Tips for Successful Commercial Roof Maintenance
7/12/2021 (Permalink)
Common Types of Roof Damage
Roofing on your commercial property in Oliver Springs, TN, has different maintenance needs than the typical residential roof. The flat, or low-slope, roof common to businesses is susceptible to specific types of roof damage during a storm or other weather event.
What type of damage is common on a flat roof?
- Ponding refers to an indent in the roof that can be caused by water accumulating due to compressed insulation or clogged drains. Signs of ponding include leaks, drooping ceilings, excessive debris in gutters, or foliage growing on the roof. In the worst-case scenario, your roof can collapse.
- Rainfall, continuous heat from the sun and buildup of pressure can cause a flat roof to crack or break.
- Age can cause the roof membrane to buckle, flashing to peel, or the asphalt to lose its elasticity.
Preventative Maintenance Steps
What maintenance steps help prevent significant storm or wind damage and extend the life of your roof?
- Twice a year, have a qualified professional inspect your roof for possible problems. This includes keeping an eye out for peeling edges, cracking roofing materials, or open flashing. Any problems should be repaired immediately. A storm restoration company can repair any water damage that has already occurred and may tarp the roof during the repairs to prevent further damage inside your property.
- Waterproof the roof. Sealing the roof can prevent cracking.
- Check and clean out the gutters or drainage system, especially after storms. A backup of debris can cause ponding on the roof.
- Prune trees around, or hanging over, the roof. During a storm, wind damage to the trees can cause them to fall on the roof.
Wind damage and roof damage do not have to put you out of business. Potentially avoid a full roof rebuild in Oliver Springs, TN, by keeping an eye out for fixable problems and adhering to proper maintenance procedures throughout the life of your commercial roof.