Commercial building maintenance is vital to the success of any business as much as maintaining a home is essential to the integrity of a person’s living space. It’s the responsibility of a facility manager or building owner to ensure the upkeep of all parts of a structure, especially the roof.
As a building’s first line of defense, the roof is continuously exposed to natural elements and experiences some degree of wear and tear. Neglecting proactive maintenance can compromise building safety and work efficiency, leading to eventual profit loss.
Unfortunately, some are overly laid back when it comes to roof maintenance. However, it’s something commercial building owners need to learn to keep their roofs in good shape. Here are some maintenance tips to extend your roof’s life and prolong the need for a full replacement.
Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
Regular roof inspections are a necessary step that any building or business manager should never forget. Visual inspection allows roof inspectors to assess the current condition of the roof. In turn, they’re able to identify any visible and hidden problems, then provide the right recommendations to avoid further damage.
Most experts will advise to have it inspected at least twice a year, once during spring and again in the fall. Roof inspections during spring can help find any damage caused by winter’s wrath. On the other hand, inspecting the roof during fall prepares the roof for the following cold months.
However, a commercial roof may need more frequent inspection. These are in cases wherein the roof gets a lot of traffic, the building is old, or located in an area that experiences a lot of storm and winds.
Certain areas can also sustain more damage than others. Make sure that these areas are always checked during inspection to protect the roof from future problems. Taking care of them before they create issues will save you both time and money.
Ensure Proper Drainage
Industrial flat roofs serve as a protective shield against water and other elements. However, water can accumulate on the roof and into the structure itself due to blockage combined with heavy rain or snow. This can result in water seepage that can cause mildew, mold, and premature aging of the roof.
When inspecting your building, make sure your gutters and downspouts are empty throughout the year. This will ensure water can be routed properly and avoid any water back up that can seep into the lower roofing, which will cause severe damage.
Trim The Trees
Any nearby trees or branches growing dangerously close to the roof needs to be trimmed or removed altogether. Overhanging branches can easily puncture and damage shingles and other roofing materials when the winds blow.
Bear in mind to also watch out for the shedding trees. The surface of the roof can get scrapes from falling branches, while the leaves that fall can clog the gutter. Furthermore, too many nearby trees will also create a shady and humid environment that leads to extra moisture and encourages moss growth on your roof.
Make Basic Repairs
Roof inspections result in finding early warning signs of issues that can get out of hand. Many building owners might get tempted to put off any developing problems that they’ll find. However, procrastination or neglect can lead to even costlier consequences.
Even a small problem creates an opening to cause excessive damage. Small blisters and splits can lead to cracks and leaks when the temperature turns cold. Meanwhile, falling objects can cause surface erosion, punctures, and various types of damage. Thus, creating more stress and expenses in the future.
It’s best to deal with them as soon as possible to minimize future damages and assure yourself that your roof is in great shape.
Clean Your Roofing System Regularly
A clean roof is a safe roof. As such, it’s essential to keep your roof clean and ensure that it’s free of debris. Dirt and debris like leaves, twigs, or even rocks can accumulate on your roof surface and gutter system, which can lead to clogs and promote algae growth. This can escalate the rate of your roof deterioration, especially during extreme weather conditions such as rain.
If not, then you are long overdue, making it harder for you to clean. There are products designed to remove dirt, mold, and debris, which can compromise your roofing system and materials.
Pay special attention to vents, downspouts, and the front part of the roof that is visible from the ground. It’s also essential to keep the AC units clear of things that may accumulate from the wind. Do not take on keeping it clean yourself and hire professionals to give your roof a good scrub.
Delegating to A Professional
Anyone can recognize the glaring roofing problems that require immediate attention. However, a trained eye can spot the smaller issues before they become major headaches. For this reason, many building owners invest in roofers to solve their problems. Some would often opt for the cheap offers from self-proclaimed handymen to save money.
These roofers may use inadequate materials to give you a lower price estimate. Additionally, roofing companies with unusually low bids can also provide shoddy workmanship or get careless enough to sustain injuries.
You will save money at the beginning, but this will do more harm than good as this could eventually lead to roof problems severe enough to need an early roof replacement. Even though most roofing materials have warranties, manufacturers can invalidate warranties if inferior workmanship becomes the ultimate cause of the problem. You’d end up losing more money in the long run.
A top-quality professional roof service for your roof maintenance is an excellent investment. They have the proper skills, expertise, and training to ensure that the job will be done right. You can also be assured that they’ll follow all codes and laws.
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.