Your commercial building is one of your business’s biggest assets, but it requires ongoing maintenance to preserve its usefulness and value. Ongoing building upkeep helps you identify potential problems before they become much bigger and costlier.

Nowhere is this more true than when it comes to roof maintenance. A roofing failure can be devastating for your building, your business, and your employees. 

Commercial roof maintenance also saves you money over the years by extending the life of your roof and protecting your business assets. Read on to explore the most important tasks to ensure your roof stays in great condition throughout its lifespan.

Schedule Regular Roof Inspections

The Florida government recommends you perform routine roof inspections at least once a year to protect your building from damage due to inclement weather, but twice a year is best.

These roof checks are an excellent opportunity to pinpoint weak spots in the roof’s structure and rectify them before it’s too late. They’re best performed in the spring and fall before the most extreme weather of the year sets in.

Have a professional inspector check your roof after extreme weather events like heavy rain and wind to check for damage.

Identifying leaks and repairing them quickly is essential for mitigating liability and risk. A faulty roof poses a risk to your building’s structural integrity as well as the safety of everyone inside. 

Leaks may lead to water damage, mold growth, and even roof collapse if you don’t attend to them promptly.

Eliminate Ponding Water

Ponding water on your roof isn’t always the result of heavy rain. Other factors, like leaking air conditioner units, may also cause this phenomenon.

Water remaining pooled on your roof for over 72 hours can cause extensive roof damage, such as:

• Roofing membrane damage like bubbling, cracking, or peeling
• A collapsed roof
• Algae, mold, and plant growth
• Clogged drains
• Dirt buildup leading to roof membrane degradation

Telltale signs of ponding water include dirty, discolored areas, debris and algae buildup, and oxidation of the roof surface. 

A commercial roofing company can help you eliminate ponding water by re-pitching your roof, installing extra drains, preparing low points, or reinforcing your roof coating. 

Keep Drains and Gutters Clear

Inspect waterways and drains regularly for signs of pooled water. Leave and other debris can prevent proper drainage, causing water to back up during rainy spells.

Clearing your gutter regularly prevents water from spilling over onto your building structure, where it can damage walls and seep into your building’s foundations.

Debris in your gutters can also form a safe nesting site for unwanted creatures like rats, mosquitoes, and other insects. You can clear your gutters yourself, but rather hire a professional for this task so you can avoid the risks associated with working at heights.

Clean the Roof Surface

Keeping your roof clean helps eliminate an accumulation of debris that can harbor insects and mold or encourage water ponding. Mold and algae accumulated on your roof are easily drawn into your HVAC system and can damage your employees’ health.

A clean roof also has a lower temperature, helping keep the interior of your building cooler and saving air conditioning costs. 

Roof cleaning can expose roof damage and reveal areas needing roof repairs before they escalate into something more serious.

Look Out for Signs of a Damaged Roof

Paying attention to the condition of your roof can help you detect potential problems faster. Look out for the following roof-related problems:

• Damaged flat roof flashing
• Cracks or blistering on the roof’s surface
• Water stains on your interior walls
• Mold or foul odors

All these things can indicate a problem with your roof. Get in touch with a qualified roofing contractor to address your concerns before they become bigger issues.

Perform Preventive Roof Repairs

You must address any issues revealed during roof cleaning and inspections promptly. Small cracks can worsen quickly, weakening the roof’s structure and creating leaks.

By addressing small problems early on, you prevent more costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your roof. Major roof repairs or replacements can stall your business and cost you thousands in lost productivity.

It’s much more cost-effective to replace a few loose tiles or re-surface your roof than to manage the damages caused by a leaking roof. 

Check Insulation and Ventilation Regularly

Insulation and ventilation are important components of any roof. They ensure clean air for your employees and help maintain your building’s interiors at a comfortable temperature.

Proper ventilation prevents moisture buildup in your roof, which can lead to mold and algae growth or roof damage.

Always carry out routine insulation and ventilation checks together with your roof inspections, and address any problems as quickly as possible.

Always Look for Ways to Improve Your Roof

Energy efficiency upgrades should be a top consideration for every business owner. Reducing your building’s carbon emissions will help you save money on heating and cooling, may earn you tax credits, and can help protect the environment.

Reflective roof coatings and cool roofing materials can greatly reduce costs and protect your roof, extending its lifespan.

Document All Roof Maintenance

Keep detailed records of all your roof maintenance activities. File all your inspection reports, cleaning schedules, and details of repairs.

You may need these documents for future building inspections, if you decide to sell your building, or for insurance purposes.

Having these documents on hand also helps you keep track of your expenses and stay up-to-date with routine maintenance.

Protect Your Roof and Your Business

Professional roof maintenance is essential for securing the future of your roof, taking care of your employees’ well-being, and protecting your business. Routine tasks, like roof inspections, gutter clearing, and timely roof repairs, are important aspects of roof maintenance and are best carried out by professional commercial roofing services.

Innovative Roofing is at your service in locations across Florida. We have over forty years of experience and numerous awards, accolades, and accreditations to our name.

Get up to speed with your commercial roof maintenance to ensure your peace of mind today.