Two men conducting an industrial roof repair on a commercial building.

Did you know that water damage is the culprit for nearly $11 billion of yearly insurance claims in the United States?

That’s because approximately 10% of all damage done to buildings is caused by rain, snow or hail storms, and one of the most affected property components is roofing systems. So, whether we talk about commercial or industrial roofing, you need to do everything you can to protect your asset.

Luckily, you can maximize the durability and prolong the lifespan of your industrial roof by utilizing methods of maintaining it all year round by putting the following industrial roofing repair tips into practice.

Industrial Roofing Repair 101 – Everything You Need To Know

All commercial roofs, even flat or low-slope ones, are slightly inclined to allow the water to drain properly. However, when drainage routes are blocked, water accumulates on the roof and can cause a wide variety of problems. Here are some ways to proactively deal with your commercial or industrial roof.

1. Do a Roof Inspection After Storms

Storms can cause serious roof damage to an industrial building. A high amount of rainfall ends up on your roof and wind and debris might impact the area. After a strong storm, it’s always a good idea to have a commercial roofing contractor inspect the roof for signs of damage or roof leaks.

Debris can mount up and cause a blockage to your gutters or drainage system, resulting in ponding water that infiltrates your commercial building. Professional cleaning after each storm will ensure that draining routes are not blocked and pools of water are eliminated, reducing the amount of storm damage your roof will suffer from.

2. Protect the Roof  Against Sun Damage

Your roofing material is exposed to constant sunlight all day long, and, as you probably already know, sunlight is accompanied by damaging UV rays. These rays slowly deteriorate the layers of material on your roof, and if left uncared for, can cause massive damage in a short amount of time.

A special roof membrane or roof coating can be added to your roof to prevent UV rays from causing damage. A professional roofer can easily assess the situation and discuss your options with you. In return, your roof will look brand new and you can enjoy it for a longer period of time.

3. Repair Blisters As Quickly As Possible

Blisters commonly appear on flat roofs and are usually caused by excessive heat trapped on your roof which pushes the protective coating upwards. Blisters might also be filled with water and be the result of a poor drainage system. In any case, you should not ignore the problem and have a commercial roofing company repair the area immediately.

When a professional comes in to provide this kind of roof maintenance, they’ll clean the area around the blister and remove any debris that might be in the way. Then, they’ll carefully open up the blister and remove the material until they encounter good membrane adhesion. Once that’s done, they’ll Inspect the area where the blister formed and check for signs of damage. 

If the blister is filled with air then the ventilation of your roof is poor. If the blister is caused by water then your insulation system is faulty.

Once your roofing company has figured out your roofing needs, they’ll re-apply the same type of coating that exists on the rest of the surface. In some cases, liquid coating can be used which dries quickly and makes the flat roof look seamless. The commercial roofing contractor might also need to apply a layer of bitumen to successfully fix the blister.

4. Check for Pest Entry Points

Wildlife can find entry points in even the smallest of places in your industrial roof. This can be a problem since squirrels, for example, can cause massive electrical failures when you least expect it. At the same time, insects and bugs can flood your industrial building and cause serious issues.

Industry standard is to have a commercial roofing contractor inspect roofing at least twice a year. They can check for entry points for squirrels, bats, rats, etc. If they come back to you and find cracks and/or leaks, it’s time for a commercial roof repair.

5. Be Careful with HVAC Repairs

The roof of a commercial property usually hosts a wide variety of appliances like the HVAC system, big fans responsible for ventilation, and so on. These types of equipment require periodic maintenance, and this, of course, involves foot traffic and tools for regular maintenance, tasks or repairs.

However, be mindful that equipment can damage the surface of your industrial roof. Look for signs of damage as often as possible when your maintenance workers are working on the roof. 

Take Good Care of Your Industrial Roofing

As you can see, it’s not that difficult to repair and protect commercial or industrial roofing. It simply requires that you be consistent with your inspections and maintenance procedures. Afterall, a well-maintained roof is easier and cheaper to repair, so every property manager should do it!

For more details on TEMA’s preventative maintenance program or our options for industrial roof repair, check out the many resources on our blog. You’ll discover new tips and techniques that will prolong the lifespan of your roof! In need of commercial roofing services or even a roof replacement? Contact us for high quality commercial roofing system repair or commercial roof installation