What does a multi-family roof inspection cover?
A multi-family roof inspection covers every roof surface, flashing detail, penetration, equipment curb, gutter and drain across the buildings in your community. We look for wear, storm damage and weak spots that could lead to leaks into units. The inspection also notes past repairs and drainage problems that affect how long each roof will last.
Many multi-family properties in the Valley mix roof types. A common setup is a red tile mansard facing the street, with a flat foam roof behind it holding the air conditioning units. We check both, and we pay close attention to the flashing where they meet, since that seam is a common source of leaks. Inspections are part of our full set of roof inspection services.
How often should apartment and condo roofs be inspected?
Apartment and condo roofs should be inspected twice a year and after severe storms. A spring inspection before monsoon season finds worn coatings, loose flashing and clogged drains while there is time to fix them. A fall inspection after monsoon season finds storm damage and confirms that spring repairs held up.
Roofs with lots of rooftop equipment, heavy foot traffic from HVAC technicians, or a history of leaks may need more frequent checks. Our article on why multi-family roofs need regular inspections explains the reasons in more detail.
How do drone and on-roof inspections work together?
Drone and on-roof inspections work together by covering what the other misses. A drone captures high-resolution photos of large roofs, steep mansards and hard-to-reach areas quickly and safely. Walking the roof lets our inspector press on soft spots, lift flashing edges, check fasteners and look closely at seams that photos cannot fully show.
On a large community, the drone gives you a clear overview of every building. The on-roof check confirms what each problem is and how serious it is. The result is a fuller picture than a ladder alone could give. Drone photos also make the report easier to read, because board members can see exactly where each problem sits on each building.
What does the multi-family inspection report include?
The multi-family inspection report includes a summary of each building’s roof condition, photos and video where useful, a list of problem areas with specific details, and recommendations ranked by urgency. It is written so a board member can read the summary and a property manager can use the details to plan the work.
You can expect the report to show:
- Each building’s roof type and overall condition
- Photos of each problem, with its location on the roof
- Which issues need repair now and which can be planned
- Drainage, flashing and equipment curb concerns
- Notes on past repairs that may need attention
What problems do multi-family roof inspections find most often?
The problems we find most often on multi-family roofs in Arizona are worn foam coatings, open flashing at equipment curbs and walls, clogged drains and scuppers, cracked or slipped tiles on mansards, and dried-out tile underlayment. Foot traffic from HVAC service visits also leaves punctures and crushed spots on flat roofs.
Most of these start small and cause no leak at first. Heat, UV and monsoon storms then widen them until water reaches a unit. Haboobs add another layer, piling dust and debris at drains right before heavy rain. Our post on monsoon-proofing apartment and condo buildings covers the seasonal steps that prevent these failures.
How do inspections help with reserve budgets and board decisions?
Inspections help with reserve budgets by showing the real condition of every roof and how fast each one is aging. When you track condition over several inspections, you can see which buildings will need recoats or replacement first. That lets boards and owners plan phased projects and set reserves before a failure forces the decision.
This matters for HOAs in particular, where board members must explain spending to owners. A dated report with photos makes that case clearly. If your association is planning larger work, see our roofing services for homeowners associations.
How do you inspect without disrupting residents?
We inspect without disrupting residents by planning access, parking and timing with your property manager before we arrive. We work through the community in a set order, keep ladders and equipment out of walkways and away from pools and play areas, and leave each area clean. Residents get notice through your usual channels.
If residents have reported leaks, we may ask the manager to arrange access to those units. Matching interior stains to the roof above helps us find the source faster.
What happens after a multi-family roof inspection?
After a multi-family roof inspection, we review the report with you or your board, answer questions and provide estimates for any work you want priced. Small fixes can be scheduled as repairs. Larger projects, such as replacing roofs on several buildings, can be phased to fit your budget and resident schedule.
Our multi-family roof repair crews handle leaks, flashing and coating work. A scheduled roof maintenance plan for your community keeps small problems from growing between inspections.
How much does a multi-family roof inspection cost?
Icon Roofing charges a $75 inspection fee, and we waive it if you hire us for the repair or replacement the inspection identifies. Large communities with many buildings may need more planning time, so call us to talk through the scope and schedule. The report with photos is yours to keep either way.
We inspect apartment and condo roofs across the Valley, including Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert and multi-family properties in Phoenix. Call (480) 427-7600, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, to schedule.
