Video Overview

This commercial inspection training video follows a low-slope commercial roof inspection. It primarily looks at a mechanically attached single-ply membrane system on a large retail building in a shopping center. The video covers the roof’s components and discusses observed defects, and some of the potential problems that may lay ahead for the roof. It also reviews the system’s composition and design, and notes the roof’s repair history and overall condition. Roof safety and how to plan a roof walk are also covered.

To learn more about inspecting mechanically attached single-ply membrane and low-slope roof systems, take the self-paced Inspecting Commercial Low-Slope Roofs Online Course and to learn more about roof safety and ladder inspection, take the Fixed Ladder Inspection and Safety Online Course and earn your certificate upon completion.

Key Terms and Definitions

  • Fully adhered: A term used to describe a membrane that is glued to the substrate without penetrating the membrane.
  • Low-slope roof: A roof having a slope of 1/4:12 up to 3:12.
  • Mechanically attached: A term used to describe a membrane that is attached to the substrate by means of fasteners (nails and plates); also commonly referred to
    mechanically fastened.
  • Single-ply membrane: A descriptive term for a roof membrane composed of only one layer of material (EPDM, TPO, PVC).

Download technical illustrations for low-slope roofs from the image gallery. 

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