At Elite Roofing, our clients often ask us how long they can expect their commercial roofing system to last. This can be difficult to answer, as some factors that impact the lifespan of a roof – such as the weather from year to year – are largely out of anyone’s control. However, proper roof care and maintenance is also an important factor to consider, and it can be the difference between having a roof that lasts for several years and having one that lasts for decades. Here are a few of the most important commercial roof maintenance tips that can help business owners extend the lifespan of their roof!
Address leaks promptly
It may be tempting to ignore a drip from your roof here and there, but this is a major mistake. A leak left unaddressed can shorten the lifespan of a roof, and it’s likely to become a much more expensive problem the longer you wait. The leak can expand into a larger crack, and water from your leaking roof can seep into other places. This can seriously damage equipment and potentially introduce a mold and mildew problem. These are far more expensive to deal with than a simple roof repair job – so be sure to have leaks fixed by a professional roofing company as soon as possible.
Keep your roof clear of debris and snow
Branches, excess leaves, and rocks on your roof should be removed promptly if you want to maximize the lifespan of your roof. While this may seem minor, built-up debris can clog drainage systems and lead to standing water on low-slope commercial roofing systems. This is also important for keeping roof equipment (such as AC units) functioning properly, as debris can interfere with the operation of these machines.
Further, during the winter, accumulation of snow is particularly dangerous for commercial roofs. This is because these roofs have a much lower slope, meaning snow and ice can build up rather quickly if your building lacks a means of preventing this (such as a roof heating system). All in all, clearing out any form of debris is a surefire way to extend the lifespan of a commercial roof. In addressing this, though, we also encourage you to take care to…
Avoid walking on your roof
It might seem counterintuitive: You should keep your roof clear of debris and snow, but you can’t walk on it? Unfortunately, walking on your business’s roof can cause damage if you aren’t a professional and don’t have the proper equipment. One way around this is to have a roofing contractor install walk pads, allowing you to more safely access different parts of your commercial roof. Even so, it’s generally wiser to hire a professional when it comes to clearing your commercial roof.
Schedule regular roof inspections
While leaks are an obvious sign that your roof is in need of repair, sometimes more insidious damage can occur that an untrained eye won’t spot until it’s too late. To be sure your roof is in tiptop condition, it’s important to have it inspected, ideally at least twice a year after winter and summer. This is a great way to extend the lifespan of a roof, as any problems introduced by winter weather and severe summer thunderstorms will be spotted right away.
Elite Roofing Can Extend the Lifespan of Your Roof!
Whether your roof needs an inspection, minor repairs, or a complete overhaul, it’s crucial that you call on a trusted roofing professional to get the job done. The Elite Roofing team offers extensive experience in commercial roof replacement, repair and maintenance. If you are interested in learning how you can extend the lifespan of your commercial roof, contact us for a free inspection today! Allow us show you why we’re Colorado’s most trusted residential and commercial roofing contractors.
