There are many facets of maintaining your commercial property as a business owner that require your attention. The to-do list can seem never-ending, ranging from handling finances to guaranteeing staff satisfaction. But maintaining your commercial roof is an important factor that you should never ignore. Even though it might not always be your top priority, skipping roof maintenance can have detrimental long-term effects on your company.
In this blog post, we’ll go into why routine commercial roof maintenance is crucial to the survival and growth of your business.
What Is The Importance Of Commercial Roof Maintenance?
Keeping your commercial roof in good shape is crucial for managing your building effectively. It involves doing different proactive tasks to keep the roof in good shape. Here are some reasons why it’s important to maintain your roof:
1. Make Your Roof Last Longer
Taking care of your roof can make it last much longer. A well-maintained roof stays strong for many years, saving you money by reducing your need to make repairs or replace it.
2. Avoid Expensive Fixes
Regular commercial roof maintenance addresses small problems before they get the chance to become big, expensive ones. If you don’t fix leaks or damage early, they can grow into serious issues needing expensive repairs. Checking your roof often and fixing any issues quickly helps you avoid large expenses and stick to your budget.
3. Use Less Energy
Looking after your commercial roof helps you save money on your energy bills. A roof in good condition is a roof that offers quality insulation and sealing to keep your building’s interior temperature stable. This means lower utility bills for your business as you use your heating and cooling systems less frequently.
4. Keep Water Out
Maintaining your roof stops water from getting into your building. If your roof isn’t in good shape, water can cause structural damage, mold growth, and health problems for people inside. By practicing regular maintenance you will be able to tell when leaks are getting through and make the necessary repairs to reinforce your roofing system.
5. Make Your Building Look Better
Regular maintenance makes your building look nicer. A well-kept roof not only shows your business in a good light, but it also makes your property more attractive and valuable.
6. Meet Warranty Requirements
Practicing regular commercial roofing maintenance is often necessary in order to keep your roof’s warranty valid. If you don’t follow the manufacturer’s maintenance plans, you might lose your warranty protection and have to pay out of pocket for unexpected repairs.
What Are The Common Issues That Can Arise With A Lack Of Commercial Roof Maintenance?
Without practicing regular commercial roof maintenance you may find yourself dealing with one or more of these problems.
1. Leaks:
Leaks are a big problem for commercial roofs that aren’t taken care of. They happen when things like flashing or sealant get damaged, or when there are cracks in the roof. Leaks can make the inside of the building wet, damage its structure, and promote mold growth.
2. Structural Damage:
Sometimes, if a commercial roof isn’t looked after properly, water can collect on the surface instead of draining away as it should. This can cause your roof to degrade faster and even begin leaking. When water stays on the roof, it adds unnecessary weight to its surface, causing problems with the building’s structure too.
3. Roof Membrane Damage:
The material that covers the roof can weaken over time from things like rain, foot traffic, or impact. If it’s not checked regularly, small holes or cracks can get bigger and make the roof less durable over time.
4. HVAC System Inefficiency:
If the roof isn’t kept in good shape, energy efficiency is reduced, leading you to use your HVAC systems more in order to balance interior temperature, costing you more money in the long run.
5. Code Violations and Insurance Issues:
Maintaining your roof means keeping the roof up to date with local building codes in order to avoid legal repercussions. Insurance companies might not want to cover the cost of a claim either if they note the damaged was caused by a lack of maintenance. In these situations, the building owners will have to pay for repairs themselves.
6. Decreased Property Value:
If the roof is not looked after, it can reduce the overall value of the building. People who want to buy the building might think it’s too much of a hassle to fix the roof and ask for a lower price, or they might not want to buy it at all.
What Does Commercial Roof Maintenance Typically Involve?
If you’re new to the world of commercial roof maintenance, here is what you should expect to happen to maintain your roof and ensure it lasts a long time.
1. A Detailed Inspection
A thorough examination of different parts like the roof deck, roofing material or membrane, vents, flashing, and drainage system is crucial during a detailed commercial roof inspection. This helps you catch possible issues early so that they can be fixed in time to prevent bigger problems.
2. Debris Cleaning
Getting rid of things like branches and leaves from drains and corners is really important to make sure water drains off the roof properly. Keeping the roof clear of debris lowers the risk of drainage systems getting blocked and water pooling on its surface, which could damage the roof.
3. Flashing & Sealant Examination
Flashing should be examined for any cracks or gaps that need fixing before the seasons change. Flashing helps stop water from getting in around gaps and protrusions in the surface of the roof, effectively preventing leaks. Liquid sealants can also be utilized as well to seal smaller points and reinforce flashing.
Commercial Roof Maintenance Tips
A number of common problems can develop without proper maintenance for commercial roofs, which can result in serious issues and expenses. The following are some of the things you should keep in mind:
1. Roof Drainage Systems
Ensure proper drainage by removing debris from roofing surfaces, gutters, and downspouts. Consider:
- Clearing Debris: Remove leaves, sticks, and construction debris to prevent blockages.
- Addressing Standing Water: Rectify any blockages causing long-term standing water, and verify proper gutter slope.
- Gutter Stability: Confirm gutters are securely anchored and resistant to high winds.
2. Inspect Roofing Materials
If low-slope or flat roofs are exposed to too much standing water, the material may begin to deteriorate. Look out for signs of standing water, such as mold or vegetation growth.
Consider the following for each type of roofing material:
- Ballasted Roof System: Check for uneven distribution of rocks and adjust them to cover the exposed roofing membrane evenly, avoiding damage.
- Built-up and Modified Bitumen: Monitor for bubbles, cracks, wear around connections, tears, and excessive weathering.
- Single-Ply: Inspect for tears, worn seams, punctures, and brittleness, especially in adhered systems.
- Sprayed Polyurethane Foam: Monitor for weathering, tears, or punctures leading to acrylic coating loss.
- Metal Panels: Inspect for loose screws, deteriorated rubber washers, paint wear-off, rusting, or dents.
3. Metal Roof Edge Flashing
Inspect metal flashing around the roof’s edges to prevent water intrusion during high-wind events.
4. Roof-Mounted Equipment
Regularly check roof-mounted equipment for rust, leaks, loose connections, and debris accumulation. Steps include:
- Rust Inspection: Examine metal panels, screws, flashing, and curb-mounted systems for rust
- Connection Check: Verify tight connections and check for leaks
- Debris Clearance: Clear debris around and under roof-mounted equipment to prevent water ponding
5. Lightning Protection
Check lightning protection system components for tightness to prevent damage to the roof’s membrane.
6. Skylights
Regularly check skylights for cracks, leaks, and signs of hail damage. Ensure the flashing is tightened and address any rotting wood
How Much Does Commercial Roof Maintenance Cost In Dayton Ohio?
When we discuss the cost of commercial roof maintenance, we mean the cost of repairs or replacements that may be necessary in order to maintain the condition of your roofing system. In Dayton, Ohio, the cost of commercial roof maintenance varies based on different factors. For a roof replacement, it typically ranges from $250 to $350 per square foot, while repairs can start around $18 per square foot.
Some roofing companies may offer maintenance programs that provide a wide range of services, such as a commercial roof inspection, gutter cleaning, and a comprehensive inspection report. The cost will differ between companies, but typically, most companies offer free inspection services.
Considering Commercial Roof Maintenance? We’ve Got You Covered!
Keeping your commercial roof in good shape isn’t just about appearances, it’s essential for the success of your business. Prioritizing roof maintenance saves you money in the long run, and ensures safety for all. Plus, a well-maintained roof enhances your business’s image. Don’t wait for problems to make themselves known, take charge of your roof’s condition to enjoy a sturdy, safe, and reliable commercial property.
Invest in your business’s future by trusting All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters. With over 40 years of experience, our expert roofers offer installation, repair, replacement, and commercial roofing services, including help with your maintenance needs. We are fully licensed and insured, and certified by major manufacturers. Contact us today at (937) 902-2839 for a free consultation!
