Keeping your commercial roof in good shape is crucial for protecting your property and avoiding expensive repairs. A well-maintained roof should last for many years, but neglecting it leads to serious damage and costly fixes. By following some simple steps, extend the life of your roof and ensure it keeps doing its job. Here are five practical tips to help you take care of your commercial roof.
1. Schedule Regular Inspections
Regular inspections are key to maintaining a healthy roof. Ideally, you should check your roof at least twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. These inspections help you catch potential issues before they turn into major problems. While it’s best to have professionals conduct these inspections, it’s also possible to do a basic check yourself if you know what to look for.
During an inspection, keep an eye out for things like cracked or missing shingles, blisters, or areas where water tends to pool. Look for damage caused by weather, such as wind, hail, or ice, and be on the lookout for mold or algae, which signal moisture issues. Catching these problems early allows you to fix them before they lead to bigger headaches.
2. Trim Back Overhanging Branches
Trees add beauty to your property, but overhanging branches easily become a threat to your roof. Branches scratch and wear down roofing materials, while leaves and debris clog your drainage system, leading to water buildup and leaks. In severe storms, large branches even break off and cause serious damage.
To protect your roof, make sure to trim any branches that hang over it. This not only reduces the risk of damage but also helps keep your drainage system clear. A clear drainage system allows water to flow off your roof, as it should. Regular tree maintenance also decreases the chance of a heavy branch falling and causing major issues during a storm.
3. Keep Your Drainage Systems Clean
Good drainage is essential for a healthy roof. If water doesn’t drain properly, it pools on the roof, increasing the chances of leaks and water damage. Clogged gutters, downspouts, and drains cause water to back up and seep under the roofing materials, leading to expensive repairs.
Regularly check and clean your drainage systems to make sure they’re free of leaves, debris, and other blockages. It’s a good idea to do this after big storms and during the fall when leaves are everywhere. Also, ensure your drainage is properly directed away from your building’s foundation to prevent water from causing structural damage.
4. Fix Small Problems Right Away
Small roofing issues quickly turn into big problems for your home if they’re not taken care of properly. For example, a tiny crack or a missing shingle may not seem like a big deal, but over time, it leads to serious water damage or even structural issues. To keep your roof in good shape, it’s important to address minor problems as soon as you spot them.
Whether it’s replacing a damaged shingle, fixing a small crack, or sealing a leak, taking care of these issues right away saves you from larger, more costly repairs later on. Staying on top of maintenance and repairs helps you avoid the need for a full roof replacement, which is a much bigger and more expensive project.
5. Consider Waterproofing Your Roof
Waterproofing is a smart way to give your roof extra protection. It helps prevent moisture from getting into your roofing materials, which reduces the risk of leaks and water damage. There are different waterproofing options available, like coatings and sealants that are applied to your roof.
A professional roofer may help you choose the best waterproofing method for your specific roof type and needs. Waterproofing not only extends the life of your roof but also improves its ability to handle tough weather, giving you peace of mind that your property is well-protected.
Taking care of your commercial roof doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require some regular attention. By scheduling inspections, trimming overhanging branches, keeping your drainage systems clean, addressing small problems promptly, and considering waterproofing, extend your roof’s lifespan and avoid costly repairs. These simple maintenance steps not only protect your property but also save you money in the long run.
If you find yourself with water damage in your commercial building because of a roof leak, JGB Restoration is ready to help get you back to normal. Give us a call and our emergency services are quick to get there, day or night.
