Did you know that there are 5.5 million commercial buildings in the United States?
If you\’re responsible for one or more of these buildings, then you know how important it is to ensure the integrity of the roof in particular. Once that starts to go, then various issues can snowball into a disaster. If left untreated, those problems can become more and more expensive.
Are you trying to stay within your budget? Keep reading to learn how to reduce your roof maintenance cost with these preventative strategies.
Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
One of the most reliable roof maintenance strategies involves nipping issues in the bud as soon as they appear. If you let them take their course or don\’t notice the issue until later on, then it could end up costing you a significant amount to fix it. This is why it\’s a good idea to schedule roof inspections at least twice a year.
With a professional\’s eye, you can rest easy knowing that every aspect of the roof is in great condition. If something doesn\’t look right, then they\’ll let you know so that you can handle it as soon as possible. Be sure to hire an inspector who you trust.
One way to find a reliable roof inspector is by taking the time to read online reviews and see what people say about their knowledgeability, timeliness, and more. Once you find the best commercial roof maintenance company, you can stick with it for many years to come and enjoy a pristine roof.
Aside from the usual inspections, it\’s also a good rule of thumb to have someone check for potential damage after severe storms. From flying debris to excess water, there are plenty of issues that can crop up after a hurricane, for instance.
Clean Out Your Gutters and Drains
One of the tasks that should be emphasized in your commercial roof maintenance plan involves cleaning out both your gutters and drains. Over time, leaves, dirt, and other debris can build up inside and clog them. Without proper water flow, the water can end up pooling on your roof and at the base of your building.
This can cause all kinds of damage, including leaks. You may not think much of one or two leaks, but these will only get more dramatic with time. Not only will more leaks spring up if you don\’t address the problem, but it could even cause part of the roof to collapse, too.
Another issue that comes with leakage is mold. Once it\’s spread throughout a structure, mold is quite difficult to get rid of. Worst of all, it can pose a health problem for your employees and customers.
The last thing you\’d want is a health scare that gets your business bad publicity in the local papers. Instead of allowing things to escalate to that point, you should stay on top of preventative maintenance and contact the professionals for roof repair the second you spot a leak.
If you have a flat roof, then you should = keep the surface clean, too. From debris to algae growth, there are many things that can take over your roof if you\’re not careful.
Trim or Remove Trees in the Nearby Area
Any building owner that has one or more trees in the surrounding area has yet another responsibility to add to their flat roof maintenance list. If left unchecked, these trees can collapse and cause severe damage to your roof. Whether you should remove a tree or not depends on its location.
Sometimes you can get away with pruning the branches. Even if the tree is strong and can withstand the powerful winds of a storm, there\’s also the twig and leaf debris to consider. This can cause your gutters and drains to clog faster than if you remove the tree altogether.
This is another situation in which you can benefit from the trained eyes of a professional. They can spot any trees that might turn out to be an issue and let you know what you can do about it.
Prepare to Keep the Roof Clean During Winter
During the winter season, snow accumulation is a roof owner\’s worst enemy. You should prepare to keep your roof clean of any snow before it gets too much to handle. Too much snow can even cause your roof to collapse because it causes a significant amount of extra weight and stress.
Aside from the weight, there are also tons of excess water that will appear as the snow melts. Since snow gets everywhere, the water can find its way into nooks and crannies and cause leaks.
There\’s also the safety hazard that icicles pose. The last thing you\’d want is to have them fall on your employees or customers. This is why it\’s a good idea to scrape them off as they start developing.
By removing snow from the roof, you can also reduce the number of icicles that form.
Are You Ready to Reduce Your Roof Maintenance Cost?
Now that you\’ve learned how to reduce your roof maintenance cost, you can use these preventative strategies to your advantage. Even with maintenance, a roof can\’t last forever. Over time, it\’ll be necessary to call in the professionals.
Yutzy provides customers with top-of-the-line roofing solutions for commercial buildings. No matter how old the structure is, you can count on our experience and attention to detail. From metal restoration to insulation and beyond, we\’re equipped for the job.
You\’re welcome to get your roofing project started today by contacting us for a free quote. We look forward to being of service.
