Tips To Extend The Lifespan Of Your Commercial Roof
Did you recently take ownership of a commercial building or finish building a new one for your company? If you will be responsible for the upkeep of the building, one of the most important areas you will want to keep close watch over is your roof. A commercial roof can often have HVAC equipment and other additions installed on it and a leak or issue in this area could lead to serious issues for your business. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you want to keep your commercial roof in good condition and extend its lifespan for as long as possible.
Keep an Inspection and Maintenance Schedule
For the best results with your commercial roof, you should set up a regular inspection and maintenance schedule. You should have one of your workers or a local professional walk the roof on a regular basis to ensure everything is still in order. Performing regular maintenance and fixing small issues will prevent bigger issues from developing that could shorten the lifespan of your roof.
Keep a Close Eye on Drainage Issues
One specific area you'll want to keep an eye on when it comes to your commercial roof is making sure that water can drain properly. Many commercial roofs are flat in design and therefore can have issues with water pooling or ponding and remaining in place on the roof. Ensure that all water can get to a drain or gutter and downspout system and that nothing is obstructing the water as it attempts to move off of the roof and away from your building's foundation as it reaches the ground.
Trim Branches and Remove Debris
If your commercial building has trees nearby for landscaping purposes, you'll want to make sure you don't have any tree branches that grow out of control and begin to hang over the roof. Trim branches as needed to ensure leaves don't fall onto the roof or into the gutter system and cause a problem. When inspecting your roof, have your workers sweep the roof of debris and clean the gutter system on a regular basis.
Apply a UV Protectant
If it is especially sunny in your neck of the woods for a large portion of the year, you may want to consider applying some type of UV protectant or coating on top of your roof material. The sun's UV rays can damage your roof materials over time, making it easier for the roof to deteriorate or for a leak to begin.
Contact a local commercial roofing company for more info.