If you own a commercial building, then you know that one of the biggest investments in your property is the roof. That’s why most business owners and property managers want to make sure they do everything they can to make their roof last as long as possible. We understand, a roof isn’t going to make your business more profitable or more attractive to customers. In fact, if it’s a flat roof, like many commercial roofs, most people, even you as the owner, most likely won’t ever see it!
But at the same time, your business’s roof is probably one of the most valuable pieces on your property. It protects all of the valuable items within your facility and allows for the uninterrupted flow of work to happen seamlessly each and every day. It also protects the structure of your building, preventing water and subsequent mold and rot from deteriorating the structure of the building. Additionally, a roof ensures the health of your staff and clientele, by preventing water damage which can lead to dangerous mold growth.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to get the most life out of your commercial roof. These preventative measures will help extend the life of your commercial roof so that you only need to undertake the large expense and disruption of a commercial roof replacement when it is absolutely necessary.
Begin with the Commercial Roofing Material
The lifespan of your roof is in part determined by the durability of the materials initially used on your roof. Many factors will go into selecting the right material for your facility’s needs, so it’s important to consult a professional commercial roofer to choose the best type for your geographic location, roof shape, and composition. Some of the most popular commercial roofing materials include metal, built-up roofing, EPDM, TPO roofing, and PVC roofing.
Maintenance Steps to Extend the Life of Your Commercial Roof
Although you can spend significant time worrying about the cost and condition of your commercial roof, it can feel out of your control. Your roof might be hard to access and hard to see, so it’s often out of sight and also out of mind. While there are many elements of a commercial roof which should be left to the pros, there are steps you can take as the property owner or manager to help improve the longevity of the roof.
- Keep the roof clean. Just like your parking lot and interior needs regular maintenance, so does your roof. You wouldn’t think that a tiny leaf could cause significant damage to your roof, however leaves, branches and other debris can quickly accumulate on a roof, particularly a large flat roof. Drains and downspouts should be routinely surfaced because they help prevent water from accumulating and infiltrating the structure below. Branches should also be trimmed so that there are no hanging limbs resting on a roof and applying pressure to the structure. You should also consult a roofing pro about possible snow removal needs.
- Address any issues immediately. Moving into a proactive mindset when it comes to your commercial roof will help not only your stress levels, but your business’s budget as well. Although it’s easy to want to procrastinate on roofing needs, in general it’s far more feasible to fix small problems. Waiting until these issues become bigger problems may mean that inexpensive, easy solutions are no longer viable options due to the damage these issues have created over time. As soon as you see an issue, it’s best to work to resolve it.
- Limit access to the roof. Did you know frequent walking on a roof has the potential to impact the roof’s lifespan? It’s true and is one of the major reasons why you should only have routine maintenance conducted by trained professionals who understand where to walk and how to prevent damage to the roof when being physically present on top of the roof is required. It’s a simple and easy step that will help to protect the longevity of your roof.
Commercial Roof Coatings Extend the Life of Your Roof
A coating is an effective way to extend the life of your commercial roof. A coating is added to an existing roofing system and offers the benefit of a single layer with no seams. Since seams are one of the most vulnerable areas and frequently the location of roof failures, this type of coating adds greater durability and security to your current roof system.
Coatings can be sprayed or rolled on and once applied create a seamless surface, significantly reducing the risk of further leaks. Coatings are available in both acrylic and silicone varieties. While each option offers its own individual benefits, both varieties come with significant cost savings. Because the coatings are white in color, they offer a reflective technology which means the vast majority of the heat from the sun will be reflected away from your building. This means significantly cooler temperatures inside the building during the hot summer months.
Get the Most out of Your Commercial Roof by Partnering with a Trusted Commercial Roofer
New technologies have made it possible to extend the life of your commercial roof and prevent the need for a total roof replacement for many years. With so many variables that go into the process of extending the life of your roof, it’s important to partner with a commercial roofing professional you can trust. Be sure to schedule routine maintenance checks at least twice every year, to guarantee that small leaks or failings are not going unnoticed and silently damaging your building. By staying on top of your roof’s maintenance, you’ll ensure you get the most life possible out of your commercial roof.
MK Roofing is proud to be a trusted partner to businesses throughout the North Jersey region, giving insight and guidance throughout the life of your commercial roof. We understand the needs of commercial property owners and managers, while being leaders in the latest commercial roofing technology, including commercial roof coatings, single ply roofs, and commercial roof repair. Reach out to begin with a thorough evaluation of your current commercial roof and take the worry out of your roof’s condition and lifespan.