Since your facility’s roof serves as the primary shield for your business operations, it’s crucial to maintain its integrity to ensure it remains fully watertight and functions optimally. Many issues with commercial roofs can go unnoticed for extended periods, potentially leading to substantial damage if not addressed promptly.
United Contracting & Roofing LLC offers comprehensive roof evaluations, repairs, and maintenance plans to ensure your roof remains in optimal condition. Reach out to schedule or discuss your customized preventative maintenance options today. Let’s explore these frequently overlooked items that may be lurking just above you.
Water Stains, Leaks, and Musty Odor
When water intrusion into your building is not actively interrupting your business operations, ignoring a ceiling stain or a small leak may be tempting. However, as more rainwater channels through that minor vulnerability in your roof, the larger it will get, bringing significant damage and deterioration over time. Additionally, outside pollutants, bacteria, and mold growth may create unsafe working conditions for your staff and damage your equipment and inventory.
Standing Water on Your Roof
Proper drainage is crucial for the health and performance of your facility’s roof. If you notice standing water on your roof, something may need to be fixed or cleaned. Ensure the roof has a well-functioning drainage system. This will prevent water buildup that can weaken the roof structure and lead to leaks.
Flashing Condition
Every rooftop projection from a vent to an HVAC unit can become a point of entry for rainwater if the flashing fails. Inspect the flashing around pipes, vents, and other roof projections to ensure they are properly sealed and in good condition. Damaged or improperly installed flashing can lead to significant water intrusion issues.
Signs of Damage
Check for any visible signs of damage such as cracks, blisters, punctures, or tears in the roof membrane. Repairing those items at an early stage will prevent them from snowballing into larger, more expensive damage. Regular inspections can help catch these issues before they become major problems.
Loose Sections or Blow-Off
Particularly after a high wind event, parts of your roof membrane could be compromised due to a phenomenon called wind uplift. Loose or missing sections will expose the rest of your roof installation to the elements, generating additional damage. In built-up roofs (BUR), strong winds can lead to wind scouring, the gradual erosion of gravel in specific areas, which often goes unnoticed until it becomes a significant issue.
Missing, Damaged, or Wet Insulation
Check for any wet or damaged insulation as it can impact energy efficiency and the roof’s overall performance. Additionally, moisture build-up may create favorable conditions for mold or fungi growth, which can pose health risks and degrade the roofing materials.
Safety Hazards
Check for any potential safety hazards such as debris, unsecured equipment, unstable guardrails, obstructed roof access, or slippery conditions due to algae growth. All risks must be eliminated to ensure the safety of anyone accessing your roof and everyone below. For more on commercial roof safety, click here.
Unwanted Vegetation Growth
When winds bring debris and soil to your roof, you may notice vegetation taking root on its surface. Unfortunately, it may cause problems. Plant root systems may damage your roof membrane as they grow by penetrating and enlarging small cracks. Additionally, dry vegetation may become a fire hazard.
Skylight Integrity
Inspect the condition of your skylights, including seals, frames, and flashings, to prevent water leaks. Skylight covers may also be recommended for safety purposes. Ensure that skylights are properly maintained to avoid leaks and structural issues.
Roof Perimeter and Edge Details
Assess the condition of the roof perimeter and edge details to prevent water intrusion and potential damage. These areas are critical in maintaining the overall integrity of the roof and preventing water from seeping into the building.
Conclusion
Keeping an eye on all these items while running your daily operations could be daunting. Commercial roofs must be adequately maintained to maximize their life and performance. Every year, your roof is exposed to temperature extremes, storms, damaging UV, and other factors that may cause gradual material deterioration. Through bi-annual preventative maintenance, you can maximize the life of your roof and catch minor damage before it escalates into considerable repairs.For Five Tips to Reduce Costs on a Commercial Roofing Project, click here.
