Empire Contractors provides commercial roof inspections for building owners in De Pere, WI. The company has been in business for 28+ years as a second-generation roofing company, and it works inspection-first, so decisions about repair, maintenance or replacement rest on what is actually found on the roof. If you own or manage a commercial building in De Pere, a roof inspection can document current conditions before repair, maintenance or replacement decisions are made.
Most owners ask the same two questions: when should the roof be inspected, and what should the inspection cover? In short, the inspection schedule should reflect the roof system, condition, repair history, drainage, rooftop traffic, exposure and any written maintenance requirements. Additional reviews may be useful after a specific severe-weather event, a new leak, visible damage or rooftop work by another trade. This guide explains each of those points. To schedule an inspection, call Empire Contractors at (231) 861-7221.
When to Schedule a Commercial Roof Inspection in De Pere
De Pere commercial roofs can experience snow, ice and freeze-thaw conditions. Fall and spring can be practical review points for some buildings, but there is no universal twice-yearly schedule for every roof:
- Fall, before winter. A pre-winter review can document loose flashing, open seams, drainage conditions and other visible concerns before colder weather.
- Spring, after the thaw. A post-winter review can document changes in seams, flashing, drainage and other roof details after seasonal weather.
Additional inspection may be appropriate after a specific severe-weather event, rooftop equipment work, a new leak, visible damage, or when ownership or management needs current condition documentation.
What a Commercial Roof Inspection Covers
An inspection should look at the whole roof system, not only the spot where a leak appeared. The table below lists the main areas and why each one matters.
| Area | What is checked | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Membrane surface | Cracks, punctures, blisters, worn or exposed areas, and signs of past patching | Surface damage can indicate an area that needs closer evaluation for water-entry risk. |
| Seams | Open, lifted or separated seams and the condition of seam sealing | Open or deteriorated seams can become water-entry paths. |
| Flashings and edges | Walls, curbs, parapets, roof edges, vents and pipe penetrations | Transitions at walls, curbs, edges and penetrations deserve close review because defects there can become leak paths. |
| Drainage | Drains, scuppers, gutters and low areas where water collects | Recurring standing water can add stress to seams, flashing and other roof details and may indicate a drainage condition that needs separate evaluation. |
| Rooftop equipment | Units, supports and the roofing around them | Rooftop traffic and equipment work can contribute to membrane or flashing damage depending on the roof and site conditions. |
| Interior signs | Ceiling stains, damp areas and past leak locations | Interior evidence can help narrow the investigation, but water may travel before it becomes visible inside. |
Empire Contractors’ commercial roof inspection page for neighboring Green Bay describes the same approach of checking membranes, seams, flashings and drainage and delivering recommendations.
What to Expect in the Findings
A useful inspection ends with information you can act on. Ask for findings that identify where problems are located, describe the condition in plain terms and separate what needs attention now from what can be watched. Photos of problem areas make it easier to compare conditions from one visit to the next and to explain issues to partners, tenants or a property manager.
The findings should also explain which conditions need prompt attention, which can be monitored, and when repair, maintenance, restoration or replacement should be evaluated. Because every roof is different, be cautious about any report that offers a fixed number of remaining years without explaining how it got there.
How to Prepare for the Visit
- Arrange safe roof access and let building staff know when the visit will happen.
- Gather past records, such as earlier repairs, leak locations and any documents about the roofing system.
- Note interior symptoms, including stains, damp areas and where and when they appear.
- Tell the inspector about any rooftop equipment changes since the last visit.
Sharing this background gives the inspector useful context for the roof areas and conditions that deserve attention.
Using the Results
If the inspection finds isolated damage and the surrounding roof remains serviceable, a targeted roof repair may be the right response. If the roof remains serviceable, a maintenance plan may be appropriate, and Empire Contractors’ commercial roof maintenance page explains how regular upkeep fits in. If the findings show broader deterioration, repeated failures, moisture or substrate concerns, commercial roof replacement may need to be compared with repair or restoration options. The project scope should follow the documented condition rather than a blanket replacement rule.
Schedule a Roof Inspection in De Pere
Empire Contractors can inspect your commercial roof, explain what was found and outline your options. Call (231) 861-7221 to set up a visit for your De Pere building.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a commercial roof be inspected in De Pere?
There is no single interval for every roof. The schedule should reflect the roof system, condition, repair history, drainage, rooftop traffic, exposure and any written maintenance requirements.
What does a commercial roof inspection include?
It typically covers the membrane, seams, flashings, edges, drainage, and the areas around rooftop equipment, along with any interior signs of leaks. The findings should be clear about where problems are and what to do next.
Do I need an inspection if the roof is not leaking?
Yes. A roof can have open seams, flashing defects, drainage problems or other conditions before an interior leak is visible. Inspection can document those conditions and help define the next step.
How do I schedule a roof inspection with Empire Contractors?
Call (231) 861-7221 to discuss your De Pere building and arrange a visit.