For commercial property owners, maintaining a building's structural components is non-negotiable. Keeping them in excellent condition ensures longevity and functionality, preventing costly repairs and early replacement. Among the most vulnerable is the roof area due to its constant exposure to the elements. Along with regular maintenance, keeping your commercial rooftop clean is essential Keep reading for some helpful suggestions!
Inspect Your Rooftop
Regularly scheduled inspections keep you informed of the state of your rooftop. Take note of damaged areas that require immediate attention, starting with the building's exterior structure. Look for any indications of gutter, fascia, and soffit damage. Then check the building's interior for signs of water damage or other structural issues that could potentially affect the roof. Be careful to follow standard safety precautions before climbing on the roof. OHSA lists fall as one of the most frequent work-related fatalities. Follow traditional safety practices before climbing up to the roof for an inspection. If your building has roof access panels, your roof inspections will be even easier!Repair Any Damage Before Cleaning
- Water pools can cause the roof to age and deteriorate more quickly. Additionally, standing water adds additional weight and weakens the framework.
- Examine the state of the flashing as you circle the roof's edge. Degradation might result from flashing gaps.
- Check for bubbles on the roof cover. Bubbles can mean that either the insulation board is releasing gas or that there is moisture trapped beneath the roof cover.
- Ensure the sealed state of the vents, drains, and skylights and their working condition.
- Check the roof cover for signs of wear, such as cracks or tears.
Surface Cleaning
- Protect any potential water entry points, such as low curbs or base flashings, to ready the rooftop for cleaning. Be sure to prevent runoff from damaging the nearby landscaping. Check the clean membrane for damage, then fix it as needed. After cleaning, reinspect all downspouts, gutters, and drains to ensure no obstructions. Remove any debris as you move, such as hanging branches, leaf deposits, and debris.
- Start by using a low-pressure power washer or a 12v pump (soft washing) to rinse the roof's surface. Use a piece of equipment with no more than 150 psi pressure.
- Utilizing a soft-bristled, long-handled brush, gently scrub the surface with a moderate, mix of surfactant and bleach (3%+ mix) The best solution is a container filled with water and a bleach mixture with added soft wash surfactant to keep the roof wet.
- Use the pressure washer to wash the cleaner and debris off the roof with your ballvalve setup.
Avoid Extra Pressure
Particularly for commercial roofing, their intended function is to be exceedingly sturdy and resilient. However, that does not imply that roofs are impervious to damage or made to endure anything.
Avoid applying additional pressure to your roof since it is a terrific method to preserve it in good condition. That entails keeping everyone away and lowering the weight that the roof must constantly support. Even the seemingly insignificant act forbidding someone from climbing onto the roof unless required can greatly ease tension.
Sometimes, somebody must step on the roof during maintenance and repairs. The occasional occurrence won't significantly impact and shouldn't worry you.
Consider Seasonal Changes
In a related manner, getting your rooftop ready for the changing seasons will help you avoid having to make as many repairs or replacements as you might otherwise. You can prevent significant issues by taking preventive measures, as many roof issues result from negligence.
You can cover exposed sections with tarps to prevent standing water on the roof's materials before it gets cold. It can also entail purchasing the appropriate instruments you'll need for upkeep, given the climate.
Keep Up with Repairs
Even though prevention can reduce the number of issues you have with your commercial roof, there will be instances where accidents or simple wear-and-tear problems occur. When that happens, address the issue quickly.
Neglecting repairs can cause more significant damage to the inside of your building. There is no alternative for swift, professional repair of roof difficulties.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
A qualified expert is fully aware of what to look for and what those potential areas of concern might be. They can accurately describe the condition of your roof and assist you in creating a strategy to address any potential issues they discover. A yearly check would be wise to enable the early detection of problems.
And when roofing contractors fix the issues right away, you avoid future expensive rooftop repairs. Simple maintenance such as cleaning gutters and drainages will significantly improve the rooftop's lifespan.
