It’s tempting to think of a commercial roof as a “set it and forget it” investment in your business. But the less you think about your commercial roof, the more problems you are likely to face.
Today we’ll look at the most common mistakes that are made with commercial roofs and give you advice on how to avoid them. An ounce of prevention will keep you covered, secure, and happy for years to come.
Ignoring Standing Water
Water on your roof should never stand still. If you have ponding water, you have something amiss.
Often, ponding water is the result of blocked drainage. This is why it is important to routinely check and clear the drainage system of your roof.
If you have standing water and there is no drainage problem, then you may have a more serious problem such as underlying structural weakness that is altering the pitch of your roof.
If you notice standing water, it’s best to act fast. Call a trusted roofing contractor and schedule an inspection as soon as possible.
Failing To Check Flashing
Flashing stops water from flowing into places it doesn’t belong. It can be especially damaging when flashing warps because the symptoms of the damage are not always obvious.
Over time, flashing can warp or fall victim to storm damage. That’s why regular roofing inspections are so important. It can be extremely difficult for you to see the early signs of flashing wear or damage. And by the time you do notice your flashing needs work, significant damage has already been done.
Failing To Check For Punctures
Wind, hail, and debris can cause punctures in your roof that are difficult for the untrained eye to see. Having a set maintenance checklist to ensure careful inspection of the surface of your commercial roof, its flashing, and the sealant around joints is key to stopping damage before it becomes serious.
Of course, this takes time and experience. The best solution is to make sure experienced professionals have the chance to inspect your roof regularly.
Forgetting About Shrinkage
The membrane is the outer layer of your commercial roof and is responsible for protecting the inner components of your roof from weather (both storms and temperature fluctuations) and debris (like falling branches).
Wear and tear can cause this membrane to shrink. This leads to cracks or rips that leave the inner components of your roof vulnerable to the elements. The easiest way to prevent this from happening is, you guessed it, by scheduling regular roofing inspections.
Lack of Maintenance
Probably the single most common mistake that business owners make is failing to properly maintain their commercial roofs. A consistent maintenance schedule is the only way to catch problems before they become major issues.
Many of the problems that we regularly see with commercial roofs were entirely preventable. In the busy day-to-day of running a business, it can be difficult to remember why proper roofing maintenance is so important.
Don’t get hit by preventable damage, schedule an inspection today!
What To Do When Common Problems Arise
Prevention is the best medicine. Schedule regular inspections. It really is as simple as that.
When repairs and maintenance are required, go with the most trusted experienced contractors you can find.
At Perry Roofing Contractors we’ve been installing commercial roofs and keeping them strong for more than 40 years. Our experts know exactly what to look for to stop problems before they start.
Give us a call today and schedule your next inspection and we’ll make sure you avoid all of these common commercial roofing mistakes. That way you can rest easy knowing that business is safe, secure, and protected.