It can be easy to take an out of sight, out of mind attitude toward your facility’s roof. Unfortunately, most commercial roofs fail prematurely, in many cases due to improper maintenance. Failing to take care of your commercial roof can increase your facility’s energy costs, increase the frequency of repairs, and lead to early roof failure that shaves years off the service life of your roof.
Preventative maintenance of your roof and routine commercial roof repair can save you thousands over the life of your roof while reducing unexpected repairs and extending the roof’s life. Here’s what you should know about maintaining commercial roofing and working with a commercial roofing company.
Preventative Maintenance Reduces Facility Expenses
Some facility managers view annual inspections and maintenance as a waste of money when a roof isn’t experiencing any issues. The truth is proactive instead of reactive maintenance of your roof can save you a substantial amount of money. According Roofing Contractor, facility managers who adopt a proactive approach to commercial roof repair and inspection spend just $0.14 per square foot a year. Facility managers who merely react to roofing problems as they happen pay an average of $0.25 per square foot every year in maintenance. Along with this significant savings, preventative maintenance can help your roof last an average of 21 years compared to just 13 years if you respond to problems when they’re noticed.
Developing a Smart Commercial Roof Maintenance Plan
To save money and dramatically extend the life of your roof, developing a roof maintenance plan is essential. Your facility should have a written roof maintenance plan to catch roof failure and areas that require commercial roof repair before the damage becomes extensive.
An effective maintenance plan has two components: frequent roof inspections and routine flat roof repair made in response to the inspections. As a general rule, your commercial roof should be inspected every spring and fall. Two inspections per year can catch damage to the roof before it develops into a serious problem. Your facility may also need special inspections after construction, new equipment installation, and major storms.
Don’t rely on inspecting your own roof. Choose qualified commercial roofing contractors who have extensive experience installing and repairing the type of roof system you have installed. Many commercial roofing companies in Ohio offer commercial roof maintenance plans to help you stay on top of the condition of your roof with scheduled inspections and follow-up repairs.
Comprehensive Preventative Maintenance Can Save Your Roof
A qualified commercial roofing company will help you develop a customized roof maintenance plan that focuses on the challenges and features of your roof. Once or twice a year, your roof should be inspected on a comprehensive checklist to look for defects, damage, deterioration, leaks, and compromised areas. A good roof maintenance program includes:
— Debris removal. Without regular cleaning, debris can build up on your roof and reduce its energy efficiency. Leaves and other debris can also block drains which can cause standing water. Even 1″ of standing water can add 5 pounds per square inch to your roof, reduce the flexibility of your roof membrane, and reduce the lifespan of your roof. Even snow should be removed from your roof when the buildup is significant.
— Checking and clearing drains and gutters to ensure water can leave the roof easily
— Checking and sealing terminations and seals
— Documenting damage and defects. The written inspection of your roof should include photos.
— Recommendations for addressing damage and deterioration. Commercial roofing contractors should recommend available remedies when damage is discovered on your roof such as flat roof repairs, recovering the roof, or roof replacement.