Commercial roofing costs one significant amount to install. However, without proper maintenance, your roof is at risk of significant wear and tear due to direct exposure to natural disasters. Detecting possible issues early and acting on them helps resolve the problem before they become more prominent and threaten the lifespan of your roof. In this article, we’ll outline crucial commercial roof maintenance tips.
1. Schedule regular roof inspections
It is impossible to determine the actual state of your roof from its look. Regular roof inspections by roofing experts like City Seamless Roofing can help you avoid expensive commercial roof repairs in the future. Apart from detecting common roofing problems, regular inspections can also help property owners prioritize roof improvement projects. If you have a warranty for your roof, inspections can help you determine if you should file a warranty claim.Â
2. Make repairs as soon as possible
Failing to act immediately on a problem on your roof will only worsen the situation and lead you to spend more money on your future repairs. This can also cause all types of damage to your building or make your roof collapse. At the first detection, contact a professional right away.
3. Keep your commercial roof clean
Having your commercial roof regularly cleaned can help avoid the buildup of debris that can cause mold or rot if left for too long. Mold or rot often leads to leaks and holes in the roof, lessening the lifespan of your roof. Flat commercial roofs are more prone to collecting debris, especially if your building is located in a windy area.
4. Unclog gutters and drains
Keep your gutters and drains free from obstructions by regularly unclogging them from debris. Clogged gutters and drains won’t properly drain water from your roof, leading to preventable leaks, mold, and mildew, which will eventually weaken the roof. This debris may also cause water to overflow from the gutters running down the side of your building and eventually weakening and damaging the siding.
5. Avoid too much load on your roof
Although your commercial roofs are designed to be incredibly strong and resilient, this doesn’t mean they can withstand everything and are indestructible. Reduce the load the roof has to hold continually; during maintenance and repair, an individual might be required to walk on the roof, consider installing walk pads to stabilize the roof, reduce pressure, and control further damage.
6. Check your commercial roof after a storm.
Storms lead to excess property damage, and this includes damage to your roof as well. Though the damage might go undetected, it is still a good idea to inspect your roof for damage. Make sure there are no uncommon coloration or water drops inside your building. If you are not cautious, your roof may eventually get damaged beyond repair in the long run.
7. Have the snow cleared in winter
It is important to pay attention to large amounts of snow that sit on your commercial roof for an extended period. While it looks beautiful, it can be very heavy, adding a lot of weight to a rooftop to the extent of causing it to collapse altogether. Leaks, ice dams, ice cycles, and other problems can arise due to heavy snow sitting on your commercial roof for an extended period. Contact an experienced snow removal specialist to maintain your roof during winter.
8. Trim trees near your property
Falling tree limbs and leaves can cause significant damage to your roof. Having your trees trimmed regularly will not only eliminate roof damage from broken limbs but also prevent your roof from too many falling leaves. These leaves often lead to a pile, trapping moisture that leads to rotting issues on your roof. Unpruned trees prevent your commercial roof from getting the needed sunshine to prevent it from accumulating algae.
9. Avoid applying pressure washing on your roof
As much as it may seem like a good idea to have your roof pressure washed, this can damage your roof. Applying pressure washing on your roof exerts debris and water under the roofing tiles, which is how mold makes its way under the roofing tiles causing rot to spread with the tiles leading to severe damage and water leakages.
10. Regularly check on roof equipment
Faulty equipment on your roof, such as AC units or heaters, can cause several issues on your roof. An AC unit can easily fail and leak into your building if it has a problem; faulty wiring, unsealed vents are things you will want to catch early to protect your roof and save you money.
11. Hire professional roofers
Having a skilled individual to handle all your roofing projects minimizes any chances of disappointments in the future. Other advantages include availability during emergencies as you have an already established relationship. They are familiar with your roofing and can give you tips on how to maintain your roof.
12. Keep a maintenance report
Keeping a maintenance log for all the roof repairs and inspections activities is important in tracking your roofing activities. Having the history of activities is valuable as you will keep track of what is being repaired more often and the reasons therein to check on a more lasting solution. It will also help you with a new contractor if you cannot get hold of your regular roofing contractor who is familiar with your roofing.
13. Have a regular moisture survey
A moisture survey detects changes in a roof’s material when water is present, problems that may fail a visual inspection. It provides evidence of what is happening under the roof membrane without having to damage the roofing system. The survey is cost-effective and requires little time to perform. Proper planning saves time and money.
Endnote
A roof is an important feature of any building. Prolong the lifespan of your roof by providing the best care, and doing repairs as soon as soon a problem is discovered. Staying ahead on your maintenance gives you the peace of mind that you are doing all you can to take care of your building. These tips will help you to maintain your commercial building roofing in tip top condition.Â