May 18, 2015
How To Maintain Your Commercial Roof
Keeping your roof in good shape may not be at the top of the list when it comes to things about your business to think about – but it should be.
That’s because building roofs will get old and will feel the effects of weather and wear and tear just like any other material does. Neglecting the maintenance of a roof can have negative consequences, and worst-case scenarios aren’t hard to imagine.
To ensure that your building is protected simply by keeping your roof is in good shape, make sure the roof gets inspected twice a year at minimum. This process shouldn’t be considered an expense, but rather an investment that can potentially save you from having to handle a roof catastrophe.
Make sure the surface is clear
Keeping the surface of your roof clear from debris is important as it can often be more harmful than it looks. Any debris will act as a trap for moisture and water – factors which will accelerate damage to your roof, as it can easily leak through the membrane – even leaching chemicals contained in the membrane – and drip through any puncture points. This can widely be avoided by ensuring you have a high quality roof, but proper clearance of debris is still important.
Clear any blockages from the drains
Make sure the drainage system is also checked, as standing water in drain pipes and spouts can cause big problems down the line, and of course gutters, too, should be looked at for blockages. One good tip here to check if a gutter is clogged is by pouring water down it and seeing how much comes out the other end. If it comes out slowly or there is significantly less than what went in, you likely have a severe drain blockage.
Sealant check
Odds are your roof has some penetrations on it – pipes and stands for equipment, or instance. These penetrations are likely waterproofed with a concrete ring or plastic/metal pitch pans. These are potential wear-and-tear points and should be checked regularly. You’ll want to make sure the sealer doesn’t have any cracks and that the point where the concrete ring meets the roof has its sealant membrane still in good shape.
Be on the lookout for surface punctures
The field membrane on your roof should have its surfacing intact – that means no puncture points, or worn-down sections. Also look for any diagonal wrinkles showing up in the flashings, as these are signs your roof deck and the wall are shifting, and can become cracks that let water in.
Keep nearby trees trimmed
It’s a good idea to keep branches on nearby trees trimmed down. These branches can snap off in a storm and potentially puncture your roof membrane.
For additional advice on how to keep your roof in perfect condition, consult with Empire Roofing today!
Back to Blog