8 Commercial Roof Maintenance Tips
Commercial roof maintenance is a vital part of ensuring the longevity of your business. Without proper care and maintenance, your roof can deteriorate in a matter of years. Not only will this lead to costly repairs but it will also impact the look and feel of your business. The following are 8 commercial roof maintenance tips that every business owner should follow to ensure their roof remains in good condition:
1. Get Your Roof Inspected Twice a Year
Your roof is an integral part of your commercial building, but many business owners don't understand how to maintain it properly. The good news is that a proper maintenance schedule is actually quite simple and won't take up too much of your time. It's also a good idea to have your roof inspected every six months, or after a storm or major rain event. This will insure that any damage is discovered in time to fix it before it gets worse with tree decay, rot, or mold.
2. Avoid Walking on the Roof
While it might be tempting to take a stroll on the roof in an attempt to get a better view of your business from above or to see how much snow has collected this winter, you should avoid doing so. Not only can you cause damage by walking on the roof, but you can also potentially slip and fall when ice is present.If you do need to walk on your roof there are a couple of things you can do to help you stay safe. The best way is to use a rope or ladder, but in some cases, it may be necessary to walk on the roof. It's important that during these times that you wear non-slip shoes and make sure no one else is walking on your roof at the same time. It's also a good idea to wear protective clothing, like hard hat and goggles.
3. Check Your Roof after Bad Storms
After a big storm, it's important that you check your roof to make sure there weren't any leaks, broken shingles or other issues caused by the weather. While some leaks may not indicate anything more than water damage, others can result in roof collapse if they aren't addressed quickly. (Keep in mind that checking your roof after storms should be done by a professional if you notice significantly damaged materials.)
4. Keep Your Commercial Roof Clean
While it's not necessarily a common practice for business owners to keep their roofs clean, doing so can actually help to ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible. For example, if your roof is dirty, it's more likely to attract mold and algae growth. These types of growths are hard to remove and can lead to more serious problems down the road. Spots left un-cleaned can lead to tree decay, mold, and/or rot. Minor spots can be cleaned up with a brush and some elbow grease, before getting a professional to help with it.
5. Regularly Unclog Gutters and Drains
In order to keep the roof on your commercial building in tip-top shape, you need to regularly unclog the gutters and drains that run from the roof. Otherwise, leaves and other debris may build up, which can lead to serious issues down the road. Furthermore, if gutters overflow onto your property due to a clog or blockage, you could soon experience water damage as well. Your gutters should be checked often to make sure all debris is removed.
6. Prune Overhanging Tree Branches
While it might be tempting to ignore the overhanging tree branches that cover your roof, this could put a serious dent in your roof's lifespan. Not only can these branches cause problems when it comes to the health of the roof, but they also lead to leaks in the building. Overhanging tree branches can cause a lot of damage to your roof. When they are trimmed, it will help prevent damage to the roof. If it is necessary, you can replace the shingles that have been damaged by these overhanging branches or call a professional so they can clean them off for you.
7. Make Sure Your Roof Equipment is Functioning
Although most business owners don't spend a ton of time thinking about their roofing equipment, they should. When you regularly check your equipment, you're able to identify any potential issues before they become severe. For example, check your skylights to make sure the seals are in good shape and that there are no cracks around the edges. Make sure your roof drains are in good repair and not clogged with debris. It's also important to check for loose shingles or tiles. Check your vents and make sure they are clear from debris as well.
8. Get Snow Cleared in Winter Months
Sure, winter weather adds an extra layer of difficulty when it comes to the maintenance of your commercial roof, but winter snow clearing is still an important part of the schedule. Not only does snow need to be scraped off your roof, but it also needs to be cleared from around the outside of the building. If too much snow is left on the roof and other surfaces, this can make your building susceptible to problems during the winter months. When snow falls on your roof it will put pressure on the shingles and can cause damage. When the snow melts, it will leave behind a lot of water. This will cause your shingles to deteriorate and also cause mold, rot, and other issues that are not good for your roof. The best way to avoid these problems is to get the snow off as soon as possible after it falls, so you can avoid any damage altogether.
Professional roof maintenance should always be given priority over general roof upkeep. The reason behind this is that in most cases, general roof upkeep isn't going to do much to prolong the life of the roof and can even cause more serious problems if performed incorrectly.
If you have a commercial roof that needs help, contact Garden State Roofer today to speak with experts and obtain a preventative care plan for your commercial roofing.
