QRS Founder Danny Young
Quality Roofing Services Founder Danny Young has been in the commercial roofing business since 1970. This series of blogposts will convey some of the vast knowledge his experience as a commercial roofer has provided. If you have a question for Danny, please submit it here.
Most commercial roof failures don’t start with catastrophic events—they start with small, easily overlooked issues that compound over time. That’s why at Quality Roofing Services, we’re encouraging building owners and property managers to adopt a bi-annual commercial roof inspection program—typically in the spring and fall—when seasonal transitions put the most stress on your roofing system.
But just as important as when you inspect is who is doing the inspecting.
Not all roof inspections are created equal, and the difference often comes down to the experience, training, and integrity of the person on the roof. In the sections below, we’ll break down what industry experts, general contractors, and seasoned building owners look for in a qualified commercial roof inspector—and then give you Danny Young’s perspective after more than 50 years in the business.
Industry Perspective (Analysts, GCs, Building Owners)
From an industry standpoint, a qualified commercial roof inspection company is far more than a provider that simply “looks at roofs.” The right firm serves as a technical evaluator, risk assessor, and trusted advisor, bringing the expertise, tools, and experience needed to identify existing deficiencies, uncover hidden issues, and assess long-term roof performance. A reputable roof inspection company should be able to provide objective analysis, prioritize maintenance and repair needs, document conditions thoroughly, and help building owners and facility managers make informed decisions that protect both their property and their capital budgets.
Training & Professional Background
There’s no single path to becoming a capable roof inspector, but most strong inspectors share a few common traits:
- Hands-on roofing or construction experience
- Familiarity with building systems (roofing, waterproofing, HVAC integration)
- Working knowledge of codes, manufacturer specifications, and safety standards
- Ongoing exposure to modern materials like TPO, EPDM, PVC, and coatings
Some professionals also pursue formal certifications through organizations such as NRCIA, IIBEC, NRCA, or InterNACHI. While these can reflect a level of training and commitment, they’re just one piece of the puzzle—not a substitute for real-world experience.
Key takeaway: A strong inspection is less about credentials on paper and more about what the inspector can actually identify, explain, and document in the field.
Core Skills the Best Inspectors Have – Industry experts consistently point to a core set of capabilities:
- System-Level Understanding – Not just spotting issues—but understanding why they happen across systems (TPO vs. EPDM vs. BUR).
- Attention to Detail – Small seam or flashing failures can lead to major issues if missed.
- Code & Compliance Knowledge – Inspectors must evaluate against Local codes, Manufacturer specs, and warranty requirements.
- Documentation & Reporting – Top inspectors provide: photo-documented reports, clear prioritization in recommendations, and budget and lifecycle guidance
- Objectivity & Ethics – A key differentiator: Are they diagnosing—or selling? Certifications often require adherence to a code of ethics, reinforcing unbiased reporting.
What Building Owners & GCs Actually Value – From decades of conversations I’ve had with building owners, their teams, seasoned property managers and GCs, I believe their top priorities when it comes to information about their buildings includes:
- Consistency – Reliable, repeatable assessments
- Clarity – Actionable insights, not jargon
- Defensibility – Reports that hold up with insurers or in disputes
- Preventative mindset – Extending roof life, not just identifying failures
At the end of the day, they’re not buying an inspection—they’re buying risk reduction and planning clarity.
Here’s What I’d Look For – If you’ve been around roofs long enough, you can tell who knows what they’re looking at—and who doesn’t. Here’s what I’d tell any building owner to look for in an inspector:
1) They’ve actually worked on roofs—not just studied them – There’s a big difference between classroom knowledge and real-world failure experience.
2) They understand systems—not just symptoms – Anyone can point out a leak. A real inspector tells you:
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- Why it happened
- Whether it’s isolated or systemic
- What’s coming next
3) They’re not trying to sell you something – If every inspection ends with “you need a new roof,” that’s a sales pitch—not an inspection.
4) Their reports are clear and actionable – You should leave the conversation knowing:
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- What needs attention now
- What can wait
- What it’s going to cost over time
5) They’ve seen YOUR type of roof before – TPO, EPDM, PVC, modified bitumen, metal — they all fail differently. Experience matters.
The bottom line: “A good inspector helps you get more life out of your roof. A bad one just tells you when it’s already too late.”
Contact our team today to schedule your inspection and put a long-term maintenance plan in place.
Whether you’re managing day-to-day building operations, planning capital budgets, or just want peace of mind, a professional roof inspection gives you clarity before problems escalate. At Quality Roofing Services, we don’t oversell — we inspect, document, and tell you exactly what you’re dealing with. If you’d like to schedule a site visit or learn more about our bi-annual inspection program, we’re ready to help.
