8 Commercial Roof Maintenance Tips

Commercial roofs are an important component of any building, and it is essential to maintain them properly to extend their lifespan and ensure that they remain functional over time. In this post, we will cover eight tips for maintaining a commercial roof and ensuring that it stays in good condition for as long as possible. These tips have been compiled by Home Exterior Solutions LLC, a commercial roofing company located in Richmond VA.

1. Regular Inspection
One of the most important things that you can do to ensure that your commercial roof is well-maintained is to regularly inspect it. Inspecting a commercial roof should be done at least once per year, and any potential issues such as damaged shingles or worn-out flashing should be identified early on before they become more serious problems. Make sure that there are no areas where water could collect or pool, as this can lead to moisture build-up and eventually, water damage. Additionally, check for any signs of wear or tear in the roof itself, and take care of any displaced or replaced shingles promptly.

2. Regular Cleaning
It’s also important to regularly clean your commercial roof to prevent any buildup of dust, dirt, leaves, and other debris from causing any issues with drainage or structural integrity. Removing debris from gutters helps prevent them from becoming clogged, which can cause water damage during heavy rainfall or snowstorms. Promptly removing any debris accumulation such as moss or lichen growing on the roof surface using a soft-bristled brush is also important, as these can cause damage if left unchecked.

3. Sealing Seams
Sealing seams helps reduce air infiltration while preventing water intrusion that can lead to mold growth and structural deterioration over time. Replacing faulty shingles helps protect against wind uplift while ensuring that the roof looks uniform throughout its lifetime. Implementing routine preventive maintenance tasks such as sealing seams and replacing damaged shingles can help prolong the life of your commercial roof.

4. Trim Tree Branches Near the Roof
Tree branches that are close to your rooftop can cause serious damage if they scrape against it during high winds or heavy rains/storms/hail storms. Trimming back these branches will prevent them from scraping against the rooftop, which can save you money on potential repairs later on.

5. Repair Broken Shingles Immediately
Broken shingles should be replaced immediately because they leave exposed areas open to water infiltration, which can lead to rot, decay, or staining on your rooftop membrane. Be sure to replace broken shingles with new ones that match in color and size so that it blends in with the rest of your rooftop membrane seamlessly.

6. Check Seals & Sealants
Pay special attention to seals & sealants because they are prone to drying out over time due to UV exposure and extreme temperature changes throughout the year (elevated summer temps may cause sealants/seals to break down faster). Replenishing sealants will help protect vulnerable points such as joints between two different surfaces like two walls abutting a flat surface like a rooftop membrane).

7. Protect Rooftop Vent Pipes & Skylights
Rooftop vent pipes & skylights should be checked regularly for any signs of wear. This includes cracks in plastic covers that could allow water infiltration through small openings, which would then lead to more extensive damages further down the line (i.e staining, rot, etc.). Regular maintenance ensures that these features continue working properly and do not contribute additional strain on other parts of your rooftop membrane/structure due to its weight/size, etc.

8. Check for Proper Drainage
Drainage systems should be checked often (especially after heavy rainfalls) for proper functioning. Clogs due to leaves/debris should be cleared away quickly as they might impede runoff, which could result in water sitting on top of your rooftop membrane leading to potential damages such as rot, decay, etc. The drainage system must also have an adequate slope towards drains so that water flows quickly off without pooling anywhere on top of your rooftops membrane.

In conclusion, maintaining a commercial roof is essential for keeping the building structurally sound and in good condition. Regular roof maintenance can help extend the life of your roof and reduce costly repairs. Home Exterior Solutions LLC offers commercial roofing services to assist you with all your maintenance needs. Contact us today for all your commercial roofing needs in Richmond VA.