The Importance of Roof Maintenance

A checkup in your attic or along ceilings for any signs of water damage should be a regular practice to detect leaks. Odors or visible stains should be reported to a professional immediately. 

Biannual washes can provide significant long-term benefits for the life of your roof. Washing will eliminate almost all algae, which could rot into the roof if not cleaned.

Cleaning gutters is recommended multiple times a year. Built-up water caused by clogged gutters can easily seep into your roof and cause permanent water damage. Especially before winter, remove any debris that doesn’t belong in your gutters. Restricted drainage as cold weather hits will cause icicles to form on your roofline, a structural and safety hazard.

If you are still noticing icicles and your drains are clear, you are experiencing ice dams. Resulting from a difference in heat between the upper and lower portions of the roof, the bottom half could be frozen around drains. Schedule maintenance for roof ventilation repairs.

Check the surroundings of your roofline; any overhead branches are a potential damage concern. Snow, storms, and wind are all weather conditions that could cause a branch collapse over a commercial surface. Larger branches and trunks will puncture the core membrane of your roof, risking replacement.

Ponding or standing water is a common commercial roof issue. If you notice water on your roof 24 hours after the most recent rainfall, ponding has become a concern to your commercial surface. Roof membranes are only water-resistant, so continued build-up will cause leaks and core damage, potentially requiring a roof replacement.

A common cause of pondering is downspout placement. Gutters and other equipment placed improperly leads to inefficient drainage, building up ponding on the surface. Check to see if your downspouts and gutters are draining shortly after rainfall.

Your commercial building could also experience drainage system failures. Schedule regular inspection and maintenance to improve downspout and eliminate ponding.