FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Your roof may not demand attention every day, but that doesn’t mean it’s problem-free. Neglecting roof maintenance can lead to costly leaks, operational downtime and avoidable repairs. The best way to protect your building? A proactive roof survey gives you visibility, prevents expensive surprises, and ensures your asset lasts for years to come.
Maintaining a building’s performance while managing budgets effectively is a balancing act for facilities managers. While many aspects of maintenance are routinely checked, roofs are often overlooked until problems arise. A neglected roofing system can lead to unexpected failures, costly repairs, and operational disruptions. A detailed roof condition survey allows facilities managers to identify risks early, extend asset life, and optimise budgets.
What Does a Roof Condition Survey Involve?
A roof condition survey provides a clear picture of the current roof condition, assessing waterproofing performance, drainage efficiency, and compliance with regulations. Unlike reactive repairs, which address failures after they occur, a proactive survey helps prevent minor defects from escalating into major issues.
The survey begins with a visual inspection to identify cracks, blistering, membrane wear, and standing water, all of which indicate potential failures. Advanced diagnostic techniques such as thermal imaging and moisture mapping detect hidden issues, such as trapped moisture within insulation layers, which can lead to mould growth, insulation failure, and structural weakening.
Drainage and Ponding Water
Did you know that even a small amount of standing water can put unnecessary pressure on your roof, just 1mm of water equals 1kg/m²! Regular roof condition surveys assess drainage efficiency and highlight potential problem areas before they cause significant damage.
Effective drainage is one of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of roof maintenance. Without proper water management, even the highest-quality roofing systems can deteriorate prematurely. Blocked gutters, inadequate drainage slopes, and areas of standing water contribute to accelerated wear and an increased risk of leaks.
Future-Proofing Considerations
As more organisations look to integrate solar PV systems into their buildings, facilities managers must ensure their roofs can support these additions. While a roof condition survey does not provide structural assessments, it can highlight the life span of the existing waterproofing system to determine if it will outlast or match the lifespan of a new solar PV system. If future modifications are planned, we recommend involving a structural engineer to confirm load-bearing capacity and compliance with safety regulations.
Planning for future rooftop installations as part of an overall asset management strategy supports sustainability goals and protects investments in renewable energy and efficiency improvements.
Long-term Protection and Cost Savings
A roof condition survey provides the data facilities managers need to plan maintenance effectively, reducing the risk of unexpected failures and extending the roof’s lifespan.
A proactive roof management strategy reduces the need for emergency repairs and premature replacements. Facilities managers integrating roof condition surveys into their asset management plans benefit from predictable maintenance schedules, improved building performance, and reduced operational risks.
Take Control of Your Roof Assets
Your roof plays a vital role in protecting your building and ensuring operational efficiency. A commercial roof condition survey provides the essential insight needed to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and avoid costly disruptions.
With Garland UK’s expert Technical Managers, you gain access to industry-leading knowledge and a tailored approach that ensures every aspect of your roofing system is evaluated with precision. From waterproofing assessments to maintenance planning, our team helps facilities managers proactively approach asset management.
Speak to Garland UK today and arrange a commercial roof condition survey to protect your assets for the future. www.garlanduk.com.
