Commercial roofing repair can be rather expensive, so it’s best to avoid it if at all possible. Fortunately, regular roofing maintenance can ensure your roof stays in great condition for many years to come. When done right, you shouldn’t need roof restoration for a very long time.
If you put off doing maintenance, it can result in a massive repair needed. This can be costly and there will be further damage as a result. You should always take great care in protecting your roof, as it protects your company and building. Often, a tiny bit of prevention can eliminate the need for a huge repair later on.
How do you use maintenance to prevent major issues? Here’s what you should be doing:
Regularly Assess Roof for Leaks and Damage
You should have a schedule to ensure your roof is checked for potential damage on a regular basis. Since most buildings have a crawl space or small attic, there may be a leak that goes unnoticed until it is too late and there is a lot of damage.
You should always check your roof after a storm. There may be debris that can damage the roof, and the wind or rain may lift the shingles. This damage can be repaired immediately and you’ll avoid all the annoyances and costs that come with a full-blown leak.
Water damage is usually the most serious issue that comes from a leak. If there is a hole or anywhere that water can seep into the building, it can cause a myriad of problems, including:
Mould: This will grow rapidly in a damp space, particularly if it is also warm. The mould may be harmless, but even the non-toxic species can result in breathing issues for some people.
Wood rot: Areas that are kept wet for too long will end up rotting, even if they’re treated. However, many wood elements inside the building will not be treated because they’re meant to be protected by the roof.
Fungi: Don’t be surprised if you see a mushroom spring up where a leak has dampened an area. This is quite common and while it’s not dangerous, it’s certainly not what you want to see in your building either.
Mildew: This creeping form of mould can be insidious and it will discolour and destroy your building bit by bit. It must be eliminated rapidly, but it’s best if it never gets started.
Discolouration: If left too long, the damp will work its way through the ceiling and cause dark marks and spots to form. This can be rather unsightly and it’s nearly impossible to get rid of without further painting.
Fire: Your electrical system isn’t meant to be wet and yet when there is a leak, it means water can get to the electrics and cause a fire hazard.
Cracks and bulges: Your floors, ceiling, and even walls may begin to crack and bulge if they get wet. This is not something you want to see in a building that should be stable.
Each of these issues requires further building repair and in the beginning, it can all be prevented by simply paying attention to your roof.
Clean Gutters and Drains
The gutters are designed to collect water from the roof and direct it to a safe place to drain. However, if the gutters or drains are blocked, this can result in a few issues. Clogged gutters cause water to overflow and run down the side of the building. This can result in foundation damage and structural problems. It is also a risk factor for basement flooding.
You should clean your gutters on a regular schedule so they are never too full. Anything that lands on the roof can end up in the gutter, including leaves, toys, branches, and even dead birds and squirrels. It may not be a fun task, but it is a necessary one. You can check your gutters monthly or hire a company to come and handle the gutter cleaning and roof maintenance for you.
It’s also possible to put in grates that will help prevent clogs in the actual gutter. These are much easier to clean and will allow you to complete the task in no time.
If you have a flat roof, as many commercial buildings do, you’ll likely have drains or drain spouts that run out from the roof to ensure you don’t have too much water collecting on the flat of the roof. Flat roof repair can be a little tricky, so it’s best to avoid issues by cleaning out those drains often. This ensures water will continue to drain away properly and prevent potential leaks.
Repair Leaks Immediately
If you’re on the lookout for leaks, you’ll usually find them early enough that there is no real damage done. This can change rapidly, however, if you don’t take care of the leak quickly. Make sure you call in a specialist to repair the leak immediately.
Usually, if you have a leak, it will be quite minor and the result of a bad shingle or a bit of damage to the roof. The problem can be rapidly repaired and you shouldn’t need to worry about it again. However, you must continue your vigilance to ensure the repair holds.
Sorting problems early on will usually keep the repairs low cost and easy. The bigger the problem, the more you’ll spend and the more extensive the repairs will be. This means more time as well as more money.
Clean Your Roof Regularly
It’s also a good idea to frequently clean the roof. If it’s flat, you’ll want to sweep it with a large push broom. Shingled roofs are a little more complicated and dangerous to move around on, but you should clean them from time to time anyway. Power washing may be needed if there is algae or moss growing on the shingles or tiles.
Your roofing company should be able to handle this for you, as part of the regular roof maintenance. Commercial roofing contractors can also give you advice on how to handle the cleaning responsibilities of a regular roof. You don’t want to cause any further damage, after all.
Tree branches and other items that are left on the roof can end up rubbing on the roofing and possibly causing damage. It’s best to eliminate any possible issues by removing these immediately. After a storm, be sure to evaluate the situation and remove any branches or twigs that may have fallen onto the roof.
Prevent Potential Tree Damage
Do you have trees around your building? These are likely to drop branches and leaves onto the roof and while this isn’t always a big problem, it certainly can become one if you’re not careful. The biggest potential problem is a large branch crashing through the roof. If this happens, you’ll need a new roof, as well as deal with the damage inside.
The simplest method of preventing possible damage from the trees around your structure is to trim them. This should be done by a professional tree surgeon who can ensure the pieces don’t fall on your roof. Instead, the branches will be removed without causing any damage.
Trees that are far too close to the building may need to be removed completely. This can be done by the tree surgeon as well. However, it’s a task that must be carefully planned and executed so no part of the tree hits the building.
If you’re in need of commercial roofing repair, you need industrial roofing contractors. They have the experience to ensure the work on your building will be top quality. Whatever type of roof you have, be it sloped or flat, they can ensure it is in good condition and give you advice on maintenance.
At B&D Roofing, we provide high-quality roofing services. Whether you’re in need of a full roof replacement or just want to ensure a leak is taken care of, we can help you out. Contact us today to discuss the project and we’ll send you a quote.
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