What to Prioritize
Commercial roof maintenance is paramount to the longevity and performance of your building and the smooth operation of your business. Neglect can result in expensive repairs and unnecessary interruptions to your business functions. To help you navigate this crucial aspect of building management, we offer this guide with practical tips on caring for your commercial roof.
Several key areas should be prioritized when it comes to maintaining your commercial roof. These include:
- Regular Inspections: Commercial roofs should be inspected at least twice a year and after any severe weather events. These inspections will identify any minor issues before they can escalate into major problems.
- Drainage Systems: Keep your roof's drainage systems free of debris to prevent water buildup. Unlike residential roofs, commercial roofs are often flat and need proper drainage to avoid water damage.
- Appropriate Roofing Material Maintenance: The type of materials used in commercial roofing, such as TPO, PVC, or metal, require specific maintenance procedures, unlike the asphalt shingles often found in residential roofing.
Remember, commercial roofing differs significantly from residential roofing due to its size, design, and material. Flat designs and larger surface areas require more intensive maintenance. While residential roofs are typically more forgiving when it comes to minor neglect, a small issue on a commercial roof can quickly escalate into a significant problem due to the scale. Therefore, a specialized approach is needed for commercial roof maintenance.
Maintenance Between Visits
For commercial building owners and managers, proper maintenance between professional visits is crucial to extending the life and performance of your commercial roof. Taking a proactive approach between inspections can drastically reduce the likelihood of significant issues and expensive repairs, ensuring your roof continues to protect and serve your commercial building effectively.
There are several steps you can take to keep your roof in superior condition:
- Regular Cleaning: Keeping your commercial roof clean helps prevent the build-up of debris that can cause damage. Sweep or hose down the roof regularly to remove leaves, branches, and other debris.
- Monitor for Damage: Look for signs of damage, especially after bad weather. This includes checking for any loose, cracked, or damaged materials and any signs of water damage.
- Clear Nearby Trees: Ensure no branches hang over your commercial roof. Falling branches can cause significant damage, and leaves can clog up drainage systems.
- Address Minor Repairs: If you notice any minor damage during your regular checks, address them immediately. Small leaks or cracks can quickly become larger issues if left unattended.
- Hire a Professional: If you encounter any significant problems during your inspections or are unsure about a potential issue, reach out to a professional immediately. It's better to err on the side of caution when it comes to commercial roof maintenance.
Avoid Excessive Foot Traffic
We also strongly encourage commercial building owners, managers, and occupants to avoid walking on their roofs as much as possible. While this can be a challenge, especially if your HVAC or other building systems are installed on the roof, the less you walk on your roof, the better.
Excessive foot traffic on your commercial roof can lead to an array of potential problems. Continual walking can wear down the roofing material and coatings, causing it to become thin and brittle, which can result in leaks. It can also displace the protecting granules, expose the underlying layer to harmful UV rays, and lead to premature aging and failure of your roofing system. Therefore, limiting foot traffic on your commercial roof is advisable to prevent unnecessary damage and ensure its longevity.
Do you need help maintaining your commercial roof? Turn to Lyons Roofing for experienced, reliable help.