If you own a physical business, it probably has a roof. And in the course of running your business, your roof probably becomes a relatively low priority.
However, your commercial roof serves a number of important purposes. It functions as a shield for the rest of your building, and it’s essentially your first line of defense for destructive weather conditions. You should care about keeping it in good shape, regardless of whether your main priority is ensuring the structural integrity of your building or simply avoiding expensive repairs down the line.
But this introduces an important question: what are the best strategies to keep your commercial roof in better shape?
Working With Qualified Roofers
Qualified commercial roofing contractors are going to be some of your most important assets in the pursuit of maintaining your commercial roof. These experienced roofing professionals can help you understand the current condition of your roof, give you instructions for proper roof maintenance, and handle repairs as necessary. They can also help you determine whether it makes sense to repair your commercial roof or replace it entirely, and if you choose to replace it, they can give you recommendations for the best options for your needs.
Choose the Right Materials
If you’re replacing your roof or if you’re constructing from the ground up, it’s a good idea to put some thought into the materials you choose. Certain roofing materials are strictly better than others, offering much more robust protection and durability, but they often come with the drawback of costing a bit more.
As a business owner, you’ll need to consider your options carefully, as it often makes sense to spend a bit more on quality materials so you can save money on maintenance and repairs in the future.
Ensure Adequate Drainage
Roofs need to be able to drain. If there is too much snow or rain putting a burden on your roof, and there’s nowhere for it to go, it could cause structural damage, and eventually trigger leaks. Check the slope of your roof, make sure the gutters are clear, and always watch to make sure the roof is draining as intended. This is the type of issue that can quickly snowball out of control.
Clear All Debris and Blockages
It’s important for you to clear all debris and blockages as well. Hopefully, this is already something on your regular maintenance checklist, but if it’s not, now is the perfect opportunity to add it. Make sure your roof and gutters are reasonably clear at all times.
Remove Extra Snow
If your business is in a climate with harsh winters, you should pay especially close attention during this brutal season. Individual snowflakes may be light, but during periods of heavy snowfall, they can quickly accumulate. If your roof bears too much weight, it could sag and suffer structural damage. Make it a point to remove extra snow when you can.
Apply a Protective Coating
In some cases, it makes sense to apply a protective coating to your roof, which can guard it against certain forms of elemental destruction and extend its lifespan. This is an investment, but one that has a high likelihood of paying off, so talk to your commercial roofing contractor about your options.
Shield From the Elements
You may also want to shield your roof from the elements in certain circumstances. Some roofing materials are more susceptible to recurring damage from sunlight or heavy precipitation, and you can mitigate that damage with some sort of protective barrier. Even tall trees may be able to protect your roof and keep it in good condition for longer.
Inspect Regularly
It’s a good idea to inspect your commercial roof regularly. Usually, it’s a good idea to employ the help of a roofing contractor, who can spot issues quicker and with greater precision. However, even a surface-level inspection by an amateur can reveal glaring issues like points of damage and leaks.
Depending on your business and the state of your roof, you should plan on inspecting the roof at least annually, if not several times a year. If you notice anything unusual, you should take action promptly to prevent the issue from getting worse.
Issue Repairs Promptly
If your roof does suffer from damage, or if you notice any leaks, you need to take action right away. This can mitigate future issues and reduce your total expenses, extending the lifespan of your roof in the process. Enlist professional help to make sure the repairs are done correctly and thoroughly.
Maintaining a commercial roof can be somewhat challenging at times. But with a proper maintenance schedule and a commitment to making repairs promptly, you should be able to keep issues to a minimum.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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