness of design. Assuming the design is appropriate, the possibility exists for defects in workmanship or material problems. One should never assume that because a roof is new, the installation is free of deficiencies. Many times these deficiencies are apparent from day one, or may surface within the first few years after installation. In general, the sooner after installation the problems are discovered and repaired, the less damage will result. Another advantage to early detection is that the owner's chances of holding the responsible party accountable increase.

3. To monitor the roof for damage
The susceptibility of a roof system to damage is in many instances unrelated to roof age. Drains or scuppers clogged with tree litter or other debris may promote ponding water and associated premature roof system deterioration. In extreme cases, collapse of the roof has resulted from excessive ponding related to clogged drainage outlets.

Extreme weather situations, damage by mechanical trades, staging of adjacent construction projects over the roof, and vandalism are all possible causes of damage to new and old roofs alike. Early detection of damage is only feasible through roof inspections.

4. To eliminate exclusions from the warranty
If the manufacturer's warranty is to remain effective, several requirements must typically be met by the owner. Most warranties in these cases, contain exclusions from coverage if the owner has failed to properly maintain his or her roof system. A critical component of this maintenance program is regular inspection of the roof and associated components. Most warranties have specific inspection requirements, as outlined in their written maintenance guidelines. Most importantly, an early inspection may reveal seemingly non-existent performance problems for which the manufacturer is accountable.