No matter the industry a business operates in, property owners and business owners alike need to maintain their building premises to keep their companies operational.
A well-maintained building does not only protect assets, but it also provides a safe environment for your employees to keep them happy, healthy, and productive. Furthermore, this will also create a good first impression on your business partners and potential customers.
However, building maintenance is more than just taking care of the office interior. You also need to give your roof attention to make sure everything inside remains in pristine condition. Roofs are usually out of sight that many owners often forget about it. Still, it actually plays a large role in keeping your business operate safely.
If you are responsible for the maintenance of a commercial building, make sure to avoid these common mistakes to keep your commercial roof in good shape for as long as possible.
Neglecting Regular Roof Inspection
Even the best commercial roofing materials need regular care and maintenance. Proper periodic inspection is the key to extending the lifespan and increasing the quality of your commercial roofing system. It’s the best way to keeping your roof operational and save you long-term money.
One of the biggest and common mistakes that leads to roofing problems is not performing regular roof inspections or not doing it at all. A lot of property managers won’t have their roofs check when there are no visible signs of damage because they believe it’s still in perfect condition.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, a commercial roof may be hiding problems that are already affecting its health. Identifying such issues is not something anyone can do at just a glance. Scheduling regular inspection and maintenance appointments several times each year is a sure way to find all roofing problems and have them fixed immediately.
It may be inconvenient, time-consuming, and expensive to hire someone to check your roof. However, it will be worth it to save from costly repairs or early replacement.
Additionally, adhering to a regular schedule when it comes to roof inspections can help ensure your warranty remains valid and maximize your return-on-investment. Companies often offer a warranty on leaks during roof installation, so it is good to maintain the roof periodically to keep your warranty.
Ignoring Minor Signs of Damage
When roofing inspections are neglected, minor signs of damage are often left unattended as well. Roofing professionals can find problems regardless of severity and get them fixed before it’s too late. It’s one of the reasons it’s an essential part of roof care to pay attention to all types of damage and performing routine maintenance.
It’s already bad enough to be ignorant of these problems. However, turning a blind eye to them is even worse. Many commercial building owners tend to put off repairs when they find that it doesn’t cause any immediate problems inside the building.
However, your inaction won’t make things any better. In fact, it will only lead to bigger and costlier repairs in the future. At worst, the building might even require a complete roof replacement. Regardless of the severity, don’t procrastinate with your roof repairs.
Not Paying Attention to Ventilation
No matter the type of structure, proper roof ventilation should never be ignored. A ventilation system works to send excess heat and moisture to escape the structure. It will keep the roof in better shape and reduce the risk of mold and moisture build-up.
Poor roof ventilation can do serious harm to a commercial building. Even worse, you may not notice the issues caused by poor roof ventilation as quickly as you might at home. As a result, your roof could develop serious structural problems that put your building at risk.
The heat and moisture that build-up can cause damage that can shorten its lifespans such as warped decking, buckling shingles, and structural damage of the wood frame. Additionally, poor ventilation can also cause mold growth and water leakage. The damage can even extend to the siding of the building and the interior walls and ceilings.
Poor roof ventilation will not only lead to costly repairs. It may even force you to replace your roof earlier than expected.
Improper Drainage
Unlike residential roofing, most commercial buildings are designed to have a very little incline. Some commercial roofs are even completely flat because they house equipment like air conditioning. Roofs without a natural angle will prevent water from draining properly from the peak to the edges. This can lead to clogged drains and ponding water whenever it rains or snow.
As time passes, water will accumulate. The standing water will weaken the roof and may cause leaking inside the building. Standing water can also encourage the growth of algae and mold on your roof, which can further damage the structure.
Improper Installation
It may seem like a roof is a roof. However, there are numerous differences between a residential roof and a commercial roof. This includes the installation process. Residential roofing can be easier to install compared to commercial roofing because of its slope. On the other hand, installing commercial roofs require skilled roofers who are familiar with building around airflow systems, smokestacks, and external piping.
Roofing materials for residential and commercial roofs are also different. Commercial roof types such as PVC and TPO often require a different approach compared to asphalt shingles when installed.
Many residential roofing contractors incorrectly assume they can tackle a commercial job with equal success. While some residential roofers are capable of meeting the demands for commercial roofing requirements, many of them still require years of knowledge and experience to execute the project accurately.
When it comes to commercial roofing, there’s no room for guesswork since installation mistakes can only lead to all kinds of issues as soon as it is installed. This will only weaken your roof in the end, thus lowering its life expectancy. For this reason, you need to make sure to make use of a professional and expert roofing contractor when you need a commercial roof installed.
Fahey Roofing Contractors has the experienced and skilled contractors you need to help you with any necessary roof repairs and roof replacement. We serve various areas in West Virginia and Ohio. If you have more questions, visit our website today or contact us at (304) 826-1323 for West Virginia and (740) 523-0380 for Ohio to learn more.