Owning or managing a property used for industry or commercial purposes means constantly juggling maintenance tasks and addressing unexpected issues. From structural or roof concerns to plumbing headaches, knowing the common defects most likely to show up can help you spot problems early and prioritize your maintenance schedule.
This post will go over five common types of defects for commercial properties, some examples of each, and tips for the best ways to prevent or address them.
Structural Issues
Structural defects can sneak up quietly. Inspectors often flag subtle problems like small cracks near windows or doors, floors that feel uneven underfoot, or beams that show slight sagging.
These can appear minor initially but indicate issues beneath the surface, and foundation shifting or structural stress can worsen over time.
Common structural defects in a commercial property’s report might include:
- Small cracks expanding over time
- Doors or windows suddenly sticking or misaligning
- Floors or ceilings that feel uneven or slope slightly
- Noticeable gaps between walls and floors
Roofing and Exterior Defects
Like structural problems, roof defects don’t always show up as obvious leaks or visibly missing shingles. Issues like worn flashing, damaged seams, or blocked drainage paths can be more subtle to an untrained eye.
Defects like these will slowly let moisture inside, leading to mold growth or damage that’s hard to detect until it’s serious. Then, mold remediation is a whole new issue. These roof-related issues are fairly common in commercial and industrial buildings:
- Damaged flashing causing moisture entry
- Sagging or pooling water after rainstorms
- Damaged or lifted roofing membranes
- Moisture stains appearing inside ceilings or walls
Electrical and Wiring Hazards
Electrical hazards in commercial properties tend to hide in plain sight. Inspectors regularly find overloaded circuits, outdated wiring, or improperly modified electrical panels. These defects not only interrupt your daily business—they also put your staff, patrons, and equipment at risk.
Other electrical defects found on commercial inspection reports:
- Frequently tripping circuit breakers
- Warm outlets or electrical panels
- Lights flickering or buzzing sounds near fixtures
- Exposed or outdated wiring connections
HVAC and Air Quality Concerns
Commercial HVAC systems handle especially heavy workloads, so it’s no surprise that the average report notes issues like clogged filters, blocked ventilation, or refrigerant leaks. All of these can silently increase your energy bills and lead to uncomfortable working conditions.
Typical HVAC-related defects:
- Filters becoming dirty or clogged faster than usual
- Uneven heating or cooling in certain rooms or areas
- Unusual noises from HVAC units, signaling mechanical issues
- Sudden spikes in energy bills due to inefficient operation
Plumbing and Drainage Issues
Defects in commercial and industrial plumbing often start as small inconveniences, like slow drains or subtle leaks, but rapidly escalate.
Leaks behind walls, corroded pipes, or failing water heaters are just a few issues that can quickly lead to water damage, mold growth, or structural deterioration.
- Slow or frequently clogged drains
- Water stains or damp areas near fixtures or ceilings
- Aging pipes showing corrosion or rust
- Leaky fixtures or toilets continuously running
Simple Maintenance Between Inspections
Staying ahead of property defects means performing quick, practical checks between professional inspections.
Consider adding these to your routine:
- Regularly scan building exteriors and roofs for visible signs of wear.
- Clear roof drains and gutters, especially after storms.
- Check HVAC filters monthly and replace them as needed.
- Monitor electrical outlets for unusual heat or visible damage.
- Regularly look beneath sinks and around fixtures for small leaks or damp spots.
When to Call a Professional Inspector
- After severe weather events like storms or heavy flooding
- Before buying, selling, or leasing your commercial property
- If structural changes (like cracks or uneven floors) rapidly worsen
- If recurring HVAC, electrical, or plumbing problems persist despite your maintenance efforts
Conclusion
Use this post to help manage your commercial property for any industry and stay ahead of problems before they grow into expensive headaches (or show up on your inspection report).
If you’re concerned about issues or need clear, professional answers, the AHI team is ready to help with thorough evaluations and straightforward advice tailored to your property.