Why Are Commercial Roof Inspections Important?

Your roof system is an invaluable commodity that should be safeguarded at all costs.

That being said, most facility managers and property owners usually only think about their roofs when there’s a problem. While unfortunate, it’s certainly understandable. The roof isn’t something you typically see on a routine basis, if ever. Nonetheless, an “out of sight, out of mind” approach to commercial roof maintenance is never a good thing.

Commercial roofs are under constant attack from the elements. By addressing small problems now, you can avoid much bigger—and far more expensive—problems in the future. That’s why routine inspections are an integral part of any commercial roof maintenance program. They are a simple and cost-effective measure to maximize your roof’s performance and increase its life cycle.

While it is the job of the roofing contractor to know how to conduct a proper inspection, building owners should also know what to look for so they can make informed decisions related to their roofs.

How Often Should a Commercial Roof Be Inspected?

Commercial roofs, at minimum, should be inspected twice a year without fail! The ideal time of year to conduct a roof inspection is in the spring and fall. This ensures the roof will be prepared for the extreme weather and temperatures that usually accompany the summer and winter months.

While it can be challenging to maintain the recommended biannual inspection regimen, committing to a maintenance plan for your roof can significantly minimize recurring problems and help to ensure the long-term performance of your roofing system.

Common Roof Deficiencies:

• Exposure to the sun, inclement weather, heavy winds, etc.
• Structural movement (aka thermal movement)
• Ponding water / Poor drainage
• Rust/corrosion (specifically on metal roofs)
• Punctures, cracks, and tears (usually caused by severe weather, mechanical damage, or foot traffic)
• Debris, dirt, and other surface contaminants
• Biological growth
• Shrinkage
• Poor installation
• Neglecting maintenance
• Clogged roof drains.

What is checked and inspected

Exterior Components

• Exterior walls
• Roof edge, fascia/coping
• Expansion joints
• Penetrations (chimneys, vents, skylights, exhaust fans, etc.)
• Drainage system (gutters, downspouts, scuppers, etc.)
• Field of roof (surface condition, rust/corrosion, ponding water, granule loss, etc.)
• Substrate firmness
• Base flashings
• Seams and fasteners

Interior Components

• Interior roof deck
• Ceilings
• Interior walls

Rooftop Equipment

• HVAC systems
• Communication equipment (satellite dishes, antennaes, etc.)
• Rooftop signage
• Solar panels

Additional Inspections:

• In many cases, an infrared moisture scan may be conducted during an inspection to detect any moisture in the roofing assembly that may not be visible to the naked eye. Specifically, an infrared camera is used to inspect the insulation and layers of the roof that could potentially be saturated from leaks.
• Most infrared scans are done at night as the roof surface begins to cool down. This helps the camera better detect temperature variations between saturated and unsaturated areas of the roof. The images produced help contractors identify areas of saturated insulation that need to be replaced.
• Other moisture detection equipment, such as hand-held moisture meters or deck scanners, can also be used to more accurately identify areas of saturation within a roofing assembly.

Condo Inspections

We provide inspections for the following; condos, co-ops, and townhomes throughout NJ.

Buying a condo is one of the biggest decisions and investments you will ever make, and one you will live with for a long time. Although the process is very exciting it quickly becomes overwhelming.

While the condo you have selected may appear to be just what you are looking for, how can you be sure there aren’t any serious deficiencies that can make your investment a costly one.

Fortunately, you do not have to face this decision alone. We at C.M. Burrows Inc. encourage you to join us during the visual inspection and we will point out and explain any problems, as well as the good features of the property.

Our company is dedicated to providing you with valuable information about your condo. We thoroughly inspect all major components of the subject property to expose any deficiencies and advise you with proper recommendations.

In today’s demanding real estate market place, C.M. Burrows Inc. delivers customized reports that are accurate and easy to understand.

The easy-to-understand line item summary page and detailed photo image page save valuable time for the property owner.

Multifamily Home Inspections

Since 1996 we have been specializing in multifamily inspections. We provide inspections for the following; Multifamily homes, 2 family homes, 3 family homes, 4 family homes, apartment homes, and apartment complexes throughout NJ.

Buying a Multifamily dwelling is one of the biggest decisions and investments you will ever make, and one you will live with for a long time. Although the process is very exciting it quickly becomes overwhelming.

While the multifamily dwelling you have selected may appear to be just what you are looking for, how can you be sure there aren’t any serious deficiencies that can make your investment a costly one.

Fortunately, you do not have to face this decision alone. We at C.M. Burrows Inc. encourage you to join us during the visual inspection and we will point out and explain any problems, as well as the good features of the property.

Our company is dedicated to providing you with valuable information about your condo. We thoroughly inspect all major components of the subject property to expose any deficiencies and advise you with proper recommendations.

In today’s demanding real estate market place, C.M. Burrows Inc. delivers customized reports that are accurate and easy to understand.

The easy-to-understand line item summary page and detailed photo image page save valuable time and makes the report easy to understand

New Construction Inspections

Since 1996 we have been specializing in New Construction inspections. We provide inspections for the following; Residential homes, condos, co-ops, townhomes, multifamily homes, and commercial buildings throughout NJ.

Buying new construction is one of the biggest decisions and investments you will ever make, and one you will live with for a long time. Although the process is very exciting it quickly becomes overwhelming. While the new construction you have selected may appear to be just what you are looking for, how can you be sure there aren’t any serious deficiencies that can make your investment a costly one.

Fortunately, you do not have to face this decision alone. We at C.M. Burrows Inc. encourage you to join us during the visual inspection and we will point out and explain any problems, as well as the good features of the property. Our company is dedicated to providing you with valuable information about your dwelling. We thoroughly inspect all major components of the subject property to expose any deficiencies and advise you with proper recommendations.

In today’s demanding real estate market place, C.M. Burrows Inc. delivers customized reports that are accurate and easy to understand.
The easy-to-understand line item summary page and detailed photo image page save valuable time.

Home Inspection Services

Buying a house is one of the biggest decisions and investments you will ever make, and one you will live with for a long time. Although the process is very exciting it quickly becomes overwhelming.

While the home you have selected may appear to be just what you are looking for, how can you be sure there aren’t any serious deficiencies that can make your investment a costly one.

Fortunately, you do not have to face this decision alone. We at C.M. Burrows Inc. encourage you to join us during the visual home inspection and we will point out and explain any problems, as well as the good features of the property.

Our company is dedicated to providing you with valuable information about your new home. We thoroughly inspect all major components of the subject property to expose any deficiencies and advise you with proper recommendations. Through years of experience we specialize in the home inspections and home energy audits along the Gold Coast of Hudson and Bergen Countys focusing on residential homes, townhomes, condos, new construction, multifamily homes, and commercial buildings.

In today’s demanding real estate market place, C.M. Burrows Inc. delivers customized reports that are accurate and easy to understand.

The easy-to-understand line item summary page and detailed photo image page save valuable time and makes the report easy to understand.

Structural Inspections

We perform a detailed structural inspection of every home. 

The key components that we inspect during the structural portion of each home inspection are the foundation, floors, walls, columns, piers, ceilings, roof structure and attic. We also check for signs of abnormal or harmful water penetration into the building as well as signs of abnormal or harmful condensation on building components.

We report on the type of foundation: Masonry Block, Brick, Rock, Poured Concrete, etc.

We report to you  what the Columns and Piers were made of: wood, concrete, brick, masonry block, steel columns, and/or steel jacks.
We report on the roof type.

What is a structural inspection?
A structural inspection is a detailed report of all the aspects of the structure’s integrity.  We will inspect the slab or pier and beam foundation, inspect the interior walls, exterior veneer, and roof system.

What are possible structural issues?
Possible structural issues include sagging roof systems, lack of gutters, slope of the yard / improper grading, sagging / cracks main beams and girders, cracks / differential displacement of the foundation walls, termite infestation / damage, water/ moisture penetration through foundation walls, and a tree’s root system being to close to the foundation.

Mechanical Inspections

Our licensed home inspectors will perform a detailed mechanical inspection of every home.

The key components that we inspect during the mechanical portion of each home inspection are the heating system, air conditioning system, ductwork, venting, fireplaces / chimneys, plumbing system, bathrooms, hot water heater, electric, and major appliances.
We also report on the approximate age of the systems to determine and make you aware if they are near the end of there useful life spans.

We report on the type of heating system: Forced hot air, forced hot water, steam, radiant heat.

We report on the type of plumbing components: Age and size of the water heater, cast iron or plastic waste piping, copper or plastic supply piping.

We report on the electric amperage and type of distribution wiring.  

What is a mechanical inspection?
A mechanical inspection is a detailed report of all the aspects of the mechanical systems of the home.  We will inspect the heating system, air conditioning system, ductwork, venting, fireplaces / chimneys, plumbing system, bathrooms, hot water heater, electric, and major appliances.

What are possible mechanical issues?
Possible mechanical issues include waste plumbing lines that are not draining, low water pressure, active leaks below bathrooms from pipes or tub / showers, an old hot water heater that is leaking, loose / hanging live electric wires, old knob and tube wiring, a federal pacific main electric panel that can be a fire safety issue, heating or air conditioning system that is not functioning and has improper ductwork, fireplace / chimney that has soot build up with a damper that is not functioning.

CM Burrows Inc. is your independent unbiased basement & crawlspace inspection consultant that is not trying to sell you any product or service. We are here to solve your basement or crawlspace issue and give you truly genuine advice / recommendations of what we think is the best cost effective solution for your basement or crawlspace.

If you see visible mold growth, have musty smells, damp / wet basement or crawlspace, Cracks in your foundation or dry wall, or if you have musty odors coming up from HVAC system or downstairs, CM Burrows Inc is the basement & crawlspace consultant you can trust. We have state of the art moisture reading equipment to help determine the source and solution. A healthy basement or crawl space means a healthy home for you and your family.

We provide complete basement and crawl space solutions including: Mold Testing, Moisture readings, crawl space encapsulation, moisture dehumidification, vent sealing, basement & crawl space insulation, musty odor removal, sump pumps & battery backup systems, foundation repair & stabilization, basement egress window installation, basement / crawlspace waterproofing solutions, and exterior grading and drainage corrections. Remember we are here to solve your basement or crawlspace issue and just give you truly genuine advice / recommendations of what we think is the best cost effective solution for your basement or crawlspace. We are not trying to sell you any product or service.

Before

After

CM Burrows Inc helps property owners and management companies assess the current condition of their commercial or residential properties. Building inspectors assess the subject property in order to understand the condition of the building. We will then perform a baseline property condition assessment of the buildings systems & components to help determine age, wear & tear, and the need for corrective action / repair / replacement. A Baseline Property Condition Report is generated discussing each building system and its condition.

A Property condition assessment is also a great tool when a tenant or lease holder is moving in or out of a property. The report states the current condition of the property. This way all parties are made aware of the current condition of the Property-Buildings systems & components; such as age, wear & tear, and the need for corrective action / repair / replacement.

We perform property condition assessments on the following commercial and residential properties; Office, medical, retail, mixed use, warehouse, multifamily, condos, townhouse, and apartment buildings.

Property condition assessment scope

Building components Evaluated

• HVAC Systems
• Plumbing
• Boilers
• Electrical
• Hot water system

Building Evaluation

• Foundation
• Structure
• Roof system
• Roof drainage
• Interior
• Building Envelope and exterior

Site Improvements Evaluated

• Pavement
• Drainage
• Signage
• Lighting

CM Burrows Inc works with Construction lenders & property owners and require us to be their boots on the ground and report on the progress of a construction project. With Construction Project Monitoring, we will conduct regular or monthly construction progress site assessments to ensure that the proposed improvements and construction at the subject site are progressing as required. CM Burrows Inc will confirm information provided by the client and assess the status of the project, the construction operations, and the percentages of the phases complete. A CM Burrows Inc inspector will visit the site as directed or on an arranged schedule and prepare a written report with detailed site photos to determine if the required improvements and construction work have been completed and are in compliance with the client’s scope of work and timing.

We perform construction project monitoring on the following commercial and residential properties; Office, medical, retail, mixed use, warehouse, multifamily, condos, townhouse, and apartment buildings.

What is Construction Project Monitoring, and what does the scope of work include?

As part of the field site visit a CM Burrows Inc. inspector will conduct the following:

• Observe the construction work and establish its level of completion through site visit and detailed photos.
• Assess General Conformance (GC) with the bank’s understanding of the GC Contract and percentages of the work that has been completed.
• Assess the adequacy of material and workmanship.
• Making sure the site is well run and free of excess debris.
• Verify the adequacy of the contractor’s application for payment if line item is complete.
• Identify and report construction changes and potential and pending change orders now or possibly in the future.
• Identify and report status of stored materials and if requested, off-site materials.
• Assess the construction schedule and percentages complete
• Verify quality control measures by applicable agencies, architect and engineers, material testing laboratories, and qualified construction inspectors.
• Determine amount of the labor on site, and address any potential work hindrances or stoppage.
• Verify and check any change orders.
• Obtain an estimated completion time.