How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Commercial Roof
Your commercial roof protects your building from damage, impacts the energy efficiency of your property, and maintains the safety of those inside it. Investing in preventive maintenance like roof washing, gutter and downspout cleaning, and regular inspections and repairs can significantly extend your roof’s lifespan. Maintenance and repairs also reduce your risk of significant roof damage and wear and tear and lower your chances of needing an unexpected or costly re-roofing or roof replacement. Here are some expert tips for how to extend the lifespan of your commercial roof.
Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
A roofing inspection is a detailed, thorough assessment of the exterior and interior of your commercial property. It is performed by a licensed roofing inspector with the experience necessary to recognize early warning signs of problems. An inspection gives you the chance to catch roof issues and repair them before they get bigger, more expensive, and more dangerous. If you have an older roof, you should schedule an annual inspection. If your roof is under 15 years old, you should schedule inspections every other year and perform your own visual inspections seasonally and after major storms or extreme weather.
Perform Preventive Commercial Roof Maintenance
Preventive roofing maintenance is a set of tasks you perform to prevent major roof problems in the future. You should do certain tasks monthly, seasonally, and annually to reduce the risk of roof damage and wear and tear. The most important roof maintenance tasks are:
- Visual inspections of your roofing system, including gutters, downspouts, soffits, fascia, ventilation, skylights, and roofing materials
- Professional roofing inspections
- Regular removal of debris from the gutters, downspouts, drains, and rooftop
- Trimming of trees that overhang the roof
- Inspecting flashing and re-sealing as necessary
- Looking for signs of roof leaks on the exterior and interior of your property and repairing them promptly
- Inspecting the roof seasonally and after storms or major weather events to check for signs of damage
Fix Commercial Roof Problems Promptly
The longer you ignore a roof problem, the more expensive it will be to fix. When you fix problems promptly, the repairs will often be less extensive and less expensive. You can also significantly reduce the risk of roof rot, major leaks, structural instability, and financial and legal liability related to roof collapse or other problems. It’s important to only hire a skilled, licensed, certified roofing contractor to repair a commercial roof.
Limit Foot Traffic on Rooftop
Many commercial properties have flat or low-slope roofs that contain HVAC equipment, skylights, and other items on their roof that need regular access. However, try to limit foot traffic on your rooftop. Foot traffic causes added wear and tear on your roofing membrane and may result in premature rips, cracks, and leaks.
Invest in Quality Roofing Materials
Your roof is only as secure as the materials used to construct it. While it may be tempting to cut costs by using a less expensive roofing company or low-quality materials, you will pay for it down the line. A qualified roofing contractor can recommend materials that are ideal for the size and structure of your property, your industry, and your location. Investing in quality roofing materials is an investment in the future of your business and will also reduce your risk of roof damage.
Ensure Proper Drainage
Many commercial roofs are flat or low-slope, which means they need a good drainage system. Your roof’s gutters and downspouts are designed to direct rainwater off of the roof and away from your building’s foundation. Depending on the features of your commercial building and your location, you may need additional drainage options. A roofing contractor can evaluate your drainage system, the slope of your roof, and the area your property is located in to determine if your drainage is sufficient. Proper drainage will prevent water from pooling on your roof after a storm, which could cause roof leaks, rot, mold or mildew, algae, moss, and animal and insect problems.
Work With a Trusted Roofing Contractor
Only a trusted roofing contractor has the expertise, tools, and resources needed to provide personalized commercial roofing services. Hiring a professional will protect you from fraud and scams and ensure your roof is properly cared for. A professional can perform inspections, maintenance, and repairs that extend your roofing system’s lifespan and save you money, time, and stress.
Need a New Commercial Roof? Call Gresham Roofing
Gresham Roofing is a local Gresham, OR, roofing company with 57 years of experience in the industry. We have earned a reputation for excellence in our field due to our commitment to quality materials and workmanship and excellent customer service. We can do a thorough inspection of your existing commercial roofing system and help you weigh the cost of roof repair vs. roof replacement. We install all types of commercial roofs and have worked on commercial buildings of all sizes. Call us now or contact us online to request an estimate to fix a commercial roof in Gresham, OR, or perform an inspection, maintenance, or a new commercial roof installation.
