Did you know that close to 40 percent of problems with buildings are related to water intrusion and water damage? As a business owner, one of the most important things that you can do for your building is provide roof maintenance. Many commercial buildings feature flat roofs that can cause pooling and severe water damage over a period of time.

There are certain things that you need to do for your commercial roof maintenance if you want to stay safe and dry. Putting together a commercial roof maintenance plan is a great first step toward keeping your roof in good shape and keeping your dollars in your bank account.

The good news is that you’re in the right place to learn some roof maintenance tips. Keep reading this article to learn more today!

Clear Roof Debris (Roof Maintenance)

If you haven’t been on your roof in a bit then it is possible that debris has accumulated over a period of time. In addition to things like leaves, you might find discarded tools or equipment that were left on your roof by previous contractors. They might also leave trash behind when they’re done handling the commercial roofing maintenance contract.

Many leaks in the roofs of commercial buildings get traced back to debris like screws and nails that were left behind by the contractors. Going on your roof and removing debris is a great way to practice roof maintenance and save money in the process. You should always inspect your roof after contractors finish working on it.

Clear Drains and Gutters

Your commercial roof needs ways to drain the water that accumulates on it after heavy showers. Many of these buildings have gutters and drains that help to divert that water away from the roof to keep it holding strong. One of the most important things to do when you’re on your roof is to inspect the drains and gutters.

If debris makes its way into the drains and gutters then your roof will have a hard time draining all of the accumulated water. The most common types of debris that clogs drains are leaves, tree branches, and trash. They might cause the water to pool on the roof which will eventually cause major water damage that is expensive to fix.

Fix Exposed Caulk

Many commercial roofs make use of caulk to seal off areas where water could easily get in. That exposed caulk will eventually get damaged or weakened due to exposure to the elements. If you want to prevent roof damage and practice good commercial roof maintenance then you need to fix the exposed caulk.

All it takes is a few cracks in the caulk for water to make its way into your building. It is important that you check out the caulk each time that you get on your roof to make sure that it is in good shape. This is true for all commercial roof types if you want to prevent water damage at your office.

Don’t forget to touch up any of these areas that look like they could crack or peal soon. It is better to spend a bit of money now to fix these issues than to spend thousands in the future due to water damage.

Check Out Pitch Pockets (Roof Maintenance)

Pitch pockets are quite similar to caulk in the sense that they’re among the most vulnerable areas of your home‘s roof. These areas need to get inspected on a regular basis to maintain your building’s roof and protect it from leaks and water damage. If these areas are starting to crack then you should re-do them with more sealant to ensure that they’re waterproof.

Clean Grease Traps

Some commercial roofs have vents that are used for dispersing grease onto the roof of the building. These roofs often belong to locations that serve as dining establishments or restaurants. If you’re running a restaurant then you need to take extra care to examine the roof around these grease traps.

Grease has a knack for causing major issues to commercial roofs. So regular inspections and roof maintenance are a must to ensure that your building’s roof stands the test of time. Your best bet is to work with a local roofing company to keep your roof clean and free of excess grease.

Check the Roof for Cracks and Tears

The roof is likely to get cuts, cracks, and tears over a long period of time. So you need to have a commercial roof maintenance plan in place to keep your roof safe and pristine. Water will get in these tears and take away from the roof’s structural strength.

If you suspect that you have tears in your roof but you can’t find them then you might need assistance from a roofing company in your area. They can perform tests to find the tears and fix them for you.

Check for Pooling Water for Roof Maintenance

Water on a flat commercial roof is bad news no matter where your business is located. The waterworks over a period of time corrode the roofing materials and find their way into the building. The structure of the roof becomes weak and mold starts to thrive in your building. Which could cause people to get sick.

The water should evaporate eventually, but there is no guarantee that it won’t ruin your roof prior to evaporating. You should be able to identify the little signs that water is pooling in certain areas of your roof. Check for color changes and stains on your roof to see where the water is pooling after a rain shower.

Take Your Roof Maintenance to New Heights

Roof maintenance is important for all types of roofs. But it is especially vital for commercial roof maintenance since many of these roofs are flat. Make sure you follow roof maintenance tips like looking for pooling water, clogged drains, and any debris on your building’s roof. You should also fix any exposed caulk that is starting to peel or crack.

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