An essential part of owning a commercial building is maintaining the roof. It can be challenging to know if your roof is performing well or if there are potential problems. However, there are simple tips and tricks every building owner can use to assess the roof and minor prevent issues from becoming full-scale problems.
Don’t Miss the Signs of a Roof in Decline
Managing a building is a juggling act, and you don’t want to drop the ball when it comes to the building’s roof. Stay on top of roof maintenance by following Rackley Roofing’s commercial roof maintenance checklist:
General Tips
Document
It is best to limit roof access to roofing professionals. Walking on your commercial roof can cause damage and shorten its lifespan. If someone does need to go on the roof, document who they are, why they went on the roof, and where they were.
Details
Whenever you assess your roof or notice anything at all, note all the important facts. When you see issues, make a note of the state and location. You can even use a rating system to avoid uncertainty later. A rating system could be as simple as rating if things are good with no action needed, fair to be monitored, or bad with a need for immediate attention. Make sure to take pictures of any damage you find.
Toolkit
A toolkit makes your roofing assessment much easier to complete. Your toolkit can include:
- a checklist and pen/pencil to take notes
- camera for taking pictures
- roof plans/aerial photos
- tape measure
- flashlight for dark areas
What to Look for Inside
Walls
The state of your walls can be a reflection of the health of your roof. If the walls show any damp spots or peeling, this means there is moisture. By the time you see these signs, a leak may have been going on for quite some time.
Damp Areas
Dampness is your building’s enemy. Some spots to check for dampness are chimneys and vents. If you do find damp areas in these locations, it could be caused by:
- Failing gutters
- Cracked flashing
- Damaged chimney
Ventilation
Ventilation plays a critical role behind the scenes preventing excess heat and moisture. Excessive heat can cause warping and rising energy bills. Moisture can ruin structural elements, damage insulation, and cause mold and mildew. To assess the ventilation, look for these clues:
- Warping
- A wavy appearance to the roof
- Water stains
- Rust and corrosion to any metal
- Increased heating and cooling costs
- Cracks and light showing through
Leaks
Leaks require immediate attention from a professional. If you have leaks, document where they are and take pictures. The damage you can see is often not the only damage present. A professional roofer can assess how bad the damage is and what will need to be done.
What to Look for Outside
Damage
When you look at your building from the outside, you may find obvious signs of damage. Debris on the roof can prevent water from draining and cause ponding. When water remains on the roof, the constant moisture may cause mold and other damage.
You may find broken or blocked gutters and downspouts, which like debris, lead to the accumulation of water and potential leaks.
Wear and Tear
Nothing lasts forever, not even your roofing system. Normal wear and tear create visible clues in the form of rust, rotting, and corrosion. When assessing wear and tear, it is a good idea to examine these areas closely:
- Flashings
- Vents
- Drip edges
- Decking
- Chimneys
Flat Roof Signs of Trouble
Due to the design of a flat roof, debris can easily get stranded on a flat roof. Cleaning a flat roof is essential. Strong winds can damage flat roofs by lifting corners and edges over time. Another potential issue is water accumulation and the resulting leaks. Most leaks occur by flashing or seams.
Make sure your flat room has proper drainage. Weight is another factor for flat roofs. Limit who walks on the roof and keep it clear. Some other issues to look out for are:
- Blisters
- Holes
- Cracks
- Soft areas
- Punctures
- Lifting
This commercial roof maintenance checklist is an excellent way to get started maintaining your roof. Regular roof maintenance ensures your commercial building and its contents are secure and protected from the elements.
The professionals at Rackley Roofing know how important your business is. We specialize in commercial roofing and understand what your roof needs to withstand the weather in the southeastern US. We can work with you and even offer maintenance plans. We know you have a lot on your mind, so we give you the peace of mind to make your roof one less worry.
Give us a call to schedule your inspection or to discuss our roof maintenance plans!