Do you own a commercial building and don’t know how to maintain its roof?
This guide will prove helpful in that regard. Every roof type (both residential and commercial) requires maintenance as these are exposed to the elements and can deteriorate fast when not maintained properly.
How to Maintain a Commercial Roof
In this article, we consider the processes involved.
We’ve covered crucial aspects of commercial roof maintenance, including comparing DIY vs professional approaches. Why is commercial roof maintenance necessary?
Signs your commercial roof needs maintenance.
Tips on hiring a pro for roof maintenance, roof maintenance plans, inspection frequency, knowledge of warranties, and simple tips on commercial roof maintenance have all been discussed below.
DIY Vs. Professional Maintenance Approaches
Before carrying out commercial roof maintenance, people may be hesitant about how best to execute the job. In other words, there may be confusion about the best approach.
There are two main options: the DIY route and calling for professional maintenance. DIY enthusiasts won’t always seek professional assistance as they may feel capable of getting the job done.
However, experience has shown otherwise. Some commercial roof issues may be complex to deal with. Plus, you may not have the level of experience to address the problem as trained professionals have.
Overall, you’re better off having a trained, experienced roofing technician handle your commercial roof repairs. This is guaranteed to serve your needs best.
Benefits of Commercial Roof Maintenance
There’s everything to gain from having your commercial roof maintained. The most obvious is the condition of your roof.
Well-maintained commercial roofs function effectively, and their lifespans are extended.
In other words, these roofs serve longer. Through effective maintenance practices, costly repairs are avoided, as well as premature repairs.
It’s no secret that faulty commercial roofs will likely cause accidents as they deteriorate steadily. However, this is prevented through regular maintenance practices.
Having mentioned some obvious benefits, are there any downsides or disadvantages? This may sound a bit awkward, but there are. They include disruption to business operations and ongoing commitment.
Signs Your Commercial Roof Needs Attention
What could go wrong with commercial roofs? A lot more than you might imagine. Commercial roofs aren’t designed to serve forever.
In other words, they begin to show signs of gradual deterioration because they’re constantly exposed to harsh elements. As steady deterioration occurs, these become evident with signs, including water stains on ceilings.
Other signs showing the need for commercial roof repairs include mold or foul odors, an unexplained rise in energy bills, and cracked roof surfaces.
Your commercial roof may be repaired when you notice pooling water, debris, discoloration, missing parts, clogged gutters, and scattered or accumulated debris.
These must be addressed immediately to prevent worsening of the problem.
Tips on Hiring a Pro for Commercial Roof Maintenance
The value of hiring professional roofing contractors for commercial roof maintenance cannot be overstated; hence, there is a need to be strategic in who gets hired.
This can make a difference in how long your commercial roof lasts. Valuable tips on hiring a maintenance technician include asking for past work and verifiable references.
It would help if you also considered their experience level as part of the criteria for hiring. Does the contractor have a comprehensive maintenance plan?
Ask for it and ask questions for more clarity. Does the contractor professionally conduct themselves? Professionalism demands so. A reputable roofing professional should communicate effectively.
The Roof Maintenance Plan
It would help to have a roof maintenance plan to keep your commercial roof in optimal condition. As the name suggests, this customized plan includes vital sections such as routine inspections and planned repairs.
Other necessary sections of this plan include regular upkeep and time allotments for maintenance and repairs. Provisions should also be made for the funding of these maintenance procedures.
Looking at the bigger picture, your roof maintenance plan should consider factors like budgetary planning for repairs and general upkeep.
This plan should also include biannual inspections (mainly before and after the winter season).
The roof maintenance plan ensures all necessary actions are taken to keep your roof in top shape all year round. This helps extend its lifespan.
Roof Inspection Frequency
How often should commercial roofs be maintained? This is a crucial question that needs to be asked with the correct answers provided.
To keep commercial roofs in good condition, these should be maintained bi-annually. In other words, such roofs must be maintained at least twice a year.
This calls for scheduled maintenance agreements with roof maintenance companies.
Such inspection is necessary as it helps to detect any issues early enough before they worsen. Through this action, you’re able to extend your roof’s lifespan.
During inspections, contractors look for leaks, discolorations, debris pile-ups, and defects. These are quickly addressed or fixed to maintain normal functioning.
Discuss your concerns with your contractor for a more customized approach.
Be Knowledgeable on Warranties
Warranty is crucial when installing or replacing your roofs. Here, we’re talking about the manufacturer’s warranty. This should be inquired and written down.
It’s important to note that warranties only apply under certain conditions, such as regular maintenance. As such, part of your responsibility is regularly maintaining your commercial roof.
Simple Tips on Commercial Roof Maintenance
Having discussed the essentials of maintaining your commercial roof, it’s necessary to conclude with simple tips on performing essential maintenance on your top.
These may not be technical, but they preserve and extend your roof’s lifespan. They include periodic inspections to identify any of the signs mentioned earlier.
We’ve stated that this needs to be done biannually.
You’ll also do well to trim nearby trees, especially those overhanging your commercial roof. Clear debris on your top and seal any leaks; otherwise, call a professional to handle the task.
Gutters will need to be cleared of debris, too. Any moisture-related problem or issues with your commercial roof can be addressed with the help of a professional.
Commercial roof maintenance does a lot of good keeping your roof in sound condition. In the long run, repair costs are saved as significant damage is prevented.
Start the process today by contacting your roofing contractor for inspection and estimates.