Whether a commercial roof is protecting inventory, business operations, clients or tenants – keeping it maintained is of critical importance to a property owner. Not only is it essential to responsibly take care of whatever resides in the building, but improper maintenance can also lead to leaks, damage, and premature roof replacement. If you are a building manager or owner and you haven’t given the roof a second thought – here is your reminder! A roof is expensive to install and is often more costly to replace. Therefore, guaranteeing that the roof is properly maintained is necessary to prevent an unexpected and expensive business expense. Here are some of the basics of roof maintenance that property owners or managers can’t afford to ignore.

Essential Basics of Roof Maintenance

Be diligent about inspections: Get in the habit of inspecting the roof quarterly to ensure that there is no new damage, cracks, or debris. Regular roof inspections may seem unnecessary at first, but they are the most effective way to prevent the need for expensive repairs. If a problem is identified before it wreaks havoc, it can typically be dealt with quickly and easily. Expert Tip: Perform a visual inspection after any severe weather or storm.
Fix small cracks, fissures, or unsealed areas before rainwater can breach or intrude: Even a small amount area of water intrusion can result in serious damage given enough time and rainfall – so sealing up any cracks or openings as soon as they are identified is the most prudent course of action. Many parts of the country receive less precipitation during certain seasons – providing an ideal window of opportunity to repair cracks or fissures without the risk of rain sabotaging the repair.
Control foot traffic on the roof: One of the least considered basics of roof maintenance is foot traffic – most property managers simply do not realize how much damage walking across the roof’s surface can cause. It is, therefore, vital to manage any roof foot traffic. Limit access only to essential employees or contractors and mark off designated walkways to reduce the risk of unintentional roof damage in vulnerable areas.
Establish a relationship with a reputable roofing contractor: Developing a business relationship with a local roofing professional who is familiar with your roof system, conducts inspections and routine maintenance, and can be notified in the case of an emergency is one of the most important basics of roof maintenance programs. Especially in regions prone to severe storms or punishing climates, establishing a maintenance contract with your roofing contractor can guarantee your company the attention and expertise you need when an emergency takes place.
Don’t ignore damp insulation or watermarks: If you notice wet or matted-down insulation, immediately attempt to locate the source of the water intrusion and have it repaired. Likewise, water stains on interior ceilings, walls, or framing are sure signs of trouble. Typically, by the time you notice signs of a leak, it is well on its way to causing some serious damage. Therefore, the origin of the leak must be quickly located and remediated.
Read your roof warranty carefully: Not understanding the terms, conditions, and exclusions written into your roof warranty can be a costly mistake. Be sure to research which repairs and replacements are covered under your warranties – and which are not. Failing to understand your warranties could result in unnecessary purchases and expenditures.

Know Your Roofing Options

Even if serious damage has occurred, you may have options for roof restoration rather than having to replace the roof. This is, again, a great reason to have an agreement in place with a roofing contractor you trust. They can often recommend easier ways to repair the roof and extend longevity – such as utilizing roof coatings. Unicoat Industrial Roofing is a trusted contractor specializing in extending the lifespan of your commercial roof with various roof coating solutions. If you are seeking answers or need a way to optimize your roofing budget, call today to learn more.