It’s easy to neglect roof maintenance when things are going well, but as soon as a big storm rolls through and causes a few leaks, you could get a hard reminder of its importance. Your building’s roof needs to be regularly maintained or problems that are easy to resolve can grow into ones that threaten the health of your building and your business. Find out how you can stay on top of maintenance to keep your building running smoothly through all seasons.
Why Is Commercial Roof Maintenance Necessary?
Your roof may seem like it’s out of harm’s way being high above the ground, but it’s still subjected to plenty of risks. The harsh Las Vegas climate can steadily weaken it over time as it faces high temperatures, UV rays, and punishing storms. Inspecting your roof to identify any potential issues can seem hard on its own, but it’s easier when you have a commercial roof maintenance checklist to guide you. You can also work with a commercial roofing company that can conduct routine preventative maintenance on your roof.
6 Commercial Roof Maintenance Tips
Follow these tips to help you keep up with roof maintenance for your building and catch problems early.
Routine Inspections
Schedule a roof inspection every fall and spring, after you suspect it has been damaged, or after a powerful windstorm. Make sure to clean your gutters in the spring and fall to remove debris, and more frequently if your building is near a tree that constantly sheds. If you can’t stick with this tempo, schedule an inspection for an asphalt roof every three years and for tile roofs every five.
Repair What Is Broken
Anything on your roof that’s broken, whether it’s a missing tile, a disconnected gutter, or a vent ripping away from its sealant, needs to be repaired as soon as possible. Any of these can cause a leak in your roof or more damage should they be disturbed, such as during high winds or a rainstorm.
Keep the Roof Clear
Debris on your roof can seem harmless and even normal, depending on your area, but it can quickly turn into a problem. Debris can drag along your roof, damaging the sensitive membrane, roof coating, vents, tiles, or other sensitive components. Debris also serves as a home for pests, who can damage your roof. During a rainstorm, debris can collect water and place excess weight on your roof, which can eventually cause it to sag.
Remove Blockage from Gutters and Drains
The gutters and drains on your roof need to be free of obstructions or they won’t be able to properly drain water from your roof. Any debris inside of them can harbor pests that can damage your roof or absorb water. If water is allowed to sit inside of your gutters or drains, it can eventually weaken them. Debris may also cause water to overflow from them and run down the side of your building, eventually weakening and damaging the siding.
Inspect Equipment Located on the Roof
Any equipment on your roof, such as AC units or heaters, should also be subject to routine inspections. A rooftop AC unit can easily fail and leak into your building if it has a problem, is nearing the end of its service life, or if it may be damaged by debris. Catching a problem with your rooftop equipment early can save you plenty of time, money, and headaches later on.
Check the Roof After a Storm
Even if you don’t notice any new leaks after a storm, it’s still a good idea to inspect your roof for damage. It’s possible that your roof was damaged, just not severely enough to cause a visible leak from inside your building. With an inspection, you’ll be able to fully assess its health and whether you need to schedule any repairs.
Staying ahead on your roofing maintenance should be seen as an important part of running your business. If you’ve got enough on your plate, it might be time to hire a commercial roofing company to serve as your outside partner to handle it for you. Contact us today so we can set up a time to inspect your roof to make sure it’s in good working order and stays that way.
