Your commercial roof serves many purposes. It protects your property from harsh elements and improves your building’s curb appeal, making it more attractive to customers. That’s why it’s important that you pay attention to its upkeep and make repairs if necessary. Following these do’s and don’ts of commercial roofing will help you keep your roof in good condition.
Do’s
To ensure that your roof will stand the test of time, put these tips into practice.
✓ Do conduct routine maintenance
Schedule regular roof assessments rather than acting only when a roofing problem arises. It’s critical that you conduct at least two inspections annually, especially before and after winter, so that you can catch and fix small problems before they become bigger concerns. Call a roofing contractor who will check your roof for cracks, deterioration, missing roof parts, and other possible damages, clean your gutters, or patch up any roof structure if necessary.
✓ Do perform repairs immediately
Different roof types have varying problems: sloped roofs tend to warp or bend, while flat roofs often experience water stagnation. Whatever specific problems your roof is prone to, call a roofer right away when you notice even the slightest sign of roof damage. Don’t ignore a small leak, as it can weaken your roof structure or cause moisture problems in the long run if left unfixed.
Whatever specific problems your roof is prone to, call a roofer right away when you notice even the slightest sign of roof damage.
✓ Do think for the long term
Roofs are expected to last about 20 years, so think of the conditions your roof will be exposed to during that time. In the next two decades, will your roof be able to endure high temperatures, strong UV rays, or freezing winters? Determining your roof’s long-term use will help you decide on the material, style, and color that can help extend your roof’s life. If your commercial property is in a hot region, for instance, it’s best to choose white or reflective membranes to increase your roof’s solar reflectance, resulting in a cooler building interior.
✓ Do keep updated on building codes and standards
Each state has roofing codes and standards that can change over time. Hence, it’s critical to keep abreast of the building requirements in your area. It’s also a good idea to get in touch with local trade associations so you can stay up to date with building regulatory changes that can impact your commercial property.
Don’ts
These are the big no-nos when it comes to commercial roof building installation, maintenance, and repair.
Don’t power wash your roof
Power washing uses intense water pressure to remove dirt or moss on your roof. It may be an effective cleaning method, but it’s also a dangerous one. High water pressure can loosen the granules on shingles and cause them to become brittle and thin. It can also dent flashings or blow off the small parts of roof structures, such as nails or bolts. If you need your roof cleaned, call a roofing expert who is trained and licensed to use appropriate roof cleaning equipment.
Don’t make cost your only consideration
More than the upfront costs of materials, you should also take into consideration other factors such as maintenance costs, roof durability, aesthetic fit, and cost-effectiveness, or how your chosen commercial roof helps save costs in the future. After all, you don’t want to end up with a cheap roof that’s expensive to maintain, or a roof that, while affordable, doesn't match your building's overall look.
Don’t perform DIY roof repair
Inspecting your commercial roof or installing roof structures on your own can do more bad than good. It’s dangerous to DIY your roof and you might get yourself or others injured. You can also end up exacerbating roof damage through equipment mishandling or improper technique. On top of these, commercial roofing maintenance and repair require specific knowledge, skill, and certifications. So not only should you not take it upon yourself to fix your roof, but you also shouldn’t hire residential roofers to do a job on your commercial roof. This brings us to the next point:
Don’t allow unqualified personnel to work on your roof
Any task that requires the handling of roofing materials should only be done by an approved and reputable roofing contractor, as their roofers have the training, experience, and certifications that ensure no warranties are voided. Do not let amateurs work on your roof either. You don’t want the roof of your commercial building to look shoddily made, as it plays a key role in presenting your business and how customers perceive your establishment.
For expert commercial roofing maintenance and repair, look no further than D&D Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc., Inc. We’re Nevada’s premier roofing contractor with over 40 years of experience. Schedule a free consultation with our team by calling us at (775) 521-7440 or by sending us a message.