One of the most significant building structures that are often overlooked is the roof. For commercial buildings, the maintenance is even worse because of how busy everyone is, including the building owner. After all, most people don’t sleep in commercial buildings, so forgetting building maintenance is common.
However, there are many reasons to maintain your roof, and seeking advice from Dynasty Building Solutions roofing experts in Tampa could be the first step to increase your roof’s durability. The roof is one of the first things any potential clients will see, and they will start building a perception of what to expect from this. Proper roof maintenance also increases the people’s safety in the building and reduces equipment damage. But the tricky part is knowing some of the best practices to maintain your roof. Here are nine techniques to help you increase the durability and safety of your roof.
1. Fix Any Leaks Quickly
This may seem like an obvious thing to do. However, as I have mentioned, commercial building maintenance is often overlooked. Leaks are probably the number one cause of roofing damage. Leaks can sip water into the building and damage electric equipment leading to accidents. Furthermore, it can also damage nonelectric equipment, leading to further repair costs and buying new equipment. But I hear you asking, “how do I spot leaks on my roof?” The direct answer to this is by physically analyzing the roof. But I hear you ask again, “but I don’t know how to?” that brings us to point number two.
2. Have Regular Inspections Carried Out
Many people may not know how to spot leaks and cracks on their roofs. Most of the time, the roof is on a story building, meaning you have to have some level of expertise to access it directly. That is why it is always recommended to reach out to a credible commercial roofing maintenance company to help you. They will check for leaks, cracks, and all the other aspects of roof degradation. Experts also recommend that you carry our commercial roof maintenance at least twice a year.
3. Avoid Walking On The Roof
There are different types of roofs, each with various flaws and advantages. Whatever roof you have installed, it is recommended that you avoid walking on it. This may weaken the integrity of the structures and may reduce the lifespan of the roof itself. If you have to go to the roof, you can install walking pads to relieve the roof from your weight pressure. But what if you want to check for leaks and cracks? There are particular points on the roof that are safe and recommended to step on. Consult a professional to help you check for roof leaks. It is a good idea to preserve your roof’s integrity.
4. Check Your Roof After Storms
Storms are usually unpredictable and can cause quite some damage. You can not rely on scheduled maintenance if you want to maintain your roof after a storm. The intense weather often leaves debris, plant matter, and water on the roof, the perfect formula to ruin a roof. Make sure that after the storm, all these foreign objects are removed from the roof.
5. Prune Overhanging Tree Branches
At this point and age, the global consensus is to preserve trees and forests at all costs. But that should not come at the expense of your safety or your investment. There are proper ways to prune overhanging trees that will preserve your roof and the tree’s health. By pruning overhanging branches from your roof, you remove the extra weight from the tree on your roof. Plus, you remove the moist and the dead leaves from the roof, which often catalyze algae and fungus growth.
6. Clean Your Roof
Another easy maintenance factor that looks obvious is cleaning your roof regularly. This goes beyond the yearly maintenance practices. Regular roof cleaning helps remove debris and water. Water can log on your roof and may lead to it collapsing. Roof cleaning may also need a professional to help you. As this is a delicate job, a fine balance of weight distribution on the roof and effective cleaning.
7. Get Snow Cleaned
Just like storms, snow can be unpredictable. It is therefore essential to clean your roof after it snows. This way, you can remove the ice water and the extra weight from the roof.
8. Roof Equipment Checks
The odds are there is some equipment on your roof. Things like air-conditioning systems are often installed on the roof. Make sure that they are well placed and properly maintained.
9. Unclog Gutters
Gutters often get clogged because of debris; this can quickly increase the roof’s weight significantly and lead to collapsing or creating cracks. Clean the gutters to make sure that the water from the roof also runs off more effectively.