A typical commercial roof can last a decade or more, depending on the materials, roof and installation. Commercial roofs deal with a lot of wear and tear from the elements, which can lead to problems if left unchecked. With the right maintenance, you can keep your roof in top condition for years. Practicing these best practices for commercial roof upkeep will help extend your roof’s life and protect your building.
Extending your commercial roof’s life means being proactive. Preventive measures can help protect your roof, keep damage from compounding and reduce repair expenses. With the right strategies, your roof will last its full life, and you’ll save big on future repairs and heating and cooling bills. Use these commercial roof upkeep best practices to help maintain your property.
Getting regular commercial roofing inspections is critical for ensuring your roofs longevity. Hiring a qualified professional to inspect your roof once or twice a year will help you catch problems early and correct them. During these inspections, a professional will look for signs of deterioration, wear and damage. They’ll point out potential issues and recommend the next steps to help protect your roof.
Address any issues found during inspection to keep them from becoming expensive problems. These proactive measures can extend your roof’s life and save you from major repairs down the line.
Keeping your roof clear goes a long way toward helping protect it. Try to keep leaves, debris and other materials from building up — they can cause drainage problems. Clogged roof drains and gutters can lead to water pooling or backing up, increasing the risk of leaks and water damage.
Regularly clear this debris to ensure water can flow off efficiently. You might have trees or other nearby problem-causers that allow excess debris to pile up. Note these potential issues and take steps to reduce the amount of debris they drop on your roof.
Performing routine maintenance on your roof is also important. Clearing debris, checking components, looking for water issues and maintaining your heating and cooling is essential. Having your roof cleaned regularly helps keep debris from damaging your roof and ensures there are no holes or damaged parts. Get your heating and cooling system maintained as well to prevent heat and moisture problems from harming your roof.
Your roof drains or gutters and downspouts are essential for protecting your roof and building from water buildup. They help guide rainwater away from your roof and foundation so it cannot penetrate the building. Over time, roof drains, gutters and downspouts can become clogged with dirt, leaves and debris, preventing proper water flow.
Invest in quality gutter and downspout or roof drainage systems. A reliable system will last years and help carry water off of your roof. Consider getting routine drain cleaning to clear and prevent blockages. With a healthy drainage system, you’ll prevent water accumulation and improve your roof’s life span.
Carefully trim any trees overhanging or near your roof. Trees can threaten your roof strength, especially during storms. Overhanging branches can scrap your roof, causing damage. Falling branches can cause holes or lift up shingles. Regular tree trimming and pruning help reduce the chance of damage.
Reflective coatings are a great way to protect your commercial roof. These coatings help reduce ultraviolet (UV) damage and improve energy efficiency. UV rays beat down on your roof all day, causing deterioration. Reflective coatings act like a barrier, reflecting the sun’s rays and minimizing your roof’s heat absorption. This helps regulate your building’s temperature, saving you money and stopping these rays from damaging your roof. Talk to a professional about UV coatings to see if your commercial roof could benefit from one.
It’s crucial to find and repair damage as soon as possible. Spotting and repairing roof defects and holes will help keep your roof in healthy shape for years. If left unattended, roof defects can lead to water damage, mold growth and structural problems. You should schedule professional inspections and perform your own regular visual checks to find signs of roof damage, like water stains or damp spots.
Once you spot any problem areas, address these issues quickly. Patch holes or replace damaged materials to protect your roof strength. The earlier you catch an issue, the safer your roof will be. Issues left unaddressed can lead to expensive repairs and dangerous problems.
Proper roof insulation is key for regulating temperature and preventing thermal stress on your commercial roof. It helps keep consistent temperatures, preventing extreme changes that can cause contraction and expansion-related wear and tear. Insulating your roof also boosts energy efficiency, keeping inside temperatures stable and reducing strain on your heating and cooling system. When your system doesn’t have to work as hard, you’ll see reduced energy bills and a more comfortable building.
Talk to your roofing specialist to ensure you have proper insulation so you’ll stay comfortable and protect your roof from temperature-related stress.
Reducing roof foot traffic is one of the essential preventive strategies for commercial roof longevity. Excessive foot traffic can lead to accelerated tear — too much walking on the roof will wear away or strip materials much sooner than planned. Establish guidelines and restrictions for roof access, allowing only essential personnel to walk on the roof when needed.
You could also consider installing walkways or designated paths to help direct foot traffic and protect vulnerable roof areas.
If you’re looking to extend your roof’s life span, consider contacting a professional service for your roofing repair, replacement and maintenance needs. Professionals have the experience and tools needed to safely and effectively restore your roof, helping it to last its full life span. Professionals will examine your roof, repair it and give you tips for maintaining it between professional servicing. If you want to get the most out of your commercial roof, professionals have all the resources you need.
If you’re interested in extending your industrial roof’s life, contact the experts at Jottan Roofing. We offer a full range of commercial roofing services — from maintenance and inspections to repairs and replacements, we’ve got you covered. With a dedicated service department in Delran, New Jersey, providing 24/7 damage response services and industry-leading experience, we can handle all your commercial roofing needs.
Contact us online today to schedule your commercial roofing service, or check out one of our many locations!
