A roof is the most critical part of any structure, and keeping your commercial roof in good repair should be a top priority to extend its service life or prolong the need for a roof replacement.
As with any commercial building, it’s important to keep all drains clear of debris and, of course, to have a reliable, professional roof repair company on hand. If roof problems arise, you need to be prepared to take action.
So, what else should you consider when it comes to your commercial roof maintenance program? Keep reading! We’ve compiled the industry’s top preventative maintenance tips for you to keep in your back pocket.
1. Don’t Avoid Leaks
A seeping roof is extremely dangerous.
Don’t allow your commercial property to suffer from blocked drains, downspouts and gutters. This can lead to standing water that can leak into your business’ attic or air duct systems. Commercial roof repair or even a new roof can be significant.
The moment you notice a roof leak, get a repair crew out immediately. If neglected, the damage could lead to electrical damage, equipment/product damage or worse — roof collapse.
Do yourself a favor, whether you’re the property owner or manager. If you notice any signs leading to water damage, bite the bullet and get a repair done while the leak is small before roofing costs add up.
2. Get Your Roof Inspected Regularly
Have a trusted professional come out and conduct a commercial roof inspection every year. Yes. Every year.
Regular preventative maintenance allows inspection crews to keep an eye out for leaks, penetrations and sagging.
Weak spots in roofs eventually lead to some sort of failure. And preventative maintenance plans help to do just as the name suggests: PREVENT costly damage and replacement.
Look for a local commercial roofing company who gives restoration estimates in their maintenance reports so that you’re financially prepared if the worst case scenario occurs. Your warranty likely requires proper maintenance that includes regular inspections of roof conditions, too.
3. Don’t Walk on the Roof
Unless you’re a professional commercial roofing contractor, do not walk on your business’ roof. It can cause lasting roof damage and impact its life expectancy.
Oftentimes, installing walk pads can be a wise investment. These walkways are stabilized independently of the main roof’s construction, allowing inspectors to walk freely on the roof without damaging it and giving building owners peace of mind a visual inspection can be completed by professionals.
Walk pads can be easily removed, if necessary.
4. Only Hire Professional Roof Repair Companies
It’s essential to have a professional roof repair company on call. When looking for a company capable of repairing and maintaining your roof, make sure they are certified.
Experienced companies give estimates and recommendations for any roof issues that your roof may have acquired, which can include thermal requirements for your building, vapor flow and the ventilation capabilities your business needs. If you have skylights, it’s worth checking into companies with experience in unique roof accents.
As part of a preventative maintenance program, roofing professionals can also give a detailed safety plan, inclusive of what’s needed to do any sort of hot work (which requires permits). Included are regular inspections and routine maintenance suggestions. These plans and permits keep your employees safe, as well as the contractors!
5. Keep Your Roof Clean as Possible
Like any building, it’s important to keep your roof clean and free of debris.
This means twigs, leaves and even rocks. Loose material can lead to ponding or standing water and promote algae growth, which escalates the rate of roof deterioration. It’s also important to keep the AC units clear of things that may accumulate from wind.
If your roof was the victim of severe weather and is currently buried under a pile of leaves, call your contractor and have them come out to give it a good scrub.
A clean roof is a safe roof. Do not take on keeping it clean yourself.
6. Make Sure Your Roof Equipment is Functioning
Something as simple as a leaky air conditioning unit can severely damage your roof.
When inspecting your commercial roofing system for signs of damage and maintenance needs, make sure you’re also examining your heating and cooling systems. Have a professional maintenance crew come out to check and repair the units as needed.
Keeping the vents sealed will help your building’s efficiency in the long run, as well. If you notice the vents are damaged and leaking, act immediately and get them repaired.
7. Get Snow Cleared in Winter Months
Snow is fun for a while, but after a few straight days of accumulation, issues can arise. Regular roof maintenance is often inclusive of flat roof snow removal.
If your business is located in an area that experiences winter weather, put a winter snow removal plan in place. The last thing you want to see after driving ice covered roads to work is a desk covered with snow.
Need More Roof Maintenance Tips?
When it comes to keeping your roof clean and in good repair, it’s essential to hire a reliable company.
A professional crew can put your building on a regular maintenance schedule and will be there if you have an emergency need for repair or removal of debris. Together, all of these roofing services should be part of your commercial roof maintenance plan, lengthening your roof’s lifespan.
Our team at TEMA Roofing Solutions is always ready to help if you’d like a quote or have questions on prevention and repair. We offer many commercial roof maintenance services, from restoration to new installation of metal roofing, and have decades of experience to address any need or situation.
