Last year, there were $15.1 billion in insurance losses due to winter weather. There’s no denying that changing seasons can bring challenges to the roads and homes.
But, commercial properties can fall victim to weather damage and need roof repairs at all times of the year.
The good news is there are some ways you can limit the risk of a damaged roof on your commercial property if you have a strong roof maintenance plan and inspect your gutters regularly.
So, let’s start with the top tips for preventing weather damage on roofs.
Top Weather Damage Prevention Tips for Roofs
The best way to avoid damage of all kinds, including weather damage, is to create a thorough maintenance plan for your commercial properties.
Maintenance Roof Plan
Even though various weather conditions will cause different levels of damage to a roof, such as rainwater can lead to leaking and snowstorms can cause cracked pipes, it’s essential to have a maintenance plan.
No matter how big or small your property is, you should frequently schedule maintenance checks to check pipes, drains, and roof structures. This way, if there are any issues, you can get them fixed quickly.
Pay Attention to Gutters and Downspouts
Your drainage system is critical to preventing weather damage from extreme weather conditions, as this is where liquid gathers and leaves can become blocked.
Too much water sitting on your roof can put weight on the roof coating and lead to severe damage to your property. The only way to guarantee that your roof structure is safe for the colder months is to inspect it.
Ideally, you should book a fall and spring inspection of your gutters and downspouts on your commercial properties. As these times of year are most common for issues, it’s good to plan them for later in the year.
Replace Shingles
Shingles are the part of the roof that keeps the roof structure together, but if they become broken or cracked, they can fall off and put the rest of the property in danger.
Another sign that your shingles need to be replaced is if they become discolored, as this is a typical symptom of old age. It’s a good idea to get a professional to take a look if you suspect something is wrong.
Be Vigilant With Roof Equipment
Do you have solar panels on your roof? Then, you need to ensure they are firmly attached to the roof before fall and winter.
You should include roof equipment inspection on the list with gutters and downspouts. Checking these roof areas is essential; you should do it at least twice a year for safety.
Watch Out for Tree Trimming
As many commercial properties are surrounded by trees, most likely, you’ll be getting tree trimming scheduled for fall and winter. Although this can tidy up the nearby area, it can lead to problems with your roof.
Sometimes, leftover branches and leaves can make their way to the gutters and lead to blockages. Therefore, if there’s been a recent tree trimming close to your property, check the gutters and roof afterward.
Always Clear Debris
Besides tree branches, other debris should also be removed quickly from the roof.
Depending on the debris, dirt, like leaves and pieces of material, can soak in water and lead to bacteria issues like fungi developing. This is not healthy for your roof, and these items must be removed promptly.
The Importance of Roof Inspections
Roof inspections are vital for looking after commercial properties and ensuring they stand the test of time.
If you don’t repair damage and regularly check the roof structure, you could have to pay for most replacement costs. So, it’s better to pay for maintenance checks before any issues get worse.
Makes Insurance Claims Easier
Often extreme weather damage doesn’t lead to damage straight away. It can take a few days for damage to show, so you want to be sure you have all the details for an insurance claim.
You can get a professional to carry out an inspection to receive an estimate for repair costs and paperwork stating the specific roof damage. This will save you time later when filing for an insurance claim.
Calms Worries About Damage
The last thing anyone wants is to face a mountain of repair costs for roof damage from weather conditions. But it happens, and sometimes there’s nothing you can do.
However, regular inspections can ensure you get a hold of minor problems before they progress.
If you know you’ll have to repair a significant component or there will be more costs, you can plan for them in your budget. This makes it easier to allocate the proper funds toward any roof repairs.
Otherwise, you could be faced with an unexpected bill for weather damage on your roof.
Discover Issues
It’s hard to pinpoint roof damage when you can’t access the space or see what’s happening, so hiring a professional for an inspection is the only way to know what’s happening.
Although it’s possible to check yourself, it’s not safe, and accidents can happen if you’re not experienced with roof structures.
Working with residential roofing services and commercial services is perfect for staying one step ahead of issues so you can focus on other parts of your business.
Ultimately, inspections allow you to preserve your property’s high-quality condition and ensure it lasts for years.
Book Commercial Roofing Services Today
The tips in this article are great for ensuring your commercial property isn’t negatively affected by weather damage. But, if you think that something is wrong with your roof, it’s good to get a professional to take a look.
If you notice any leakages or blocked drains, you should leave them for a few weeks and hope it goes away. These roof problems rarely disappear on their own, so don’t take the risk.
Phone us to book a consultation here, and let us have a look at your roof.
We can handle any repairs and look over your roof structure so it’s safe for everyone inside.
