Commercial roof inspection is important to identify potential issues like leaks or structural damage before they happen. It also ensures safety in your commercial buildings by addressing hazards such as weakened supports or debris buildup. Besides, regular inspection prolongs the lifespan of your system, reducing premature replacement. But what about the cost?
The average commercial roof inspection cost in Wisconsin is $200 to $600. Most businesses spend $300-$400 to inspect their roofs. However, the actual cost varies based on inspection complexity, size, and the type of inspection performed. Get free quotes from different contractors to compare and pick the most inexpensive yet quality one with good reviews.Â
Commercial roof inspection cost based on inspection type
The average roof inspection costs vary mostly based on the inspection type. Let’s break it.
Basic Physical Roof Inspection
The most common type of inspection is basic visual inspection. A professional conducts this on-site walk-through inspection to find leaks, cracks, pooling water, membrane damage, and general wear. It does not rely on any equipment but the expertise of the conductor. The cost of the basic inspection is $90 – $260. It is suitable for routine maintenance, identifying surface-level damage, and assessing general roof condition.
Drone Roof Inspection
This method is a bit expensive, and the cost ranges from $180 to $450. A high-resolution drone flies over the roof and captures aerial images and videos to assess the condition without physically accessing. It is suitable for large buildings, multi-story properties, or hazardous conditions where manual inspections are unsafe. However, this method is not suitable for hidden moisture or insulation issues.
Infrared Roof Inspection
Infrared roof inspection fixes the moisture problem with drone inspection. It uses thermal imaging cameras to detect temperature variations on the roof’s surface and identify trapped moisture, heat loss, insulation problems, and hidden leaks. The cost of this inspection is $350 – $680. This method is perfect for detecting water infiltration, insulation inefficiencies, and hidden leaks.
Moisture Testing
This is an expensive inspection suitable for the costly roofing project. The method includes core sampling, capacitance meters, or nuclear gauges to measure moisture levels. The cost ranges from $500 – $1,500. It confirms hidden moisture damage, identifies water intrusion points, and determines if a roof requires major repairs or replacement.
Free Roof Inspection
Many roof contractors offer free inspections for their promotion. These inspections are basic and cost nothing. It is suitable for initial roof condition assessment and seeking multiple estimates to pick the best one.
Factors Affecting Commercial Roof Inspection Cost
Roof Size & Complexity
Larger roofs require more time and labor, leading to higher inspection costs. Besides, the design complexity with multiple slopes, penetrations, or HVAC systems increases the expense.
Roofing Material
Different materials, such as EPDM, TPO, metal, and modified bitumen, require different expertise and tools to inspect. These materials may also need additional testing, increasing the cost.
Inspection Type
As mentioned earlier, basic inspection is cheaper than advanced methods like infrared thermography, drone surveys, or core sampling.
Building Height & Accessibility
Commercial buildings are high and difficult to access. Besides, some buildings lack stairways or have unsafe conditions. It requires extra safety measures and equipment, leading to extra costs.
Roof Age & Condition
Older or deteriorating roofs often need more time and effort for thorough inspections. Extensive damage or leaks require additional testing as well.
Local Labor Rates & Regulations
The labor cost varies a lot based on location and permit location. Areas with strict building codes require more in-depth inspections.
Weather & Seasonal Factors
Inspection in extreme hot, cold, or rainy weather will increase the inspection costs. The demand also increases after storms and natural disasters.
Frequency of Inspection
Regular inspection costs less. It also reduces the long-term costs by detecting issues earlier..
Additional Costs to Consider
You may also pay additional costs for additional services. For example, follow-up repairs, travel fees, documentation, reports, and others will cost more for sure.
How often should a commercial roof be inspected?
You must inspect the commercial roof once a year. It keeps your roof in shape and reduces long-term repair costs. Besides, inspecting the roof after any weather events is important. It helps you claim the insurance.
Can I inspect my roof?
Yes, you can inspect your commercial roof. However, a lack of expertise and tools can lead to overlooking some major issues, increasing the chance of major repairs. Besides, how will you focus on your business if you are busy with your inspection? Professionals know how to do it properly with the proper tools. So it is better to leave these things to experts.
Are inspection costs tax-deductible?
Commercial roof Inspection costs are generally tax-deductible if you show them as a regular business expense. Besides, you can deduct regular basic inspections and minor repairs in the current year. However, if you use the inspection for a major roof replacement or capital improvement, it is not deductible. But you should always consult a tax professional for this.
How to Reduce Commercial Roof Inspection Costs
- Always get quotes from different contractors. It helps you compare and pick the most inexpensive one.
- Get a free inspection from different contractors to get a basic inspection without any cost.
- Always perform routine inspection and maintenance to prevent costly repairs. Besides, roofs inspected regularly are easy to repair, decreasing overall inspection costs.
- Try to hire a local contractor to avoid travel fees.
- Try to get inspection services with other roof maintenance services.
- Always take preventive measures, such as gutter cleaning, to avoid extra inspection costs.
- Try to do a basic inspection yourself. It will give you a basic idea about your roof conditions.
Need Professional Help For Commercial Roof Inspection In Wisconsin?
If you are a homeowner in Wisconsin and you are planning to have a professional roofer inspect your roof, Northern Generation can help you out. We are a fully insured and licensed roofing contractor with a 100+5-star rating of customer reviews. We use modern equipment to inspect the roof at an affordable price. Contact us now.