It is hard to find an invention more universal than the roof. Every year, the market for roofing services in the United States alone is worth more than $51 billion!
Of course, that number might be a little bit lower if more people knew about proper commercial roof maintenance. In the long run, proper maintenance can save you money because you do not need to call roofing contractors as often for repairs.
So how can you properly maintain your commercial roof? Read on to learn all about the most important roof maintenance tips that can help your roof last as long as possible!
1. Fix Commercial Building Roof Leaks as Soon as Possible
Over time, it is inevitable that your roof will eventually develop leaks. Fortunately, these leaks will be minuscule in the beginning. Unfortunately, many people ignore small leaks because they do not cause big problems.
However, leaving small leaks alone is just asking for trouble. Left alone, they will develop into bigger and bigger leaks. What could\’ve been a tiny repair job will then take a lot more work and cost a lot more.
Of course, the resulting damage is not just large leaks. Those large leaks can let in water that ends up doing damage throughout your whole building!
For that reason, it is important to apply the principle of prevention over cure. You will save much more money in the long run if you fix any leaks that develop as soon as possible.
2. Regular Inspection Is an Important Part of Commercial Roof Maintenance
You might be able to detect potential leaks before they even develop to the level of becoming a small leak. You can also detect many other roof problems coming before they become serious. The secret to both of these is regular roof inspection.
Some people consider roof inspection to be one more thing on their checklist that is already too full of things to do. However, it will save you time and money in the long run if you can devote some of your time to preventative roof inspection and maintenance.
If at all possible, you should inspect your roof every six months or so. If you can\’t manage that, once per year is the absolute minimum. If you can manage it, then it is probably worth it to inspect your roof three or four times each year.
Depending on your roof, you might need to hire the professionals to help you inspect it. They have training that can help them identify sagging, weak spots, and potential future leaks or cracks.
3. Increase Your Commercial Roof Care After Storms
If you perform a roof inspection today, it is possible that there will be a big storm tomorrow. However, your recent roof inspection does not mean that you can neglect your roof. Whenever there is a storm, you should perform a special inspection to check for any damage.
This applies to more than just extremely chaotic storms that blow tree branches and other items at high speeds toward your roof. Even if there is nothing but gentle snowfall, if there is enough of it, the added weight to your roof could potentially lead to damage.
After a storm, it might not be safe to walk normally across your roof. Be extremely careful to avoid walking anywhere that might be compromised. You might also consider hiring professionals who know how to manage situations like this.
4. Clearing Drains and Gutters Is an Important Part of Roof Care
When people think about their commercial roof, they often neglect to think about drains and gutters as well. However, these form an integral part of your roof. If you allow them to clog up, then they may begin to damage your roof.
In particular, clearing your drains and gutters can help prevent the formation of mold and mildew. Once you have mold and mildew, it can be extremely difficult to get rid of them if you can even find all of them.
Make sure that inspecting and clearing your drains and gutters is a regular part of your inspections. On top of that, make sure to clear your drains and gutters as often as you need to to keep them functioning properly.
5. Assess Your Roof for Potential Damage From Trees
If you have trees nearby your commercial roof, you should walk around your building. Look for any overhanging tree branches that might hit your roof if they were to fall or be blown toward your building.
If you identify potential problem tree branches, you might want to have them removed. That will make sure that you do not suffer huge damage down the road from a falling tree or branch. It will also mean that your roof will stay more clear of leaves and other debris from trees.
6. Check Any Equipment on Your Roof
Depending on your situation, your commercial roof might have vents, wiring, and more. These are some of the most sensitive parts of your commercial roof. Every inspection, make sure to check if they are working and repair them if necessary.
HVAC systems, wiring, and other equipment for part of the ecosystem of your roof. If they are not working correctly, they may end up inflicting damage to your roof.
Understand the Most Important Tips for Commercial Roof Maintenance
We hope learning about commercial roof maintenance tips has been helpful for you. Many people have so many things to manage that they prefer not to think about their commercial roof. However, spending just a little bit of time learning about maintenance tips is an investment.
In the long run, you will decrease costs with proper commercial roof maintenance. To learn more about how to maintain your roof or to speak with roof maintenance experts, feel free to reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!
