Even if your commercial roof looks fine, small hidden issues like cracks, clogged drains, or loose flashing can lead to costly leaks and downtime. Texas weather, with its extreme heat, hail, wind, and rain, makes routine inspections essential.
To help building owners and managers catch problems early, we’ve created a 10-point roof inspection checklist. Use it to spot red flags before they become expensive repairs. Whether you’re inspecting it yourself or hiring a pro, these are the critical items to review for a safer, longer-lasting roof.
Table of Contents
Extreme temperatures, fast-moving storms, and long dry seasons can put any commercial roof under intense stress. These conditions speed up wear and tear, and if you’re not checking your roof regularly, you might not notice damage until it’s already impacted your ceilings, insulation, or tenants.
From retail centers and office buildings to warehouses and industrial sites, regular inspections help keep your structure secure. A strong inspection routine reduces liability, extends roof life, and protects your investment year-round.
1. Check for Visible Roof Damage
Start every inspection with a clear visual sweep. Whether using binoculars, a drone, or climbing safely on a flat roof, look for:
- Missing or torn shingles
- Soft or sagging areas
- Cracked tiles or panels
- Debris like tree limbs, tools, or trash
Even small hailstones or wind gusts can lift roof edges or cause punctures. Damage that seems minor today can become a leak during the next storm.
Pro tip: If you can’t see the full surface safely, consider a drone inspection to avoid risky climbs.
2. Look for Water Ponding or Pooling
Flat or low-slope roofs often collect standing water after rain. If water doesn’t drain within 48 hours, it’s a warning sign.
Why it matters:
- Adds weight that strains your structure
- Breeds algae and mold
- Speeds up material deterioration
Look for low spots, clogged drains, or dips in the membrane. Early fixes include regrading or using tapered insulation systems.
3. Inspect Flashing and Roof Edges
Flashing is used where the roof meets walls, chimneys, or skylights. These areas are highly vulnerable to leaks.
Common issues include:
- Rusted or bent metal
- Cracked rubber flashing
- Loose fasteners or gaps
Damaged flashing invites slow leaks that can cause insulation rot or interior mold over time. Make sure all flashing is tightly sealed and rust-free.
4. Examine Roof Surface for Cracks or Blisters
Surface bubbles, blisters, and cracks are signs of aging or trapped moisture. These defects often form from intense heat or UV exposure.
What to look for:
- Raised areas
- Surface peeling or bubbling
- Long, thin cracks especially near seams
They may seem cosmetic, but they’re often the first stage of roof failure and should be addressed before they grow.
5. Evaluate Roof Drainage Systems
Poor drainage is one of the leading causes of roof leaks and premature failure. During inspection, check:
- Inner drains
- Downspouts and scuppers
- Wall drainage openings
- Clogged grates or filter baskets
Leaves, dirt, and bird nests are common obstructions. If water isn’t draining fully, clean and test the flow immediately.
6. Inspect Seals Around Vents and HVAC Units
Most commercial rooftops have penetrations from pipes, vents, or AC units. These are common leak sources if not properly sealed.
Look for:
- Cracked or dry sealant
- Rusted fasteners
- Gaps between metal boots and the roof
Make sure all penetrations are surrounded with fresh, UV-resistant sealant, not failing caulk.
7. Check for Signs of Mold or Algae Growth
High humidity and frequent rain can lead to mold, algae, and mildew growth – especially near shaded roof sections or HVAC condensate lines.
Warning signs:
- Green or black streaks
- Slippery or soft areas
- Musty odors inside the building
Prevent growth with zinc strips or roof-safe mold inhibitors. Avoid power washing, which can damage membranes.
8. Assess Roof Membrane Integrity
If your building has a TPO, EPDM, or PVC roof, inspect the membrane itself.
Common problems include:
- Seam separation
- Shrinkage or wrinkling
- Punctures or thinning areas
These issues are harder to spot visually. For large or older roofs, schedule infrared moisture scans to detect hidden moisture.
9. Examine Roof Penetrations
Every pipe, skylight, exhaust fan, or solar bracket creates a potential entry point for water.
Check for:
- Cracked gaskets
- Lifted edges
- Loose mounting brackets
- Water trails or rust around penetrations
Seal everything tightly with compatible flashing and inspect these areas every six months.
10. Check Interior Ceilings for Water Stains
Roof problems don’t always start outside. Head inside and check.
- Drop ceilings and tiles
- Drywall around vents and lights
- Upper-level rooms or attic spaces
Look for bubbling paint, musty smells, or yellowish water stains. These are often early clues to active leaks.
Common Texas Roof Problems and How to Prevent Them
Commercial roofs in this region face:
- Hail damage – Dents, cracks, punctures
- High winds – Lifted edges, ripped seams
- UV exposure – Material drying and cracking
- Heavy rainfall – Poor drainage and flashing failure
- Freeze-thaw cycles – Flashing separation and ice damage
Prevention is simple: Inspect twice per year and after every major storm.
How Often Should You Schedule Roof Inspections in Texas?
| Situation | Recommended Frequency |
| Regular upkeep | Spring & Fall (2x per year) |
| After severe weather | Within 48–72 hours |
| Before buying/selling | Before listing or closing |
| Before/after roof upgrades | Always |
Automated calendar reminders or property maintenance apps can help you stay consistent.
Hiring a Roof Inspector vs. DIY: What’s Best?
DIY visual checks work well if your roof is safe to access. However, you should hire a licensed commercial roofing pro when:
- You need infrared scans or moisture testing
- Insurance requires certification
- Safety concerns limit access
- You’re preparing for a sale or capital improvement
Look for experienced, insured contractors with clear inspection reports and photo documentation.
Final Thoughts: The Value of a Proactive Strategy
Your commercial roof is a fundamental business asset that demands consistent protection, especially given the unpredictable Texas climate. To genuinely stay ahead of repairs and maximize your investment, it’s essential to move beyond a simple checklist and adopt a professional, proactive maintenance strategy. By partnering with Core Commercial Roofing & Coatings, you ensure that your building benefits from expert bi-annual inspections, advanced moisture detection technology (like infrared scanning), and timely, warrantied repairs. This professional approach drastically reduces the risk of hidden leaks spiraling into thousands of dollars in property damage, operational losses, or tenant disputes. Ultimately, implementing a habit of comprehensive, professional roof management with Core Commercial Roofing & Coatings extends your roof’s usable life, keeps your warranties valid, prevents surprise capital expenses, and secures your building and its occupants for the long term.
FAQs
Why are roof inspections important for Texas businesses?
Inspections are vital because they directly impact your bottom line. Catching small issues like a failing seam or fastener early prevents internal damage to inventory, electrical systems, and structure, which keeps insurance and liability costs down. Proactive maintenance by Core Commercial Roofing & Coatings helps you budget for small repairs instead of facing sudden, costly emergency replacements.
What's on a Texas commercial roof inspection checklist?
A proper checklist covers the 10 essential items and more. Key technical checks include evaluating membrane integrity (for TPO/PVC blistering, shrinkage, or tears), inspecting flashing details at all curbs and penetrations, assessing the drainage pitch to prevent ponding water (water sitting longer than 48 hours), and reviewing the condition of all sealants and fasteners.
Can I inspect a commercial roof myself safely?
While you can do a quick visual check from the ground, a complete and safe inspection requires a licensed professional. Commercial roofs often use specialized membranes (like TPO or EPDM) that can be easily damaged or compromised by improper walking or inspection techniques. Core Commercial Roofing & Coatings employs trained crews who use appropriate safety equipment and methods to ensure the integrity of the roof and the safety of the inspector.
What signs mean I need a roof inspection right now?
The most critical signs that demand immediate attention are yellowish water stains or dampness on interior ceilings or drywall, a musty/moldy odor inside the top floor, excessive loss of granules in gutters (for modified bitumen/shingle roofs), or the presence of standing water (ponding) after 48 hours. These indicate an active leak or structural failure that requires urgent service.
How does roof maintenance help my Texas business?
Regular maintenance directly supports your roof’s Non-Prorated Warranty life. Manufacturers like GAF (where Core Commercial Roofing & Coatings holds a GoldElite™ certification) require documented maintenance. By keeping your warranty valid, your business is protected against expensive material failure for the full term (up to 25 years for qualifying systems), which is a major long-term financial asset.
What can happen if I skip roof inspections in Texas?
Skipping inspections can lead to your roof warranty being voided due to “lack of proper maintenance” or “failure to mitigate damage.” Unchecked leaks allow water to saturate the insulation, which then destroys its R-value (insulating power) and drastically increases your HVAC energy bills. Neglect forces a full, expensive roof tear-off and replacement years earlier than necessary.
Are there rules for commercial roof inspections in Texas?
While the state doesn’t mandate a schedule, manufacturer warranties and commercial insurance policies set the standards. For example, a GAF Diamond Pledge™ NDL Guarantee (which Core Commercial Roofing & Coatings can offer) requires specific maintenance and certified repairs to remain valid. Always refer to your specific warranty document, which acts as the legal rulebook for your roof.
Why are Infrared Scans useful during a commercial roof inspection?
Standard visual inspections can’t see past the roof membrane, but Infrared (IR) Scans performed by night show temperature differences. Wet insulation holds heat longer than dry insulation, creating a distinct thermal signature that pinpoints hidden, subsurface water damage. Core Commercial Roofing & Coatings uses this advanced technology to accurately map and isolate damaged areas, allowing for targeted, less-expensive repairs instead of full roof replacement.
What is the difference between a repair and restoration on a Texas commercial roof?
Repair fixes a localized, active leak (e.g., patching a puncture). Restoration is a comprehensive process, usually applying a liquid-applied coating (like acrylic or silicone) over the entire existing roof system. A restoration service from Core Commercial Roofing & Coatings can often extend the roof’s life by 10-20 years and provides a new warranty, all at a lower cost and with less business disruption than a complete tear-off.
