The Importance of Commercial Roof Uplift Testing

Commercial roof uplift testing is a process that determines if a roofing system has exceeded its safety limits. Some commercial roof experts suggest performing an uplift test every five years. This is because roofs are subjected to extreme changes in heat, cold, and pressure from snow, rain, wind, and more. Therefore, if you don’t want your roof to be the weakest link in your building and cause damage or, worse, injury, you may consider having an inspection done. You can schedule a roof lift and inspection with a reputable company like James Kate Construction: Roofing, Painting & Windows.

What Does An Uplift Test Look For?

Uplift tests are designed to find out if the roof is properly attached to the building and if it can bear the weight that it is being asked to. The test checks for broken roofing nails, rotted or damaged wood framing, and insufficient flashing. It involves placing an attractive force on the surfaces of a building’s roofing system and putting it under a great amount of pressure. If there is enough resistance, there won’t be any concern about uplifting. There may be other things that can weaken your roof’s ability to bear pressure, though, such as loose or deflated seals or cracked shingles.

The Importance Of Commercial Roof Uplift Testing

1. Safety Of Your Building And Occupants

You don’t want to be sitting on a house whose roof isn’t attached to the building properly. It could collapse at any time. You also want to make sure there aren’t any leaks in windows or roofs that will cause damage inside the building and create a hazard for people near them. Roof leaks could cause water damage to floors, walls, furniture, and more. You can avoid all of this by having commercial roofers perform an uplift test before you begin a renovation project.

2. It Prevents The Need For Costly Repairs

Having an uplift test performed is a great way to get an idea of what is going on with your roof before doing significant repairs. It helps you identify weak areas that need to be worked on. For example, it can help you decide if only a section of the roof needs to be replaced or beams need to be reinforced. This allows you to make plans for repairs ahead of time to avoid unexpected costs.

3. Promotes Safety For Construction Workers

Construction crews know how dangerous it is to work on a roof without knowing its status. You can prevent problems by performing an uplift test on the roof and using a safety harness and helmet while working on it. A worker could slip and fall off a bent, cracked, or improperly attached roof in a moment. So you want to be sure that your roof can handle the pressure and weight of people working on it. Otherwise, it could cause serious injuries to a worker and lead to costly legal battles.

4. Increase In The Value Of Your Property

When you want to sell your building, you want to make sure it is in the best condition possible. Buyers easily notice sound roofing systems. Therefore, they are more likely to buy the building if it is structurally sound. Unfortunately, roofing systems that are not up to code are also likely to get rejected by inspectors. You can avoid downgrading your building’s structural integrity because of poor roofing systems by having a commercial roof uplift test. That will ensure the roof is structurally sound in case of an inspection or in case of any problems that may need to be fixed can be done on time and in the right way.

5. Reduces The Time It Takes To Repair.

You can have your commercial roof lifted, inspected, and repaired on the same day. It cuts down on the amount of time that it will take for the repairs or replacement of parts to come in and get done properly. In addition, if it has problems with leaks or is too thin to hold itself up during an uplift test, you can fix those issues without spending hundreds of dollars on materials or labor.

Roof uplift testing is a necessary process that gives you knowledge of how well your roof functions. It lets you know when it should be repaired, replaced, or maintained. An uplift test can eliminate the need for costly repairs or replacements by giving you knowledge about the actual state of the roof. Qualified commercial contractors can perform these tests. However, you’ll want to look at more than one estimate before getting the job done. Make sure to do thorough research so that you aren’t overcharged for materials or labor.