5 Ways You Can Extend the Life of Your Commercial Roof
Problems with your commercial roof have the potential to lead to leaks and premature replacement, all of which can lead to a wide array of expenses down the road. The best way to save money (and extend the life of your commercial roof) is to invest in routine maintenance work.
In this post, we’ll highlight five essential, maintenance tasks that should be part of your checklist every year.
1. Always Inspect Your Roof After Inclement Weather
Every season comes with its share of threats to your commercial roofing, but spring and summer are arguably the most hazardous compared to fall and winter.
Following heavy rainfall or a severe thunderstorm, water may pond on the roof, which could lead to leaks. High winds and hail have the potential to cause other issues, including problems with the edge flashing and damage to the gutters.
It’s always a good idea to have your roof professionally inspected following severe weather, as any issues can be identified before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems.
2. Invest in Tree Trimming & Tree Removals
If trees are located near your property, it’s always wise to invest in at least an annual tree trimming service. Wayward branches have the potential to scratch the roof’s surface or even fall onto the roof, which can cause damage to its surface.
Furthermore, any trees near your property that are dead or decaying should be removed accordingly. Unhealthy trees are more likely to fall during high winds or severe weather, and the damage that a falling tree could inflict on your roof could be significant.
3. Annually Inspect & Clean Your Roofing
Routine maintenance is important for any type of roof, and commercial flat roofing is no exception.
This type of routine maintenance should consist of annual inspections to gauge the overall condition of the roof, cleaning the gutters so water can drain safely away from the property, and removing any mold or mildew that has begun to grow on the roof’s surface.
4. Install a Vapor Retarder
Vapor retarders work to minimize how water vapor can move through the material and into a property. While helping keep moisture out of a property is perhaps the biggest benefit of a vapor retarder, there are additional benefits, including:
- Prevents Mold & Mildew
- Protects Electrical Wiring
- Offers Better Insulating Properties
- Minimizes Risk of Pest Infestations
5. Winterize Your Roof
Finally, another key way to extend the life of your commercial roof is to take the proper steps to winterize it before the cold weather sets in (in Michigan, late September or mid-October).
If snow and ice build up on flat roofs, they can cause them to bow or sag. Eventually, a bowing or sagging roof can give out and lead to interior water damage, which can cause business interruption and a costly repair bill.
Winterizing a flat roof won’t prevent snow or ice from accumulating on it during the winter months, but it can help better prepare it for whatever Mother Nature throws at it.
Some common winterization tasks for flat roofs include:
- Adding Sealants
- Repairing Caulking
- Installing Underlayment Where Necessary
- Replacing Insulation
- Repairing the Roof Membrane
Request a Commercial Roof Maintenance & More from Summit Commercial Roofing
Keeping up with maintenance work can be challenging. Let our team at Summit Commercial Roofing handle it for you, so you can focus on running your business. Serving Southeast Michigan, our team can repair, install, and maintain all types of flat roofing, including commercial EPDM roofing, commercial PVC roofing, and modified bitumen roofing.
Contact us today for more information or to schedule an inspection.
