Every roof requires a certain amount of maintenance by expert roof companies to keep them in good shape and prevent the need for expensive roof repair. Although the roof on your commercial building may seem to be less complex than one installed on a residence, it really is no different. As a matter of fact, detecting damage and maintenance issues on your commercial building can be even more difficult.
To help make sure your roof stays in great condition, you should find qualified roof services that can provide the maintenance it requires throughout the years.
Practice Proactive Maintenance
The most important factor in keeping your commercial installation in great shape and preventing expensive roof repairs is being proactive with maintenance. Proactivity is more than just checking for damage and then repairing it. Proactivity is working with experienced roof companies that understand your specific roofing system and can provide the preventive maintenance necessary to prevent damage.
Rather than waiting for problems to arise and risking the possibility of more substantial damage, continue to protect your system to ward off potential problems. A "break-fix" approach to roof services usually ends up costing more in the long run than frequent inspections and preventive care.
You may also need to provide certain maintenance such as inspections, resealing seams and flashing, prompt roof repair of noted problems, and other preventive measures to satisfy the terms of your roofing warranty.
Arrange for Frequent Inspections
The second most important factor in providing effective maintenance to your roof are inspections. For commercial buildings, especially those in areas that see extreme high or low temperatures, most roof services recommend a bi-annual inspection since a lot can happen in six months.
Inspections of commercial roofing systems involve much more than a simple walk-over and visual inspection. They include moisture and thermal inspections using specialty equipment to determine the presence of leaks and other roofing problems as well as a routine cleaning if one is necessary.
Inspections Reveal Common Problems
Inspections allow contractors to continually monitor the most common problems that affect commercial roofing installations. This includes leaking seams, damaged or missing flashing, drainage problems, and the gradual failure of the installation due to age and other reasons.
When performed in the fall and the spring, inspections can reveal damage that has occurred over the winter and summer, leaving enough time for roof repair before the more extreme weather comes again.
Inspections After Storms
Besides your routine inspections, you should also arrange for additional inspections with roof companies after damaging storms have passed. Wind, hail, and other storm damage can very easily go unnoticed and usually requires a trained eye to detect it. If not discovered for a long period of time, your building could sustain more widespread damage that requires more extensive and costly roof repair.
Although your specific maintenance requirements will differ depending on what type of roof is installed on the top of your building, the best protection for your building revolves around prevention. Schedule frequent, routine inspections by qualified roof companies as well as special inspections after extreme weather events. Roof services will then make suggestions for preventive care that will avoid leaks and other damage that require roof repair.
With this plan, you can be one step ahead of potential damage so your roof always stays in great shape!
