Your commercial roofing system is your first line of defense against outdoor elements and extreme weather conditions. Scheduling maintenance is an excellent way to mitigate possible problems that could result in damage to your property. Keeping track of any issues and proactively resolving them before they become serious will effectively extend the life of your roof.
There are several ways to extend the life of your roof, including robust and flexible acrylic and silicone treatments. These coatings protect the entire 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 qualified roofing contractor should check your commercial roof at least twice a year to discover possible roof problems. Inspect your roof for hidden leaks, cracks, sags or weak spots.
Additionally, check for potential problems around eaves, joints, vents, and skylights with a carpenter. You'll want to plan an inspection before winter arrives to avoid dealing with roof difficulties when the temperature drops below freezing.
Inspect Your Roof After a Severe Storm
Storms with high winds, hail or blizzards can damage your commercial roof and go unnoticed until they become a serious problem. It is an excellent move to thoroughly inspect the area after a severe weather event.
Inspect the most vulnerable regions where components are installed. Pay extra attention to openings like your energy-efficient roof hatches because you can never be too careful with access points.
Unclog and clean gutters and drains regularly
Because rain and storms can bring debris that can block your roof's drainage system, you should clean it regularly. Clogged gutters can cause leaks, mold growth, and other problems for your roof. Check for fractures, holes, loose gutters or drains and repair them. Any delays can lead to more problems when you leave them unattended.
Make sure your roof equipment is working
Faulty roof-mounted equipment can compromise the integrity of your commercial roof in several ways. To protect your roof and maintain the safety of your roof, you must avoid air conditioning leaks, improper wiring, and ventilation openings.
Fix leaks immediately
One of the most common problems with commercial roofs is roof leaks. It will only get worse over time if not addressed immediately, increasing the cost of repair. It can damage your building, including equipment and electrical problems. Additionally, it can lead to your roof collapsing. Notify your roofing contractor as soon as you notice signs that your commercial roof is failing.
Avoid extra pressure
Commercial roofs are generally robust and resilient. Avoiding additional pressure on the cover is ideal to keep it in good condition. This includes keeping everyone out of the area and reducing the weight it needs to support.
Even the simple act of not allowing anyone to step on it unless necessary can help relieve stress. There will be instances where someone will need to be on the roof, such as maintenance and repairs.
Keep your commercial roof clean
Keeping your roof clean will prevent you from getting blockages, algae, and mold growth. Any of these factors can reduce the lifespan of your roof. Routine cleaning and ensuring all equipment is free from dirt will help protect your business investment over time.
Commercial roofs collect waste from the surrounding area, especially on windy days. While it may not seem like a pile of leaves can cause damage, these piles are the ideal area for water to accumulate and eventually develop mold or decay. Mold and decay contribute significantly to material deterioration, resulting in leaks or holes. Spend some time cleaning your roof to eliminate these hot spots.
During the winter season, clear the snow
Ice cycles, ice dams, leaks and other problems can occur when heavy snow remains on a commercial roof for an extended period of time. Ask a snow removal technician to clear your roof during the winter.
All commercial roofs accumulate more snow than a pitched residential roof, so they require snow removal. Include snow removal in your commercial roofing services and ask your roofer about the best option for your roof.
Keep maintenance records
Keeping a record of roof care and repairs can be highly beneficial. A maintenance diary is an excellent management tool that can be useful when carrying out maintenance tasks.
Some tasks to note in logs include who climbs onto your roof, the day and time, the location when they performed their duties, and the purpose (inspection, maintenance, or repairs).
Document every problem you encounter
Take note of problems found with various roof components to determine if they need repair or replacement. Take photos of any damage and document it for safe future use.
The conclusion
When you own a commercial building, you must understand how critical it is to keep everything running to ensure everything runs smoothly and without interruptions. If necessary, hire a licensed and trustworthy roofer so he can help you keep your roof well-maintained.
