Your commercial roofing system is your first line of defense against external elements and extreme weather. Scheduling maintenance is an excellent way of mitigating any possible issues that could result in your property sustaining damage. Keeping track of any problems and proactively addressing them before they become serious will effectively extend the life of your roof.
There are various ways to extend your roof's lifespan, including robust and flexible acrylic and silicone treatments. These coatings protect the whole surface, even cracks, and fissures. Combine this with regular maintenance, and you can maintain your roof's features and durability.
Have Your Roof Inspected Every Two Years
A skilled roofing contractor should check your commercial roof at least twice a year to discover possible roof issues. Inspect your rooftop for concealed leaks, cracks, drooping, or weak points.
Also, check for potential problems surrounding the eaves, joints, vents, and skylights with a roofer. You'll want to plan an inspection before winter arrives to prevent dealing with roofing difficulties when temps drop below freezing.
Inspect Your Roof After a Bad Storm
Storms with strong winds, hail, or blizzard conditions can damage your commercial roof and go undetected until it becomes a severe issue. It is an excellent move to inspect the area thoroughly after an intense weather event.
Inspect the most vulnerable regions where there are components installed. Pay extra attention to openings like your energy-efficient roof hatches because you can never be too careful with any access points.
Unclog and Clean Your Gutters and Drains Regularly
Since rain and storms can bring debris that could block your roof drainage system, you must clean it regularly. Clogged gutters can cause leaks, fungal growth, and other problems for your roof. Check for any fractures, holes, loosened gutters, or drains and fix them. Any delays may lead to more issues when you leave them unattended.
Check to See if Your Roof's Equipment Is Working
Roof-mounted faulty equipment can compromise the integrity of your commercial roof in various ways. To safeguard your roof and maintain the safety of your rooftop, you'll want to prevent leaky air conditioning, poor wiring, and open vents.
Fix the Leaks Immediately
One of the most common commercial roofing issues is roof leaks. It will only worsen with time if not addressed immediately, increasing the repair cost. It can damage your building, including equipment and electrical issues. Furthermore, it could lead to the collapse of your roof. Notify your roofing contractor as soon as you notice signs that your commercial roof is failing.
Avoid Extra Pressure
Commercial roofs are generally sturdy and resilient. Avoiding additional pressure on your roofing is ideal for maintaining it in good shape. That includes keeping everyone off the area and reducing the weight it needs to support.
Even the simple act of not allowing someone to walk on it unless required can help relieve stress. There will be instances when someone will need to be on the rooftop, such as maintenance and repairs.
Maintain the Cleanliness of Your Commercial Roof
Keeping the cleanliness of your roof will prevent you from getting blockages, algae, and fungal growth. Any of these factors can shorten your roof's lifespan. Routine cleaning and ensuring that all equipment is clear of dirt will help to protect your commercial investment over time.
Commercial rooftops gather the waste from the surrounding area, especially on windy days. Although it may not appear that a mound of leaves might cause damage, these piles are the ideal area for water to collect and eventually develop mold or decay. Mold and decay are significant contributors to material deterioration, resulting in leaking or holes. Spend time cleaning your roof to eliminate these hot spots.
During the Winter Season, Get Your Snow Cleared
Ice cycles, ice dams, leaks, and other issues can occur when heavy snow lies on a commercial roof for a longer length of time. Have a snow removal technician clean your roof during the winter.
All commercial roofs accumulate more snow than a sloping residential roof, so it requires snow removal. Include snow clearing in your commercial roofing services and ask your roofer for the best option for your roof.
Keep Maintenance Logs
Keeping a track record of roof care and repairs can be highly beneficial. A maintenance journal is an excellent management tool that might come in handy when carrying out upkeep tasks.
Some tasks to write in the logs include who climbs onto your roof, the day and time, their location when they did their duties, and the purpose (inspection, maintenance, or repairs).
Document Every Issue You Find
Make a note of the issues you find in various roofing components to determine whether they need repair or replacement. Take pictures of any damage and document them for future use and insurance.
The Takeaway
When you own a commercial building, you must understand how critical it is to keep everything functioning to ensure that everything runs smoothly and without disruption. If necessary, hire a licensed and trusted roofer so that they can help you keep the roof well-maintained.
