Did you know that commercial roofs last around 10 to 40 years? The lifespan of your commercial roof depends on the system’s quality and the materials used. Scheduling routine commercial roof maintenance also affects the longevity of your roofing system.
Replacing the roof of your commercial building can be a major investment. You must keep your roof in good condition to ensure your property is safe. Taking preventative measures will help you avoid having to pay for a costly roof replacement.
Commercial roofing maintenance is an important step in the process. This guide will cover everything you need about commercial roofing services.
What Are Common Commercial Roofing Problems?
Ignoring a roof problem can result in more expensive roof repairs in the future. Some of the most common issues include:
- Poor installation
- Low-quality roofing materials
- Blow-offs
- Standing water
- Shrinkage
- Damaged pitch pans and flashing
- Punctures
Most of your roofing problems will get caused by weather and the elements. Long-term exposure to high heat and ice are the two main culprits. You’ll need to watch for warping and cracks in your roofing materials.
Weak points arise as your roof contracts and expand from temperature swings. Weather events like hailstorms and heavy downpours put stress on these weak points.
Standing water affects the integrity of your roof. Standing water causes funguses and bacteria to grow. The water also adds more weight to your roof.
Have Your Roof Inspected Twice a Year
An experienced roofing contractor, like Freeman Exteriors, should inspect your roof every six months. During their maintenance appointments, they’ll look for:
- Cracks and/or leaks
- Sagging or weak spots
- Issues around eaves, vents, joints, and skylights
Routine maintenance appointments can help you avoid potential disasters. You should ensure that you schedule a maintenance appointment before winter. An inspection before the cold months helps you avoid encountering a roofing emergency during freezing temperatures.
Inspect Your Room After Weather Events
You should inspect your commercial roof yourself after a bad storm. High wind, hail, and heavy snow can cause major damage. You might not notice the damage a storm has caused unless you go up onto your roof yourself.
After a storm, look for broken shingles, piles of leaves, and cracks. Look for sounds of dripping water, wet spots, and irregular brown shapes inside your building. These are signs that your roof is leaking.
Don’t Add Extra Pressure
Commercial roofs are designed to be resilient and strong. However, that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible and can withstand everything. One way to improve the longevity of your roof is to not up additional pressure on it.
Not having people walk on your roof will help alleviate the pressure. Having someone walk on your roof during routine maintenance appointments is fine.
You also shouldn’t store things on your roof. This applies to rooftop patios where you might have additional people and furniture.
Have Snow Removed
Large amounts of snow can cause leaks and strain your roof. Snow might look fluffy and light, but it’s quite dense. A square foot of snow weighs about four pounds.
A heavy snowstorm can quickly add up to hundreds of pounds of additional weight on your roof. You might consider waiting for the snow to melt but that’s not wise. If the temperature stays cold, the snow could be sitting on your roof for a long time.
Commercial roofs tend to accumulate more snow than residential ones. That’s because the roofs aren’t as slanted as roofs on a home. Getting the snow removed after a snowstorm will help you avoid costly issues in the future.
Don’t Wait on Repairs
Commercial roof maintenance helps prevent costly repairs, but it doesn’t eliminate them. There are times when accidents or other issues happen. When these scenarios occur, it’s important to address them as quickly as possible.
Commercial roof repair for leaks or weak spots will help you avoid having to replace the entire roofing system. You’ll also reduce the likelihood that your roof will cause damage to the inside of your building.
Invest in Roofing Experts
While you can inspect your roof after a bad storm for damage, it’s important to hire a professional company for routine maintenance and repairs. Trying to fix your roof yourself can make the problem worse or cause additional ones.
When you partner with an experienced company for commercial roof maintenance, you can rest assured that the job will be completed by an expert with the right tools. You’ll also know they’ll use high-quality materials as they complete the job.
Know When It’s Time for a Replacement
Routine maintenance and repairs will help you extend the lifespan of your commercial roof. If your roof is old or in need of significant repairs, it might be time for a replacement.
Ask a roofing company to conduct a thorough analysis and inspection of your roof. A reputable company will let you know if repairs will be enough or if you need a full replacement.
It’s important to choose the right roofing materials if you need to replace your roof. You should base your choice on several factors, such as:
- Roof slope
- Curb appeal
- Weather endurance
- Price
- Energy efficiency
- Architectural authenticity
There are multiple roofing material options for commercial roofs, such as asphalt shingles and metal roofs. Freeman Exteriors can work closely with you to ensure you pick the right material for your building.
Contact Freeman Exteriors for Commercial Roof Maintenance
Commercial roof maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your roof. Avoid the need for expensive repairs or replacements in the future. Partner with an experienced roofing contractor for your roof maintenance needs.
The roofing specialists at Freeman Exteriors are here to help you with your roofing needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
