Comprehensive Guide on Maximizing Your Commercial Roof Life

When you’re running a business, it’s very important to ensure that your commercial building is always in good condition. One of the most important components of a commercial building is the roofing system. This is why business owners go through great lengths and strides by conducting regular roof repair or replacement to ensure that it’s always in great condition.

A quality commercial roof provides shelter to your employees and customers, ensuring that they are comfortable and that your commercial building stays in good condition. If you encounter issues with your roof, it could affect your business’ output since you might have to close down for a few days until it is fixed. You could also risk losing out on customers if your commercial roofing system fails.

As such, your commercial roofer would tell you that it’s important to get the maximum lifespan out of your commercial roofing system. Understanding how to do so means that you also understand the issues that can affect your roof’s lifespan, and the actions you can take to prevent these issues from worsening. It also means knowing the process and actions involved in commercial roof maintenance. In this post, Done-Right Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd, the leading commercial roofing expert, shares a comprehensive guide on maximizing the life of your commercial roof.

What Causes Your Commercial Roof to Deteriorate?

Your commercial roof can develop problems due to a variety of reasons. Some of them could be out of your control, such as weather-related issues like hail or storm damage. Some of these issues can be prevented had you got to the root of the problem earlier, such as lack of roof maintenance, and roof leaks. Here are some of the most prominent factors that can cause your roof to deteriorate or fail quicker than expected.

Effects of Weather on Your Commercial Roof

Your commercial roofing system has an important job to do. According to your commercial roofer, it prevents rain and snow from getting inside and damaging your inner structure. It helps keep the interior of your business cozy and comfortable by blocking out wind and protecting that inside from the searing heat. As your roof is providing you and your business protection, the exterior elements can take a heavy toll on your roof. We’ll discuss some of their effects in detail below:

1. Spring Showers. While spring is generally considered a calm season, it can sometimes damage your commercial roof. Certain areas of the Halton region could experience rainfall even during the spring months, so protecting your roof against rain damage should be on the top of your priority list. It’s also worth noting that commercial roofs are often flat roofs, which means that they don’t shed water as quickly as sloped, residential roofs. It could cause ponding water which will seep into the roofing materials, causing cracks, and other kinds of damage. It can also affect the other components underneath your roof, causing mold and mildew growth. It also puts extra pressure on your roof, which leads to sagging.

2. Summer Heat. With the summer season approaching, roof replacement experts warn businesses and homeowners alike that severe sunlight or UV radiation can cause damage to your roofing system. If the roof absorbs too much of the sun’s rays, the ultraviolet light can cause your roof to break down over time, along with the components underneath it. It’s also worth noting that excessively hot temperatures can cause your roofing materials to expand and shrink, causing it to deteriorate quickly.

3. Fall Season Storms and Fluctuations. The fall season is often considered a transition period, and the fluctuations in the temperature can affect your roof’s lifespan. Storms can also affect the lifespan of your roof since they bring about hail, water, and debris. Remember that the bigger the hail, the greater the damage it brings. The sheer force of the storm or tornadoes can also tear away at your commercial roofing system, which is why you need to be prepared for it.

4. Cold Winters and Ice Storms. With around 26 inches of snow, snowstorms can cause a severe toll on your commercial roofing system. Since commercial roofs are flat, snow can stay on the roof’s surface for longer, compared to a residential sloped roof. The snow can melt once the temperatures rise up, and turn into ice once it cools down again. In addition, snowfalls can add to the weight on your roof. If the snow and ice linger on your commercial roof, you might suffer a roof collapse, requiring you to have a roof replacement project.

How to Extend Your Roof’s Life

1. Conduct Regular Inspections. Granted, you can inspect your roof by walking around it from time to time, but you might not know what you’re actually looking for. To save you time and effort, you’re better off calling a commercial roofing expert to check out your roof for you, and make sure that this is done at least once or twice a year. This lets you stay on top of issues so you don’t have to worry about big problems like leaks or sagging as they can spot critical weak points that will cause failure.

2. Stay Away From DIY. Even if you consider yourself a good, self-taught handyman, don’t try to take on roofing problems on your own. Aside from lacking the proper tools and safety equipment, you do not possess the intricate knowledge that professional roofers have trained for to ensure that these serious problems are addressed accordingly. Even if DIY roofing can save you tons of money, it can take a lot of time and effort if you don’t know what you’re doing. You might end up spending even more if you damage your roofing system and decide to call a professional in the end.

3. Clean Your Roofing System. Depending on the height of your building, debris like leaves and gravel can get onto your roof. If your roof isn’t regularly cleaned, this debris can build up, taking a toll on your roof. Couple this with ponding water, and you could have yourself your own ecosystem on top of your roof, allowing for vegetative growth, and mildew spores to spread. Make sure that you have the debris removed from the surface, as well as your gutters cleaned so that the water can drain away from your building completely.

Done-Right Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. is a premier source of metal roofing and roof repair services in the Halton region. As a GAF Master Elite® contractor, our goal is to provide the comfort and efficiency every client deserves through industry-leading products and outstanding customer service. Call us at (289) 809-6133 or fill out our contact form to request a free, no-obligation estimate today.