All businesses have overhead costs. One of the most expensive can be maintaining the physical structure which the business inhabits. This includes the plumbing system, electrical system, windows, and of course the roof. The roof on your commercial building is often one of the most expensive parts of it, meaning you should do everything you can to protect it. This is where commercial roof maintenance comes in.
Why Is Commercial Roof Maintenance Important?
Commercial roof maintenance is important for a number of reasons. First, it is simply protecting your investment. A commercial roof is not cheap in the grand scheme of things. You do not want to have to replace it frequently. Regular maintenance maximizes your roof’s lifespan, ensuring that you do not need to fully replace it before it is time.
Second, proper maintenance helps prevent costly repairs. For example, many people might ignore a small leak, but it is not long before a small leak becomes a large leak that cannot be ignored. It is much better to address repairs early before they become more expensive.
Finally, your roof protects the entirety of your building, including the structure and any inventory you may keep inside. Failing to properly maintain your roof can result in serious damage to your building’s structure and anything that might be inside.
What Does Commercial Roof Maintenance Include?
Commercial roof maintenance includes a number of things. When all of them are done regularly, you can rest assured that your roof is in good shape and will last for as long as possible. Let’s take a look at what goes into a proper commercial roof maintenance plan.
Commercial Roof Inspections
Most commercial roofs are up high. This means that you’re unlikely to get eyes on it in your normal day-to-day routine. You should make sure that inspections are happening about once every season. This means getting up on the roof (safely) and looking for any damage. It is often best to have a professional do this. Not only will they be able to do it safely, but their experience and knowledge will allow them to see small issues that you might miss.
Commercial Roof Cleaning
The roof should be cleaned regularly. This means removing any leaves, branches, dirt, and other debris that have accumulated on the roof. Additionally, regular cleaning ensures that mold or algae does not get the chance to grow on your roof, which can degrade the roofing materials and lead to leaks. Mold structural damage can be a nightmare to remediate.
Checking Drains and Gutters
One of the worst things for any roof is pooling water. Water is meant to run off a roof, not stay on top of it. When water pools it quickly leads to leaks and serious structural issues. For this reason, you should regularly check drains and gutters to ensure that water is freely flowing off the roof. You should especially do this after major storms which often wash branches and other debris into drains and gutters, clogging them.
Addressing Minor Repairs
Do not ignore small repairs. Some people will see a small leak and simply place a bucket under it. This is a massive mistake. Small repairs do not stay small for long. Eventually, they grow into large problems that are much more expensive to fix. Ignore a small repair long enough and it can even lead to serious structural damage that requires a full commercial roof replacement.
Common Commercial Roofing Problems to Watch For
It is important to know exactly what to look for when inspecting your roof and doing maintenance. The most common commercial roof problems to be aware of include:
- Standing or ponding water
- Roof leaks
- Damaged or loose flashing
- Cracks or splits in the roofing material
- Punctures
- Blisters or bubbling
- Clogged drains
- Damaged seams
- Signs of water damage inside the building
All of these are serious problems that should not be ignored. Failure to address these can lead to expensive repairs or seriously shorten the life of your commercial roof.
When Should You Call a Commercial Roofing Professional?
You should call a commercial roofer whenever you see any of the problems mentioned above. They will be able to repair them properly, ensuring that your building is protected from the elements. However, you don’t necessarily have to wait until a problem arises to call a professional. It can be extremely wise to have a professional inspect your roof to ensure that there are no issues that should be addressed. Remember, proper maintenance will ensure that your commercial roof lasts for years to come.