Yes, roof surveys can be performed on nearly every type of commercial and industrial roof, but the survey method should always match the roofing system, the building’s condition, and the purpose of the inspection. A qualified roofing contractor will select the appropriate techniques and equipment to evaluate the roof without causing damage while gathering accurate information about its condition.
Whether your building has a flat membrane roof, metal roof, modified bitumen system, built-up roof (BUR), spray polyurethane foam (SPF), or a steep-slope commercial roof, professional roof surveys play an important role in identifying existing problems, planning maintenance, and preventing expensive repairs.
Roof Surveys Are Designed for Different Roofing Systems
No single inspection method works for every roof. Each roofing material has unique characteristics that require a customized approach.
For example:
- TPO and PVC roofs are inspected for seam integrity, punctures, membrane shrinkage, and flashing performance.
- EPDM roofing is evaluated for seam separation, weathering, punctures, and adhesive performance.
- Metal roofing systems are checked for corrosion, loose fasteners, panel movement, failed sealants, and coating deterioration.
- Modified bitumen and BUR roofs are inspected for blistering, cracking, membrane splits, ponding water, and exposed reinforcement.
- Spray foam roofing (SPF) requires inspection of coating thickness, UV degradation, cracks, and moisture intrusion.
- Tile and shingle commercial roofs are surveyed for broken materials, underlayment issues, flashing failures, and wind damage.
An experienced commercial roofing contractor understands the specific failure points associated with each roofing system and tailors the survey accordingly.
Different Types of Roof Surveys
The answer also depends on the type of survey being performed.
Visual Roof Surveys
A visual inspection can be performed on virtually every roofing system. During this survey, inspectors examine:
- Surface condition
- Flashings
- Roof penetrations
- Drainage systems
- Expansion joints
- Rooftop equipment
- Signs of leaks or structural movement
Visual surveys are often the first step in evaluating roof health.
Drone Roof Surveys
Drone inspections are suitable for many commercial roofs, especially:
- Large warehouses
- Distribution centers
- Manufacturing facilities
- Schools
- Shopping centers
- Buildings with difficult roof access
High-resolution aerial imagery allows contractors to safely inspect large roof areas while minimizing safety risks.
Infrared Moisture Surveys
Infrared thermography works on many roofing systems but is most effective for low-slope commercial roofs where hidden moisture can become trapped beneath the membrane.
These surveys help identify:
- Wet insulation
- Hidden leaks
- Moisture migration
- Areas requiring targeted repairs
Rather than replacing an entire roof, infrared surveys often allow building owners to repair only the affected sections.
Core Sampling
When moisture is suspected or roof replacement is being considered, small core samples may be taken to determine:
- Roof assembly composition
- Insulation condition
- Moisture content
- Number of existing roof layers
Core sampling is commonly used on membrane roofing systems but is not necessary for every inspection.
Some Roofs Require Specialized Survey Methods
Although almost every roof can be surveyed, certain conditions require additional planning.
Examples include:
- Historic buildings
- Fragile roofing materials
- High-security facilities
- Roofs containing solar panel systems
- Green roofs
- Cold storage facilities
- Roofs with extensive mechanical equipment
In these situations, survey procedures may be modified to protect roofing materials while still collecting accurate data.
Roof Access Can Influence the Survey
Some roofs are difficult or unsafe to access due to:
- Excessive height
- Steep slopes
- Weather conditions
- Structural concerns
- Active construction
- Limited roof access points
In these cases, contractors may combine drone imaging, binocular inspections, infrared technology, or lift equipment to safely complete the survey without compromising accuracy.
The Purpose of the Survey Matters
The inspection process also depends on why the survey is being performed.
A roof survey may be conducted for:
- Preventive maintenance
- Leak investigations
- Insurance documentation
- Property purchases
- Warranty compliance
- Capital planning
- Storm damage assessments
- Roof replacement design
- Facility condition assessments
Each objective requires different inspection procedures and reporting detail.
Professional Surveys Deliver More Accurate Results
Professional roofing contractors use industry knowledge, specialized equipment, and documented inspection procedures to provide reliable assessments. A comprehensive survey often includes photographs, roof plans, moisture findings, repair recommendations, drainage observations, and estimates of remaining service life.
This information helps property owners prioritize repairs, budget for future roofing expenses, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected failures.
Shieldline Roofing’s Expert Opinion
Most commercial roofs can be evaluated with some form of moisture survey, but no single testing method works equally well on every roof assembly. We select the inspection method based on the membrane, insulation, deck, roof accessibility, and suspected moisture location.
Our Key Insights
Infrared surveys work particularly well on low-slope roofs with moisture-retaining insulation, while electronic leak detection and moisture meters can be more appropriate for other assemblies. The most reliable assessments often combine multiple methods with a visual inspection rather than relying on one technology alone.
Yes, roof surveys can be performed on nearly every type of commercial roofing system, but the inspection methods should always be tailored to the roof’s materials, age, condition, accessibility, and intended purpose. Whether the building has TPO, PVC, EPDM, metal, modified bitumen, BUR, SPF, or another roofing system, choosing the appropriate survey techniques ensures accurate results and protects the roof from unnecessary damage. Partnering with an experienced commercial roofing contractor ensures that every survey provides meaningful insights that support informed maintenance decisions, extend roof lifespan, and help maximize the return on your roofing investment. Learn More
