Commercial roofs are often neglected until there is a problem. The damage has already been done by that time, and a costly repair bill is likely in order. The best way to avoid this scenario is to plan ahead for commercial roof maintenance.
In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for keeping your commercial roof in good condition year-round!
What causes commercial roof leaks?
There are many causes of commercial roof leaks. The most common are weather conditions, age of the roof, wear and tear, and lack of maintenance.
Weather
Severe weather events frequently expose weaknesses in your roof’s infrastructure and show up as leaks inside your building.
But weather can also be the cause of commercial roof leaks. These weather events can lead to leaks in a roof that has never had issues:
- Heavy Downpours
- Freeze/Thaw Cycles
- Ice Storms
- Snow Accumulation
- High Winds
- Ice Dams
- Seasonal Changes
All of these events can cause roof damage, even to newer roofs. It’s important to have your roof professionally inspected every Spring and after any severe weather events.
A preventative maintenance program will reveal any weather-related roof damage and allow your commercial roofing contractor to make repairs while they are minimal. It will also put you at the top of the list should severe weather cause extensive roof damage.
Roof Age
Commercial roofs don’t last forever, and even newer roofs can leaf when damaged. Anything you can do to prolong the useful life of your roof saves you money. Having a commercial roof maintenance plan in place will extend the life of your roof and keep repairs to a minimum.
Wear and Tear
Your commercial roof is constantly exposed to the elements, and this will take its toll over time. Activities like heavy foot traffic or adding new roof-mounted appliances can add to the wear and tear on your roof and result in premature failure of the roof membrane, substrate, flashings, or drainage systems.
The best way to combat this wear and tear is to have a regular inspection and maintenance schedule in place. This will allow your commercial roofing contractor to catch any problems early on and make repairs before they become major issues.
Lack of maintenance
This is the main takeaway. A poorly maintained roof is more likely to leak and cost you money in repairs and early replacement. Let’s take a deeper dive into the importance of regular maintenance.
Roofs should be inspected annually (at least).
One of the most important things you can do for your commercial roof is to have it inspected regularly.
Nobody likes going to the dentist, but we’ve all learned that taking care of our teeth helps avoid painful and expensive dental work down the road. We go to the dentist once or twice a year to have our teeth cleaned and to have X-rays taken so that any issues can be dealt with while they are still minor.
Your dentist helps you avoid pain, extends the life of your teeth, and saves you money with regular office visits.
Like your dentist, a professional roofing contractor can identify potential problems before they become significant. They will also be able to recommend a course of action to keep your roof in good shape and avoid future expenses.
Inspections should be done at least once a year, but more often if your roof is exposed to harsh weather conditions. Routine inspections and repair of minor issues prevent leaks and prolong the life of your roof.
Keep it clean!
Another important tip is to clean your roof regularly. This will remove any dirt, debris, or leaves that could clog your roof’s drainage system and cause water to pool on the roof. Pooling water can lead to leaks and other damage to your roof, so it’s important to keep the area around drains clear.
You should also trim any trees near your roof to prevent branches from falling and causing damage. If your roof is below the tree line, make sure that falling leaves are cleared in the Fall before the snow starts falling.
During the winter months, accumulating snow can cause stress on your roof, leading to leaks or even a potential roof collapse. Regularly clearing snow off your roof can help prevent these issues and keep your commercial building safe.
While you could do it yourself, a professional roofing contractor can help keep your roof clean and draining correctly better than you can yourself. They have the tools and equipment to get the job done right, whether you have a 1-story suburban office building or a 20-story downtown building. They are also trained to spot issues that you would not see, giving you advanced knowledge of potential weaknesses in your roof’s structure.
If you notice any damage or leaks, have them repaired as soon as possible.
As we’ve mentioned above, repairing leaks when they are small will save you money in the long run. We’ve seen too many clients experience a small leak that eventually stops after the rain stops, only to have that same leak worsen with the next heavy downpour.
But leaks are not the only issue you need to be on the lookout for. If you notice any cracks, holes, or other damage to your roof, have them inspected and repaired as soon as possible by a professional roofing contractor. Ignoring these issues will only cause them to get worse and lead to more expensive repairs down the road.
Commercial roofs are a significant investment, and proper care will prolong their life and save you money. Catching problems early will also help to extend the life of your roof. A small crack that is repaired quickly will not have a chance to turn into a large hole.
Regular commercial roof maintenance will extend the life of your roof and help you avoid costly repairs.
We cannot stress enough the importance of regular roof maintenance. A well-maintained roof will last longer and require fewer repairs than a neglected roof.
It is crucial to have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof at least once a year, but more often if exposed to harsh weather conditions. They will be able to identify potential problems and recommend a course of action to keep your roof in good shape.
In addition to inspections, you should also have your roof cleaned regularly to remove any dirt, debris, or leaves that could clog your roof’s drainage system. Pooling water can lead to leaks and other damage, so it’s important to keep the area around drains clear.
You should also trim any trees near your roof to prevent branches from falling and causing damage. If your roof is below the tree line, make sure that falling leaves are cleared in the Fall before the snow starts falling.
Always use a qualified roofing contractor for any repairs or replacements.
Even seasoned building owners and experienced property managers know that their commercial roof needs to be maintained by a commercial roofing professional.
You wouldn’t try to do your own fillings in your teeth, and you certainly don’t have an X-Ray machine or the proper tools to maintain your own dental health. It’s no different for your commercial roof. Leave this work to the professionals!
Mint Roofing would love to be your commercial roofing maintenance partner!
Mint Roofing has been taking care of commercial roofs of all sizes in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area for more than 70 years and is trusted by hundreds of local businesses. We want to put our knowledge and experience to work for you. And we do it all without novocaine!
Questions about commercial roof maintenance? Reach out to us for a no-obligation consultation. Call or email us today.
Ready to get started with our TopSite Preventative Maintenance Program or review upcoming building projects? We’d love to sit down and talk!
FAQs
Q: How often should I have my commercial roof inspected?
A: It is recommended to have your commercial roof inspected at least once a year, but more frequently if exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Q: Can I clean my own commercial roof?
A: While you could try to clean your own commercial roof, it’s better to leave this task to the professionals who have the proper tools and equipment to do it safely and effectively.
Q: What should I do if I notice damage or leaks on my commercial roof?
A: It’s important to have any damage or leaks repaired as soon as possible by a qualified roofing contractor. Ignoring these issues will only lead to more expensive repairs in the future.
Q: Why is regular maintenance important for my commercial roof?
A: Regular maintenance is important for your commercial roof because it helps to identify and address any issues before they become larger and more costly problems. It also helps to extend the life of your roof, saving you money in the long run.
Q: How can I schedule a consultation with Mint Roofing for commercial roof maintenance?
A: You can schedule a no-obligation consultation with Mint Roofing by calling us at 952-473-8080 or messaging us through our website contact form. We would be happy to discuss our TopSite Preventative Maintenance Program and any upcoming building projects you may have.