Maximizing The Lifespan Of Your Commercial Roof
The Importance of Having Commercial Roofs Inspected Regularly
Having your commercial property inspected by a roofing professional is critical in order to both maximize the longevity of your roof and ensure the safety of everyone in the building. When we provide an inspection we thoroughly look over the entire roof checking for leaks, structural problems, damage, signs of standing water, and many other issues. We will check the insulation of the roof, and look internally for signs of water leaks. Because the winters and storms in Ohio can be intense we always recommend our commercial clients have their commercial roofs inspected twice a year.
Inspections aren’t just a way to find needed repairs, but also give you the opportunity to hire out professional maintenance to ensure damages done to the roof do not escalate into bigger problems. Once you know about an issue with the roof you can make the decision to have it serviced. Proactive measures like this help with maximizing roof lifespan and ultimately saving money over time.
Commercial Roof Leaks
Professional roofing companies will properly handle the installation of flashings and other preventative measures that will keep water from leaking into the building. Any parts of a roof where equipment is installed or transitions between materials occur need to be properly sealed and protected. Protective coverings play a large role in maintaining the integrity of a roof and preventing wear and tear from water leaks. Standing water on flat roofs can cause damage resulting in deterioration occurring at a faster rate than expected. The water-resistant membrane can be damaged and will not be as effective if unnecessary water leaks and water buildup occur.
It is vital for the longevity of a commercial roof to be certain it is protected against water damage. Any sort of standing water, broken seal, or improper installation of a roof can lower the lifespan. If you are having issues with your commercial roof contact DeMarco Inc. about our roofing inspections service. We will come to the property and inspect the roof to determine if water damage has occurred and find out what repairs will be necessary.
Building Construction and Structural Stability
Sometimes we provide inspections and repairs for a roof that was built by another commercial roofing company and we find structural issues. These structural issues are a result of either a lack of roof maintenance or mistakes during the construction of the building. Regardless of the cause, the structural stability of a commercial roof should be checked during inspections to locate any potential damage or safety concerns. If these problems don’t receive repairs they can worsen and become more costly over time. During inspections, one of our contractors will search uneven parts of the roof. They will check for waves in the roof’s surface, materials that are out of place, signs of water accumulation, sagging sections of the roof, and more. In order to protect your commercial property from severe damage to the roof contact DeMarco Inc. to provide a full inspection.
Commercial Property Management & Roof Maintenance
One of the most impactful ways to increase the longevity of a commercial roof is to stay on top of regular maintenance. Like with all commercial building management, solving a smaller problem is cheaper and can be done quickly. Ignoring maintenance will only cause small issues to become more serious and require larger repairs. Major repairs can cause a commercial facility to be shut down temporarily in the event that the roof has become dangerous. Small maintenance tasks like fixing leaks, filling cracks, and replacing any necessary material can all be done relatively quickly and with little hassle. Roof maintenance can entail a lot of different tasks, from cleaning to trimming tree branches. Severe weather and winds commonly cause issues with commercial property roofs. Having weather damage repaired immediately is the best course of action, and will likely be covered by the business’ insurance. Speak with a roofing expert at DeMarco Inc. if you have questions about maintenance for your commercial roof.
Proactive Maintenance and Roof Longevity
It can’t be overstated how important proactive maintenance is when looking to maximize the longevity of your roof. By avoiding regular maintenance and only addressing issues as symptoms begin to appear you are dealing with surprises rather than proactively having them fixed. Not only does this cause more headaches for managing a commercial property, but it can lead to more serious damage occurring. A leak in the roof may not show signs of water damage until the damage is more extensive and may cause mold or other problems before you are even aware of the issues.
By being proactive with roofing maintenance you are maintaining the expected longevity of the roof, reducing the likelihood of issues that can hinder your business, and are less likely to deal with surprise roof damage. Set up regularly scheduled roof maintenance in order to ensure a professional is looking for potential issues before they become larger problems.
Cleaning Maintenance for Commercial Roofs
Roof maintenance also includes cleaning of the roof. This is done both for safety and to help the roof stay dry. By removing debris such as trash, dead leaves, and dirt you are reducing the likelihood of a drainage problem. Loose debris on a commercial property can cause vents and gutters to become clogged and water may back up. This can be especially dangerous during certain periods of the year and can cause water to pool on the roof of your commercial property.
Snow Removal on Commercial Roofs
Snow removal is also an important part of keeping the roof clear. Snow can pile up over several snowfalls and cause water damage. Snow buildup may also weigh a significant amount and can cause structural damage if not cleared. By having the roof of your commercial building cleaned on a schedule you eliminate unnecessary risks.
Roof Coatings
Roof coatings are a unique means to protect your roof and the building itself. Roof coatings are made of a synthetic material that acts as a membrane across the roof and will increase its longevity. In some cases, roof coatings will last decades and will increase the lifespan of the roofing materials. These coatings are applied on top of existing roofing systems as a way to protect the roof from the outside elements. There are different grades of roof coatings, and the thicker the coating the greater the expected protection will be. Roof coatings help keep the roof dry and stop water leaks from occurring. These are great investments for commercial properties in areas that get heavy rain and snowfall.
Lifespan of a Commercial Roof
Something to keep in mind when estimating the lifespan of your commercial roof is how old the roof is now. In some cases, a roof may not have been maintained well in the past. It’s worth speaking with a roofing professional to determine the best course of action. If your company had the current roof installed and has had it professionally maintained then you should assume the expected lifespan of the roof will be accurate.
Replacing a Commercial Roof
Eventually, all roofs need to be replaced. Determining when a roof should be replaced can be difficult, but with the help of a professional, you can narrow down the timing. At a certain point, it is no longer officially reasonable to continue repairing the roof, which means the time for a replacement has come. By replacing a roof at the appropriate time your company won’t be paying for repairs that they will not receive the benefit from. Contact DeMarco Inc. to discuss the state of your commercial property and whether or not the time for a new roof has come.
Hiring Professional Roofers
A commercial roof is a delicate asset for a business. While sometimes out of sight and out of mind, issues with a roof can have a large impact on the operations of a business. In order to maintain your roof and protect its expected lifespan we recommend hiring roofing experts. We will provide repairs, inspections, cleanings, maintenance, and new roofs if ever necessary.
Request a DeMarco Inc. Quote for Commercial Roofing Services
Regardless of what roofing systems your properties utilize or what maintenance services you require, contact our offices to learn more about our services and what solutions we can provide for you!