Preventative maintenance is the key to getting the most out of your commercial building and especially your roof. A reliable maintenance program will increase the life of your roof and maximize its performance. You can avoid a lot of time and expense in the future if you spend a little now on preventative maintenance. Your car wouldn’t perform well if you never changed the oil or the brakes, so why should an industrial roof last an entire lifetime without having maintenance done?
As a building manager or owner, you should take the time to get the roof inspected by a professional. A reliable roofing contractor will have different maintenance plans to help maintain your roof in optimal condition for longer. Below are a few ways you can keep your commercial roof in good condition.
Coatings That Reflect Light
A commercial roof needs to be inspected twice each year, usually in the spring and fall. A highly experienced and knowledgeable roofing professional will perform this inspection. Experts like Everest Systems can even provide roof coatings to provide your building with an added layer of protection. These coatings can even help you save money by preventing future damage.
When your roofing professional inspects your roof, they will:
- Make sure that the drains and downspouts are free of obstructions and debris.
- Check penetrations and flashings and look for cracks or holes that might lead to leakage.
- Ensure vents and equipment are well sealed to prevent leaks.
- Look for any signs of damage on the roof and recommend ways to repair it.
Commercial Roofing Care
Commercial buildings are more susceptible to roof problems because tenants do not worry about roof problems. Plus, there are times when the building is empty, and there is a perfect opportunity for leaks to go unnoticed, which can cause mold and mildew to infiltrate through the roof and result in expensive repairs.
A reliable commercial roof maintenance plan will include inspection, the cleaning of debris from flashings, gutters, and drains, and the repairs of split seams and shingles.
Consider Adding a Reflective Coating to Your Maintenance Plan
You can protect your commercial roof from the elements by adding a reflective coating when the roof inspector comes for the bi-yearly maintenance inspection. A reflective coating is UV resistant and gives your roof added strength to withstand the harsh weather.
Avoid UV Ray Damage
UV rays damage roofs from the sun. They dry out the shingles, causing cracks and splits. Once your roof starts to crack, moisture comes in and can penetrate the cracks. This moisture can eventually cause leaks and could lead to eventual structural damage, which could lead to your roof’s eventual collapse.