Regular commercial roof inspections are essential for ensuring the durability and safety of a building’s roofing system. During these inspections, experts pay close attention to the many different parts of a roof, including the vents and pipe flashings. These components are frequently disregarded or undervalued, despite their importance in guaranteeing adequate ventilation and waterproofing.
Understanding the Role of Pipe Flashings and Vents
The main purpose of pipe flashings is to seal off entry sites through pipes, ensuring that no water can seep into the structure and cause damage. Pipes that need flashing have several uses in plumbing, HVAC systems, and electrical conduits.
When pipe flashings and vents are in good working order, they greatly improve the structure’s health by facilitating energy efficiency, preserving structural integrity, and creating a pleasant indoor environment. Roof vents are available in various shapes and sizes to meet numerous ventilation requirements. These vents help control the humidity and temperature in attic areas and upper-level floors, which in turn avoids problems like mold development, ice damming in colder regions, and overheating.
Detecting Leaks Around Vents
Leaks around vents are a typical problem with commercial roofing systems. Leaks like this are sneaky because they can cause a lot of harm over time without anyone noticing at first. When inspecting a roof, experts search for multiple indicators that could indicate a leak near a vent. Signs of water damage around vents that they look for include stains on the ceiling or walls, worn roofing materials, and cracks or holes in the flashing or sealant. Rust, which might be an indicator of continuous water exposure, is another thing inspectors search for on metal roofing parts.
Modern methods, such as infrared thermal imaging, can sometimes find concealed wetness that hasn’t caused any noticeable harm. If there is water within the roof, this non-invasive technique can detect temperature changes. Water tests, in which inspectors apply water to potential trouble spots to see if and where leaks occur, are another possible inspection method. Even small leaks around vents, if not caught quickly, can cause major problems such as mold growth, damaged insulation, and structural damage.
Clogged Vents
Clogged vents cause a cascade of problems because they are unable to perform their vital duty of facilitating sufficient air circulation. Inadequate air circulation in the attic or roof area can cause condensation, which in turn can accelerate the deterioration of roofing materials, raise energy bills, and foster the growth of mold. Blocked or clogged vents in colder climes can cause snow on the roof to thaw and then refreeze at the eaves, creating an ice block.
Experts will check every vent on the roof for obstructions when they do a commercial roof inspection. For some commercial properties, it may be necessary to visually inspect the vent openings from the roof and, if feasible, from within the attic. Cameras mounted on extendable poles are another tool that inspectors can use to access regions that are difficult to reach. Blocked vents are usually easy to clear, but if left unattended, they can cause more serious issues down the road.
Animal Infestations in Vents
Roof vents are a common hiding place for small animals, including rodents, birds, and squirrels, especially during the winter and mating seasons. As a result of these infestations, numerous problems can arise, including blocked vents, structural damage, and the creation of entry points for more pests.
When inspecting a roof, experts search for evidence of animals in the area, such as nesting materials, droppings, or chew marks on the roofing materials or vent covers. They’ll also keep an ear out for strange movements or animal noises. Inspectors may occasionally insert tiny cameras into vents to search for pests.
When dealing with animal infestations, the usual steps begin with removing the animals, which may necessitate the services of expert wildlife removal operators. Next, they will clean up the area, repair any damage, and put in place preventative measures such as strong vent covers or exclusion devices. Handling animal infestations quickly is crucial because they can obstruct ventilation, bring deadly diseases and parasites, and damage the roofing system and interior.
Common Issues with Pipe Flashings
Pipe flashing may eventually crack, distort, or become fragile due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, high temperatures, and persistent dampness. As a result of these cracks and holes, water might seep into the roof.
Failure to size or seal the flashing adequately can result in inadequate protection against water infiltration. Inadequate installation or the consequences of thermal expansion and contraction can lead to flashing that is either loose or detached, which is another prevalent issue. Corrosion can be a major issue with metal flashings in places with high humidity or pollution.
During inspections, experts search for flashing problems such as gaps or fractures, water stains at pipe penetrations, and flashing that appears to be moving or coming loose from the roof. Sealants applied to the flashing may also undergo a condition check since they can deteriorate with time.
Impact of Local Climate on Pipe Flashings and Vents
In hot climates, excessive heat and ultraviolet light can hasten material deterioration, leading to brittleness, warping, or cracking in pipe flashings and vents. In colder areas, the expansion and contraction caused by the freeze-thaw cycle can cause flashings and vent systems to crack or separate. Salt air, which is common in coastal areas, can accelerate the deterioration of metal parts.
When inspecting roofs in these different locations, experts look closely at how the local weather could have impacted the materials. Their goal is to find environmental indicators of damage, such as water pooling, corrosion, wind damage, or sun damage. In high-wind regions, particular care must be taken to ensure that flashings and vents are properly secured and can withstand powerful gusts. A better understanding of these climate-specific obstacles paves the way for more precise inspections and the introduction of regionally appropriate preventative measures.
How Roof Inspections Identify Potential Problems
Roof inspections use a range of methods to evaluate the state of pipe flashing and vents. Visual inspection is the first and most fundamental step; it entails a skilled inspector checking for visible indications of wear and tear on the roof. They look for corrosion, missing or damaged sealant, flashing that has separated from the roof, as well as any obvious holes or gaps.
Thermographic imaging with infrared thermography is a cutting-edge method for finding temperature discrepancies that could reveal insulation gaps or moisture. This non-invasive method makes it much easier to find leaks that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
To see how water flows and whether there are any leaks, certain inspections may also involve water testing, which involves intentionally flooding certain sections. Drones are becoming more popular for taking precise pictures of inaccessible parts of the roof when access is a problem. When applied together, these inspection methods give a thorough evaluation of the state of pipe flashings and vents, enabling the early identification of possible issues.
KPost Company offers roofing repair and maintenance, storm damage restoration, solar panel installations, and more. Call us now to book a roof inspection in Dallas, TX for your commercial property.
