Multifamily buildings have unique needs when it comes to roofing. Because these types of structures are designed to house multiple people, there are often numerous rooftop inclusions like stovepipes, exhausts, chimneys, and vents. And, because the square footage is typically larger than other buildings, more maintenance may be required to keep the roof functional over the years. 

In Colorado, multifamily buildings can be apartment complexes, condominium clusters, or triplexes. Regardless where in the state they’re located, they’re all subject to the harsh Colorado climate. 

In our state, heavy winds, rain, and hail are the norm. Granting this, it’s just a matter of time before a multifamily building is going to need roof repair. 

But, how can you tell when repair is needed, or if the roof still has another season or two of life left in it? 

The roofing experts at A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors are here to help answer this question. 

The Importance of Roof Inspections

First and foremost, it’s important to have a roof inspection conducted at least once every six months. For property management companies or building owners who are responsible for maintenance of multifamily roofs, this inspection should be considered routine. 

This is the easiest answer to the question of how to tell when a multifamily roof needs repair: it’s when the qualified roofer who inspects your roof tells you there’s damage!

Some of the features of multifamily roofs that are evaluated during a routine inspection include: 

  • Shingle condition, placement, and alignment. A functional, stable multifamily roof will have straight, unweathered shingles that are well-granulated. When these shingles start to shed granules due to elemental exposure, it’s a good sign that repairs are coming due. 
  • Flashing condition. Flashing is important for the protection of roof edges, HVAC systems, and areas where the roof meets building siding. Anywhere this material is warped, bent, or corroded, repairs will be needed. 
  • Status of gutters and downspouts. Due to the large size of many multifamily roofs, rain management is critical to preserve the building. When gutters, downspouts, and other rain management hardware develop leaks or cracks, it’s a good idea to call in the repair technicians. 
  • Surface warping, bubbling, raising, or separation. Sometimes, a multifamily roof will have shingles and flashing that is in excellent condition, even though subroof damage might still be present. This can often be detected in areas of warping or raising. 

It’s recommended that you do not attempt to conduct a roof inspection on your own. Not only is this unsafe, but a trained eye is needed to identify areas where the roof might need attention. 

Roof Evaluations after Weather Events

In addition to having a multifamily roof inspected every six months, it’s a good idea to schedule a roof evaluation after especially severe weather events like heavy hail storms, tornadoes, and episodes of abnormally high winds. 

Thankfully, a roof inspection doesn’t take longer than an hour or two, and even the largest multifamily buildings in Colorado can often be completely evaluated in a single afternoon. 

If repairs are needed, you’ll be prepared with documentation to share with your insurance company. At A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors, we are insurance claim experts! We know exactly how to identify, classify, and diagnose the full spectrum of multifamily roof damage, and we’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure a seamless insurance claim process. 

If you believe your multifamily roof has been damaged after a weather event, take these steps: 

  1. Walk the property and document all the damage you find. 
  2. Be proactive with your tenants and ask them if they’re experiencing water leaks. 
  3. Contact A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors to schedule a roof inspection. 
  4. Contact your insurance company and notify them of where you are in the process. 
  5. Do not schedule an insurance estimator visit without having a roofing contractor present! 

Because of the significant investment that is often required to repair or replace multifamily roofs, it’s important to do everything you can to document all damages. We will help with this, and if we do find areas of damage, we’ll coordinate our efforts with you and the insurance company so the disruption to the daily operation of your building is minimized as much as possible. 

Don’t risk the welfare of your multifamily roof to just any old roofing company. A-to-Z Roofing & Exteriors has been repairing and replacing multifamily roofs in Colorado since 1993. We’re standing by right now to schedule your next roof inspection—we look forward to becoming your roofing contractor of choice! Contact us today to get started.