A flat roof, whether it covers an industrial building, a commercial building, or even a duplex, is a crucial part of a building's structure. It protects the occupants and their belongings from the elements, but its constant exposure to the elements makes it vulnerable to many problems. Water damage, structural damage, or even a collapse can occur if the roof is not properly maintained. This is why regular and thorough inspection is essential to ensure the longevity of your roof and avoid costly repairs.

Why inspect a roof?

Regular inspection of a flat roof offers many advantages, both economically and for safety reasons.

• Prevent water infiltration:  Water infiltration is the number one enemy of flat roofs.  It can cause significant damage to the building's structure, insulation materials, ceilings, walls, and even equipment and inventory. A thorough inspection can detect early signs of water infiltration, such as puddles of water, moss, membrane deformation, damaged flashing, or clogged drains.

• Extend the lifespan of the roof: A well-maintained roof lasts longer. It is estimated that  80% of commercial roofs are replaced prematurely due to preventable problems. . A regular inspection allows you to identify problems as they arise and correct them before they worsen. A simple crack sealing, flashing replacement, or drain cleaning can extend the life of your roof by several years.

• Ensure the safety of occupants: A damaged roof can pose a danger to building occupants. Structural sagging, falling debris, or water infiltration into electrical installations can cause serious accidents. The inspection ensures that the roof is in good condition and poses no safety risk.

• Optimize maintenance costs: It is always more economical to prevent than to cure. Regular inspection helps identify small problems and repair them at a lower cost. Neglecting roof maintenance can lead to major repairs or even complete replacement, which represents considerable expenses.

When to inspect a flat roof?

Most professional associations, including the Association des Maîtres Couvreurs du Québec (AMCQ), recommend inspecting a flat roof at least twice a year: in the spring after the snow melts and in the fall before the first frost. The frequency of roof inspections depends on several factors. To learn more, read our article "When to inspect your roof - Telltale signs".

Roof Inspection: Step-by-Step

1. Preparation and Safety

• Safety first: Climbing on a roof is a risky operation, even for a flat roof. Never climb on your roof alone. Always have someone on the ground to watch you and intervene if necessary. Use a stable and secure ladder. Make sure it is well supported and extends sufficiently above the roof edge. Wear non-slip shoes. Avoid sandals or high heels.

• Necessary equipment: Bring a flashlight, a camera, a notepad, and a pen to document your observations. Wear clothing appropriate for weather conditions and protective gloves.  If in doubt, consult our complete guide on the subject.

2. Exterior Roof Inspection

• Preliminary cleaning: Start with a thorough cleaning of the roof surface. Remove all debris, leaves, branches, displaced gravel, etc. These items can hide problems or clog drains.

• Membrane inspection: Carefully inspect the waterproofing membrane. Look for signs of deformation: ripples, blisters, uplifts, cracks, punctures, etc. Wet areas, the presence of moss, or discoloration of the membrane may indicate sealing problems. Also check the condition of the joints between the membrane sheets. They must be perfectly welded. If the membrane is exposed without protective gravel, it is more vulnerable to UV rays and may deteriorate prematurely.

• Flashing inspection: Flashing is the metal elements that ensure sealing around chimneys, plumbing vents, skylights, antennas, air conditioners, and other elements that penetrate the roof. Check that they are properly secured and that there is no rust, holes, or cracks.

• Drain verification:  Drains are essential for draining rainwater.  Make sure they are clear of any debris and are functioning properly. Pour water into the drain to check its flow. A grid or strainer should be installed to prevent leaves and other debris from clogging them. If a drain is blocked, it will need to be unblocked or replaced.

• Gutter inspection: If your flat roof has gutters, check that they are in good condition and not clogged. Clean them if necessary. Also inspect the downspouts to make sure they are properly attached and draining water correctly.

• Ventilation element check: Check the condition of plumbing vents, roof vents, and other ventilation elements. Make sure they are not obstructed or damaged.

3. Interior Roof Inspection (if possible)

• Attic access: If your building has an accessible attic, take the opportunity to inspect the roof from the inside. Look for signs of moisture, mold, condensation, or light passing through the roof. Check the condition of the insulation and ensure adequate ventilation.

• Ceiling observation: Inspect the ceiling of the top floor of your building for any signs of water infiltration, such as stains, rings, paint blisters, or mold.

4. Documentation and Follow-up

• Take pictures: Take pictures of any abnormalities you find. These photos will be helpful in getting a professional opinion or tracking the progress of problems over time. Remember to photograph important roof elements, such as the membrane, flashing, drains, gutters, and attic.

• Write an inspection report: Record all your observations in a notebook. Indicate the date of inspection, the abnormalities observed, their location, and their severity. This report will allow you to track the evolution of your roof's condition and plan necessary maintenance work.

Precautions during inspection

• Only walk on solid areas: Avoid walking on wet, damaged, or fragile areas of the roof.

• Do not approach edges: Stay a safe distance from the roof edges. Use a safety harness if necessary.

• Do not touch electrical equipment: Do not touch electrical wires, air conditioners, or other electrical equipment on the roof.

• Be aware of the environment: Be mindful of obstacles, cables, ducts, and other elements that could trip you.

When to call a professional roofer?

If you are not comfortable inspecting your flat roof yourself, or if you notice abnormalities that require professional expertise, do not hesitate to call a qualified roofer. A professional roofer has the experience, knowledge, and equipment necessary to conduct a complete and safe inspection of your roof. They will be able to identify the source of the problems, advise you on the most appropriate solutions, and carry out necessary repairs.

Preventative Maintenance: A Cost-Effective Investment

Preventative maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your flat roof and avoid costly repairs. Regular maintenance reduces the risk of water infiltration, structural damage, and mold problems.

Here are some preventative maintenance measures to implement:

• Regular roof cleaning: Remove debris, leaves, branches, and anything else that could clog drains or damage the membrane.

• Drain and gutter inspection and cleaning: Ensure that drains and gutters are clear and functioning properly.

• Flashing verification and repair: Inspect flashing for damage and have it repaired if necessary.

• Anti-moss treatment application: A regularly applied anti-moss treatment prevents the growth of moss and lichen on the roof.

• Roof equipment inspection and maintenance: Check the condition of plumbing vents, roof vents, air conditioners, and other equipment installed on the roof.

The Importance of Choosing a Qualified Roofer

Choosing a qualified roofer is essential to ensure quality inspection and maintenance work on your flat roof. A professional roofer has the certifications, insurance, and experience necessary to perform safe work that meets current standards.

Here are some criteria to consider when choosing a roofer:

• Certifications and licenses: Make sure the roofer has the necessary certifications and licenses to practice their trade.

• Insurance: Check that the roofer has liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance.

• Experience: Choose a roofer with experience inspecting and maintaining flat roofs.

• References: Ask the roofer to provide references from satisfied customers.

• Written quote: Ask the roofer to provide a detailed written quote before starting work.

Inspecting your flat roof: a smart investment

Investing in the inspection and maintenance of your flat roof is a wise choice. By preventing problems and performing repairs as they arise, you protect your property and avoid unnecessary expenses. Don't wait until it's too late. Take care of your roof today!

Wouldn't it be better to have a vigilant guardian on your roof, constantly monitoring its condition and alerting you only when action is truly needed? If that sounds familiar, you’ve come to the right place. This is where the power of smart roof monitoring, like Domely, really shines, offering a proactive, efficient, and data-driven alternative to the traditional climb-and-inspect routine. The emergence of  drone technology  and AI-powered  smart roof monitoring systems  , like  Domely Connect  , offers a promising alternative, revolutionizing the way we approach roof inspections and safety.

If you want to learn more about inspections, read our complete guide .