Most building owners do not realize their roof needs attention until water comes pouring in. Waiting to make roof repairs once a leak is already visible is a common mistake. Preventative maintenance can go a long way and can reduce the risk of leaks and serious damage to your roof. Even if you do not get snow in the winter, chances of rain will increase, and you will want your roof to be ready. These top 5 tips will keep your roof ready for any winter weather.
- Regular Inspections
Work with a professional roofer to get inspections done annually on your roof. An ideal time to do this is the months leading up to winter. An inspection can help identify potential problems and weak spots before they become a problem. These problems are easier to take care of when identified early, saving you money in the long run.
- Clean Your Gutters
Poor drainage from blocked gutters isa common problem for commercial roofing. If water cannot run off the roof properly, it will collect and freeze. Pooled water also increases the weight on the roof which can cause cracks and leaks. Regularly clean your gutters of leaves, debris and dirt so that water can flow freely off the roof to keep it away from the roof foundation.
- Clean the Roof Area
When you clean the gutters, you should also be cleaning off the roof. Wind can bring debris, leaves, and branches which can scrape along the roof, damaging materials. Heavy tree branches can even cause holes. The best way to prevent this is to remove debris regularly, keep trees that are near the roof pruned back, and check the roof after
- Check the HVAC
Most commercial buildings have HVAC systems on the roof and these need to be properly maintained to best protect the roof. A poorly maintained HVAC unit can leak causing water damage to the area surrounding it. You should also check the building insulation in the same way you check the HVAC systems. Poor insulation can allow water to easily flow into the building which can weaken the structure from the inside.
- Maintain Wall Sealant
Cracks in the walls can also allow water into the building structure, so make sure you check walls, both internally and externally. If there are any stains or signs of leaks, be sure to fix them before the bad weather arrives. Rain and wind can make these problems worse and lead to more expensive damage if water seeps into the building.
To keep your building safe and dry, you will need an experienced commercial construction company to check everything if runs efficiently
