Strata councils should schedule professional roof inspections at a minimum of twice per year. These seasonal checks are most effective when conducted in the spring, to assess damage from winter storms, and in the fall, to prepare the building for the intense rainy season.
Depending on the specific roofing material and the building’s needs, the recommended frequencies are:
- Asphalt Shingles, EPDM, and Modified Bitumen: At least one professional inspection annually.
- TPO/PVC Single-Ply Membranes: Twice per year due to risks like punctures or seam separation.
- Older or High-Exposure Roofs: Quarterly (4 times per year) or even monthly inspections may be necessary for high-value coastal properties or roofs over 15 years old.
In addition to these regular visual checks, councils should schedule a thermal imaging survey every two to three years to detect hidden moisture. For long-term financial planning and legal compliance with the BC Strata Property Act, a full certified inspection (lasting 4–8 hours) is required for the strata’s depreciation report.
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