Short Answer
Evaluating an existing low-slope roof involves a visual inspection of the membrane surface, checking for ponding water and drainage issues, inspecting all flashings and penetrations, conducting a moisture survey to identify wet insulation or substrate, taking core samples to assess the roof assembly, and evaluating the structural deck. This evaluation determines whether the roof can be restored or needs replacement.
Detailed Explanation
A professional low-slope roof evaluation is more comprehensive than a visual inspection. The process typically includes: visual inspection of the entire roof surface — looking for blisters, ridges, splits, punctures, fishmouths, and areas of membrane wear or deterioration. Drainage evaluation — checking that drains and scuppers are clear and functional, identifying areas of ponding water, and assessing whether the roof slope is adequate for proper drainage. Flashing and penetration inspection — examining all edge flashings, base flashings, penetration flashings (pipes, HVAC, skylights), and sealant joints for gaps, cracks, or deterioration. Moisture survey — using infrared thermography, nuclear moisture gauges, or electrical capacitance meters to identify wet insulation or substrate that is not visible on the surface. Core sampling — removing small samples of the roof assembly to examine the layers, check for moisture in the insulation, and assess the condition of the deck. The evaluation results in a recommendation: restoration (if the membrane is sound and the substrate is dry), partial replacement (if specific areas are failed but the rest is sound), or full replacement (if the membrane and/or substrate have widespread failures). Veterans Roofing conducts this evaluation as part of our low-slope roof inspection process.
Why It Matters
A thorough evaluation is the basis for an accurate recommendation — restoration vs. replacement — and prevents spending money on a coating that will fail because the substrate is wet or deteriorated.
Questions to Ask Your Contractor
- ?Will you conduct a moisture survey?
- ?Will you take core samples?
- ?Is my roof a candidate for restoration or does it need replacement?
- ?What is the condition of the insulation and deck?