Roofing professionals will tell you that a commercial or industrial roof needs sustained attention at least twice a year. Winter is the season that’s hardest on roofs, and this schedule reflects that fact. The cycle should be spring, to assess any problems resulting from the previous winter, and autumn, to make sure you’re prepared for the next one. Here’s a list of activities to undertake this spring to keep your roof in top condition.
TO DO YOURSELF
1. Conduct regular checks. You should be checking your roof inside and outside routinely, especially after heavy rains.
2. Clear leaves, limbs, and other debris. It’ll be easier for you to see if they’ve caused any punctures, you’ll be preventing damage they might cause in the future if blown around by wind, and you’ll be making it easier for a roofer to conduct a more thorough inspection. Buildup in gutters may lead to excess drainage near the foundation of your building and possible water damage.
3. Check roof-mounted equipment. Examine components of your HVAC system, solar power gear if you have some, and anything else electrical or mechanical. Look for rust, leaks, and loose panels or other parts. Exposed wiring and unsealed vents are among the problems to look for. You may want to consult with the technicians who performed the various installations.
HIRE PROFESSIONALS
1. Schedule an inspection. While the untrained eye can detect serious and immediate issues, it usually takes a roofing professional to identify less obvious problems before they can become serious threats. Inspections should include flashing, skylights, fasteners, eaves, joints, and any points at which equipment penetrates the roof. In addition to punctures, trouble can take the form of soft spots, bubbling, moss, and mold. Gutters should be checked for cracks, rust, and loose connections.
2. Fix leaks immediately. Like most of these points, this one isn’t limited to spring but still bears repeating. A minor leak can become a major one very quickly, and the resulting damage to your inventory, equipment, and building can be ruinous. Still, some business owners gamble with improvised temporary solutions. Quick repair is always your best bet.
3. Remove dirt and pooled water. Depending on the weather in your region, you may find that you need to have your roof pressure-washed to remove accumulated dirt. Pooled water should be removed before it can cause mold or leaks.
4. Prune nearby trees. Trees make your landscape more attractive and provide shade, but limbs that extend over your building can break off and fall. Trimming them also means less leaf litter building up on your roof. Allowing more sunlight to reach the roof will discourage the growth of algae in wet areas.
An elastomeric roof coating can help with many of the problems discussed here. The right coating will cover small cracks and keep weather and debris from enlarging them into serious leaks; resist moss, mold, and algae; prevent standing water from seeping into roofing materials; and minimize the wear and tear caused by maintenance professionals walking around on your roof. Talk to the roof coating professionals at Energy Seal about the right coating for your commercial or industrial roof.
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