How to Maintain a Commercial Roof
A high-quality roof protects a commercial building from rough weather conditions and maintains its safety and structural integrity. A roof is among the most significant investments for a commercial property owner, and the best way to protect the investment is to keep it well-maintained. Regular commercial roof maintenance helps mitigate potential problems, avoid unexpected damages and emergency roof repairs, improves energy efficiency, and prolongs the roofโs service life.
Commercial property owners or managers can do several things to keep the commercial roof in tip-top shape. Therefore, here are a few essential tips to stay on top of commercial roof maintenance:
Schedule routine inspections
Exposure to weather conditions and general wear and tear can cause the roof to experience issues over time. Hire a professional roofing company to inspect the roof for potential problems and damages twice a year. Experienced roofers can check to uncover leaks, sagging, blistering, cracks, splitting, and other issues before they become more significant and affect the roofโs performance and integrity. It is also essential to check the commercial roof after a storm to avoid costly repairs and ensure it is in the best shape.
Ensure quick repairs
Ignoring commercial roof problems is dangerous and can result in extensive damage or complete roof replacement. If there are punctures, missing tiles, damaged flashing, disconnected gutters, or any other issue that demands repairs, it should be fixed immediately. Delaying repairs will only cause the problem to get worse and more expensive to repair.
Do not walk on the roof
The less foot traffic on the commercial roof, the better it is. High foot traffic can cause punctures and other damages. If equipment on the roof requires regular inspections, install walkway pads to allow the maintenance crew and staff to access the roof safely and minimize damage. A professional roofer can recommend the best roofing walkway for commercial roofs.
Keep it clean
Regular cleaning is one of the crucial aspects of commercial roof maintenance. The build-up of debris, especially on flat roofs, can damage the roofing components, result in house pests, and lead to clogs, leaks, sagging, rot, algae, and mold growth. Check the roof periodically to determine if any areas need cleaning. Regular commercial roof cleaning will protect it from severe damage, extend its lifespan, and keep it looking good. While cleaning the roof, also check the gutters and drains for clogs. Clean the gutters and drains regularly to ensure they are clog-free. If it snows in the area, include snow removal in the roof maintenance plan.
Trim overhanging tree branches
While trees add beauty and value to a commercial property, they can damage a roof if not cared for properly. Overhanging tree limbs can puncture the roof and cause damage if they fall off during a storm. Leaves falling from the trees can pile up on the roof surface and lead to clogs. Also, tree branches touching the roof make it easier for the pests to access the building. It is best to trim the nearby trees and maintain a six-foot distance between the building and the trees to avoid any issues.
Hire a professional roofing service
If a commercial roof needs maintenance, contact a local roofing company. Regular upkeep by professional roofers ensures that the roof stays clean and functions well.
Irish Roofing Company provides Scottsdale with roof inspection, installation, sealing and repair. We offer shingle services, tile roof services, flat roof services, roof cleaning,roof inspection, roof installation, leak repair, roof recovering, roof repair, roof sealing, skylight installation and replacement, and wood shake services for commercial and residential customers.