All commercial buildings need to undergo flat roof maintenance often. Maintenance is a critical component of your roof’s longevity, and you should have someone come out to inspect your roof twice annually. With adequate support, your flat roof can last upwards of 25 years. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your roof and how you can make sure your building gets the care it needs.
1. Be Aware of the Warning Signs
Generally speaking, you should be able to tell when something is out of the ordinary. Flat roofs have a tendency to pool water, causing structural issues from all the extra weight on the surface which runs the risk of creating eaks. If you fail to address this issue promptly, your roof may also experience heat aging, membrane degradation and algae.
You also need to be aware of any cracks in the roof. Cracking is most often the result of the roof taking on more weight than it can handle. You also want to keep an eye out for fasteners that have become loose. These devices are essential for anchoring the system to your building, and if you see any missing, then you will want a professional to inspect and replace them as soon as possible.
2. Trim Nearby Tree Branches
In the event there are any trees next to the roof, you want to make sure the branches do not reach the building. Branches can scrape against the roof and scratch the surface. Additionally, moss can transfer from the branch to the roof, harming the materials. Just as you would hire someone else to repair your roof, you may want to hire someone to trim your branches periodically.
3. Ensure Your Drainage System Works Properly
When water pools on your roof, you need to locate the source, especially if no heavy rainfalls have occurred recently. It may be possible the building’s roof drainage system is not working as good as it should. The gutters can become clogged, and water has nowhere to go but the roof. You should hire someone to clean out your gutters every once in a while to make sure water still flows freely.
In the event the gutters keep clogging, then you may want to look into having a new system installed. Older buildings may have gutters that are no longer appropriate for the kind of drainage they need, requiring custom sheet metal fabrication. It is especially important to look into new systems if it rains often in your city.
4. Keep the Roof Clean
Debris more easily collects on flat roofs than on sloped ones. Whereas branches and garbage can roll off a slanted roof easily, the same cannot be said for flat structures. Removing debris may be an easy task for you to accomplish, but you need to be careful you do not damage the roof by walking over it.
Twice a year, someone should survey the roof to remove any debris that has accumulated. It is a good idea to get this job done before and after winter. Someone can go up with a broom to clear away dirt, leaves and anything else that could compromise the integrity of the structure.
5. Address Leaks Right Away
One of the most obvious signs that something is wrong with your roof is a leak forming. Hopefully, someone goes up to the top floor of the building periodically for routine maintenance to identify leaks as soon as they form. It may be easy to ignore leaks and simply fill up buckets with water. However, over time, the leaks will only grow worse.
Leaks are most likely to occur around the seams and flashing. You should do internal checks of the building often so that you can identify issues as soon as they form. If you do not, then water can make its way into the roof itself, leading to fungus and mold. Your building may soon become inhospitable for people to work. You can do a lot of good in preventing roof leaks by scheduling routine inspections and ensuring your gutters continue to flow properly with the aid of gutter guards.
If it has been a while since your flat roof in North Carolina has had maintenance, then it is time to contact an expert. Our professionals have years of experience dealing with commercial flat roofs, and we can help keep yours in pristine condition. Contact us if you would like a quote. We will send someone out promptly to help you with whatever your roof needs.