For insureds, one of the advantages of having a thorough commercial inspection performed is that they’ll be made aware of any issues with the property, particularly with the roof. From the insurance carrier’s perspective, a commercial inspection provides the opportunity for insureds to correct issues before they become a problem, helping to minimize risk. Being proactive and addressing any issues with the roof can help prevent the need to file sizable claims.
A commercial inspection can reveal the following common signs of roof issues:
- Water stains on the ceiling inside the building
- Unexplained mold or odors inside the building
- Prolonged standing water on the roof
- Bubbling of the roof
- Gaps in roof flashing
- Tears in the roof cover
- Worn and/or cracking roof seems
Some commercial buildings have other features on the roof, such as a lightning protection system or skylights, can present additional risks. A commercial inspector will determine if the lightning protection system is securely attached to the roof and if the skylights are well-sealed and secured along the frame’s edge.
What should property owners do if roof damage is revealed in the commercial inspection?
A roof is one of the most significant investments that a commercial property owner will make. Therefore, to prolong the useful life of the roof, it’s imperative that the property owner proactively maintains the building’s roof.
As a best practice, commercial building owners should have the roof inspected twice a year (every fall and spring) to identify and correct issues before they become a serious problem. In the event of a major storm, it’s in the property owner’s best interest to have a professional inspect the roof for damage and areas that have become weakened enough to cause future damage.
Why choose a seasoned professional to complete property inspections?
Conducting thorough, in-person property inspections of commercial buildings will help insurance carriers to minimize risk and add a lot of value to property owners that want to proactively maintain their buildings.
Our team of seasoned professionals at Insurance Risk Services has been partnering with insurance carriers for nearly four decades to provide them with the most accurate in-person property inspections in the industry. Contact us to learn more about how our underwriting reports help insurance carriers best determine which risks are worth taking.
