A commercial roof is one of the costliest investments made on any business property. It keeps the weather out— meaning your building, inventory, employees, and customers are protected and your operation keeps moving. But even the sturdiest of commercial roofs, without proper maintenance, is vulnerable to many of these problems that ultimately lead to very expensive repairs or even early replacement. Below are some of those crucial tips to maintaining a roof and extending its life for as long as possible in the commercial sector, essential for any property manager or business owner.
Regularly Schedule Inspections
Frequent inspections form the basis of excellent maintenance to have a properly functioning commercial roof. Preferably, you should have your commercial roof inspected twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. Such visits help in detection of possible issues—leaks, membrane damages, or simple weather wear and tear—before they develop into more serious situations. It’s also good to plan for an inspection after major weather incidences, such as storms or heavy snowfalls, since the most sudden damages come as a result of such kinds of events and must be attended to promptly.
Keep the Roof Clean
Leaves, branches, dirt, and other refuse can all collect on your commercial roofing over time. In the long run, it will cause gutters and drains to clog up and eventually create ponding, possibly leading to more leaks. This assures the elimination of such problems and guarantees free flow of the water from the roof by keeping it clean more so after the storms. Besides cleaning, it is important to trim back any vegetation growing on the roof or near it as roots and branches may cause damage to the roofing materials.
Check for Ponding Water
Ponding of water on flat and low-slope commercial roofs is often attributed to the settling of debris and/or improperly drained water. Such stagnant water pools over time could cause a myriad of damage to the integrity of the roof. In fact, ponding water still remains the number-one enemy of the roof system, contributing to most roof leaks and, much worse, collapsing the roof. With inspections, one should look for signs of water logging or pooling and have an expert fix the drainage problems. Proper drainage of quicker water movement or pitching of the roof to provide for adequate runoff will help prevent ponding water problems.
Examine and restore roof flashing
Roof flashing seals the edge for all the products midway around each penetration in a roof: vents, chimneys, skylights, and more. The flashing may come loose after a certain period, start to crack, or corrode to the extent of leaking. Keep inspecting the flashing often for any damage and repair it when needed. Re-sealing or repairing damaged flashings may prevent water from finding its way into your building and eventually causing costly damage.
Membrane Damage Monitoring and Repair
Most commercial roofs rely on the roofing membrane, which is the first line of defense against water infiltration. The membrane may get cracks, blisters, or punctures due to normal wear and tear, foot traffic, weathering, or UV exposure with time. During inspections, look to the membrane to identify signs of damage. Prevent water from infiltrating the roof and gaining access to the building’s interior.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is very key to keeping your commercial roofing healthy and also the entire building. Lack of proper ventilation will trap heat and humidity in the roofing, which would deteriorate the materials, breed mold and mildew, and reduce energy efficiency. Check the working state of the roofing ventilation system; consider including another vent to increase the air circulation.
Invest in Preventative Maintenance
The best way to affordably extend the life of your commercial roof and not be shocked by any unforeseen expenses for roof repair is through proper preventative maintenance. This includes regular inspections, cleaning, minor repairs, and taking care of any potential issues before they balloon into a major problem. Most professional roof maintenance programs offer efficient work by a qualified roofing contractor in every respect, from peace of mind to long-term savings.
Document Everything
Detailed records of all the inspections, maintenance, and repairs regard roof management as a great tool. Documentation will let you trace the state of your roof over time, any repetitive issues, and therefore plan over subsequent maintenance. It also vindicates itself to be quite handy information-wise in case you need to file an insurance claim or sell the property. Attach photos, invoices, and notes from the contractors when keeping records.
Be sure to follow these many important commercial roofing tips to keep your property—and everything in it—well secured. By regularly inspecting, cleaning, making repairs, and seeking services from professionals in maintenance, you will likely stave off cost surprises and, ultimately, stretch the lifespan of your roofing.
If you ever need help with your commercial roofing system, or need to inquire about any of the roof work, then you should call 1 OAK Roofing Marietta. We are proud to offer all the guidance our customers need to keep their roof in tip-top shape, so you will have nothing to worry about as you go about running a smooth day-to-day operation.
