You’ve spent thousands of dollars on the roof for your commercial building. Your business property is looking good and paying off fast. But unexpected repairs can put a damper on your profit margins and cut into your bottom line. Not only that, but unplanned construction jobs can force you to close your business for a time, further jeopardizing your profits. How can you prevent a costly roof repair long before a replacement is due? Here are some easy ways to extend the lifespan of your commercial roof.
Signs Your Commercial Roof is Having Some Issues
The signs and symptoms that a commercial roof is failing or damaged are similar to those seen in residential properties. What should you be on the lookout for? Below are the top signs of a damaged business roof:
- Stains and watermarks on the ceiling
- Mold or mildew growth
- A musty smell
- Wood damage from insects
Care and maintenance can go a long way to extending the lifespan of the roof. The following tips can also prevent mold, water ingress, and insects from damaging your business roof.
Have the roof inspected regularly.
A good rule of thumb is to have your roof inspected at least once per year. If you can afford it, having a professional look over your roof more often is a good idea. A professional roof inspector can catch any potential problems or sources of damage before they harm your roof and become costly.
You might think this is something you can do yourself. But that’s not a good idea. A professional roofer knows how to walk on the roof without damaging it. Plus, they are experienced when it comes to walking on roofs and inspecting them safely. The last thing you need is to fall from the roof and injure yourself. Keep yourself and your roof safe by hiring a professional roof inspector.
Don’t allow just anyone to walk on the roof.
Unnecessary and unprofessional foot traffic will damage your roof and decrease its lifespan. Consider having walkways installed on the roof. These paths make it easier and faster for inspectors and maintenance personnel to safely walk across the roof without accidentally damaging it or risking an injury.
Ignore leaks at your own peril.
Sure, finding a suspected roof leak is stressful. It’s a natural reaction to ignore a leak so as to avoid distress. Also, many may not think a tiny leak will cause major damage, and that it’s safe to put off the repair. But that’s a mistake.
Water is one of the most destructive and tenacious elements. Nothing will keep it out once it has an easy point of entry. If you ignore a leak, it will cause massive damage to the roof system and the interior of the building. In hot and humid Florida, roof leaks can easily lead to mold growth. If you suspect the roof is leaking, contact a professional roofing contractor asap to have it fixed.
Clean the gutters and address clogs promptly.
Cleaning the roof and keeping it free of debris will protect its lifespan and prevent leaks and other damages from occurring. Leaves, twigs, and even small stones can end up on the roof and in the gutters. A clogged gutter will feed algae and moss growth, which will increase the rate of deterioration of the roofing system.
Remember to keep the AC units free of debris that often accumulates from storms and high winds. Storms are a part of life in Florida. It’s like the state just wants to return to the sea floor. If you notice a buildup of leaves and other debris on the roof, contact a professional roofing contractor to clean it.
Regularly service and inspect any equipment on the roof.
Many commercial properties house HVAC systems on the rooftop. As such, you’ll need to have these machines inspected and serviced regularly. Where problems can arise is around the vents of AC units and the like. With regular inspections and service repairs, technicians can identify these potential areas of water ingress and address them before a problem starts.
Extending the Lifespan of a Commercial Roof: The Bottom Line
The condition and age of a commercial property’s roof has a major bearing on the overall value of the property. It’s critical that commercial property owners protect their investment with regular, routine maintenance and roof inspections. Keep these tips in mind for extending the lifespan of your commercial roof.
Is your roof reaching the end of its lifespan? Even with regular maintenance, you can’t prevent the passage of time. And all roofs will eventually need to be replaced. Contact Code Engineered Systems today for a free quote and to learn more about our financing options.
