How to Maintain Your Commercial Roof
For any building (residential or commercial), a roof is a critical structure that needs to be periodically serviced to increase longevity. Failing to do so exposes you to natural elements such as dust, wind, snow, rain, etc. As well as compromises the structural integrity of your building. Conducting an inspection of your roof once every year from a reputable roofing contractor like Steele Roofing. Only one of the ways to prolong the life of your roof.
In this article, we shall highlight all the different precautions you can take to maintain your commercial roof.
Have a roof inspection plan
As we stated earlier, conducting a roof inspection (and necessary maintenance) by a professional roofing contractor can prolong the life of a commercial roof. Even at affordable rates, conducting commercial roof inspection without a roof inspection plan. In place would be mean unwanted expenditure and unnecessary appointments. Most professionals advise of conducting roof inspection twice a year and most probably after rainy and snow season. Moreover, a roof inspection plan also allows you to put together a team, who will inspect the roof periodically and inform the property manager on noticing any damages.
Clear off any debris
Dust, bird droppings, foliage, and any other debris will periodically get collected on the roof. Unless they are cleared off, they can get accumulated over time and create patches where water may get collected. Waterlogging is the worst enemy of a roof and the damages it can do will cost you heavily for commercial roof repairing. Moreover, the accumulated debris affects the aesthetic value of your roof. The additional weight can affect the structural integrity of the underlying shingles and support structures.
Periodically clean drainpipes and gutters
Drainpipes and gutters flush out any water collected on the Commercial Roof Repair Tyler tx but they are very easily clogged if an animal or any debris is trapped in. A clogged drain will lead to water getting collected and sometimes seep into adjoining structures and into the building. This can lead to moss growth or electrical failure that is expensive to repair. It is a good practice to manually pour water into the different drainpipes. Ensuring all the water is flowing out freely.
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Restrict roof access to selected people only
Constant activity on the roof can speed up the wear and tear of the top protective surface and expose the underlying area to the atmosphere. Moreover, unlimited access to the roof would lead to accumulating unwanted debris. Allowing access to your commercial roof for servicemen without the right equipment can lead to the weakening of the roof. In roof access restriction is not possible in your building, invest in the installation of roof Pavers, walk pads, or roof walkways. They are independently stabilized and can serve as heavy-duty service paths offering surface protection for high-traffic areas.
Check for blisters, bucklings or any physical deformities
When water seeps into the inner layers of a roof, it remains trapped there. The sun rays falling on your roof will turn the trapped water into steam. Since there is no space for expansion, the steam pushes the top layer resulting in blisters or buckling among adjoining shingles. This compromises the material strength and makes them prone to breaking quickly. Unless you remove the faulty components and perform preliminary commercial roof repair, you are in for an expensive roof replacement solution in the long run. Remember, A stitch in time will save you nine more.
Clear out snow
Snow laden roofs look good only on greeting cards, not on your commercial roofs. The weight of the snow puts excessive load on the support structures and may cause the roof to cave in. Snow mixed with other debris can clog the gutters and melting snow can cause water damage to the wall connected to the roof as well. The snow melted in the daytime can again freeze back at nighttime. This may lead to thermal shock and damage to the top layer of your roof.
Trim out overhanging branches from nearby trees
Overhanging branches are a threat to the roof on different levels. The fallen leaves and debris can accumulate and clog drains. Animals and critters can gain access to the roof from the branches. Any branch falling on the roof can damage the shingles or top layer. Most professional roofing contractors prune trees as a part of the roof maintenance job, so talk to your local contractors before signing the contract or hiring them.
Contact an Experienced Commercial Roofer
When it comes to commercial roof maintenance, nothing beats hiring a professional contractor. They can chart out maintenance schedules, perform emergency repairs, and clear out debris from the gutters. For all kinds of roof repairs and queries, you can contact us at 903-630-5751.
