A commercial roofing system can protect your building for many years to come, but only if it is properly maintained. By regularly inspecting your roof, creating (and following) a maintenance plan, and promptly addressing issues as they arise, you can prevent slight problems from turning into significant damage. To preserve your investment and prevent potential business disruption, be sure to abide by the following commercial roof maintenance tips.
Commercial Roof Maintenance Tips
Schedule professional inspections and maintenance. Although you can use the tips below to look after your roof and preserve its well-being, professional help is still crucial. Hire a reputable commercial roofer to regularly inspect your roof for issues and vulnerabilities. During this visit, the roofer should also remove leaves, dirt, and debris from the roof, gutters, and drains. Having a reliable roofing company on your side will be useful when you’re tackling our next tip . . .
Address repairs ASAP. The longer you wait to schedule a repair, the more likely it is that the problem will exacerbate. For best results, find a knowledgeable and trustworthy roofing company before an issue arises, so you can arrange repairs as quickly as possible.
Personally inspect your roof. Semi-annually, inspect your roof to look for damage. Keep an eye out for splits, cracks, blockages, blistering, discoloration, loose materials, gaps in flashing, and any other forms of damage, and be sure your drains and downspouts are clear. On BUR membranes, look for missing gravel or exposed tar paper. On PVC and rubber roofing systems, focus on cracks, holes, and missing materials. One of your semi-annual inspections should be completed in the fall, when leaves are more likely to amass, clog drains, and develop mold, mildew, or fungus.
Assess the roof after major storms. When a heavy storm sweeps through, inflicting a barrage of rain, wind, hail, snow, or even ice on your roof, evaluate the condition of the roof afterward. Check for damage and clear away any leaves or debris, especially if they are restricting water flow. Look for internal damage as well, checking for leaks and ceiling stains caused by water damage. If you notice anything problematic, take corrective action quickly to limit the damage.
Proactively and reactively address snowstorms. Before a major snowfall, check your roof’s drains and downspouts to be sure they are clear. This will help the snow melt away and clear the roof quickly. After a snowfall, remove heavy piles of excess snow (more than a foot deep) to prevent ice dams and other damage.
Pay attention to nearby trees. Roof maintenance may extend beyond your roof to overhanging trees, which should be regularly cut back to leave at least three feet of clearance. This will prevent fallen debris from gathering on the roof, forming blockages or damage.
Stay organized. To ensure that you complete all of these tasks, organize your roof maintenance program. Keep a document or spreadsheet that details when the roof was installed, when repairs or updates are completed, and when inspections should be scheduled. This file should also contain the contact information for your roofing contractor.
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Are you ready to implement all of these commercial roof maintenance tips? If you live in southern Missouri, contact Taylor-Made Roofing for help. With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, Taylor-Made Roofing is a company that you can trust with all of your roofing needs. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!