What Should a Commercial Roof Evaluation Report Show?
A documented commercial roof evaluation should give you a clear picture of what is happening on the roof, where the risk areas are, and what the realistic next steps are. It is not a sales pitch — it is a condition document that helps you make a better decision.
Roof Sections and Mapping
The report should identify the roof by section — different roof areas may have different conditions, ages, or systems. Each section should be mapped so you can see where observations were made and where problems were found.
- Roof identified by section, system type, and approximate age
- Each section mapped so observations are locatable
- Drone imagery and accessible roof-level photographs included where appropriate
Observed Conditions and Photographs
The report should document what was actually observed: seams, fasteners, flashings, penetrations, drains, curbs, skylights, transitions, and previous repairs. Photographs with location notes help you see the conditions without climbing onto the roof. We distinguish observed defects, suspected causes, and confirmed findings.
- Seams, fasteners, flashings, penetrations, drains, and curbs documented
- Photographs with location notes for each observation
- Observed defects, suspected causes, and confirmed findings distinguished
Priorities and Scope Recommendations
The report should prioritize findings — which conditions need immediate attention, which can be monitored, and which need further investigation. It should identify realistic options — repair, restore, maintain, coat, or plan replacement — and explain what each option would involve. It should not predetermine the answer before the roof is reviewed.
- Findings prioritized: immediate, monitor, or investigate further
- Realistic options identified: repair, restore, maintain, coat, or plan replacement
- What each option would involve, explained in plain language
- No predetermined answer before the roof is reviewed
What It Does Not Include Automatically
A standard visual evaluation does not automatically include moisture surveys, core cuts, adhesion testing, or controlled laboratory analysis. Those are separate investigative steps recommended when the condition warrants them — not bundled into every visit. Drone imagery supports documentation but does not prove the absence of concealed moisture.
- Moisture surveys, core cuts, and adhesion testing are separately scoped
- Drone imagery does not prove concealed materials are dry
- Additional testing is recommended when the condition warrants it
What Should a Commercial Roof Evaluation Report Show? — FAQ
Still Have Questions About Your Roof?
These guides explain the decisions. A documented evaluation applies them to your building.
Request a Roof Evaluation