Storms or inclement weather can wreak havoc on your commercial roof drainage system, so you should make sure you are prepared before it’s too late. Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to maintain your roof and plan for any oncoming storms.
Regular Checkups and Maintenance Are Key
The first thing you can do to prepare your roof is to conduct regular inspections. This can help you spot signs that may indicate damage or areas of concern. If you notice anything that is troubling, you can perform the necessary repairs to protect your roof and the rest of your building from damage that a storm or rain may inflict. You can schedule regular checkups of your flat roof drains throughout the year, as well as before and after storms to really stay on top of it all.
Make Necessary Repairs
If you noticed any problems during an inspection, you should perform the repairs immediately. If you put the repairs off and a storm hits, the damage will most likely become worse. As a result, you’ll have more extensive and costly repairs to make. Making the restorations as soon as you find them means you can make sure your roof is ready for rain or storms.
Remove Any Dangers
If you have trees that hang over your roof, there’s a good chance that some branches will fall onto your roof during a storm and may damage or block your flat roof drains. Strong winds or heavy rain can cause a tree branch to fall and damage your roof if it is not trimmed back. You should also make sure any extra equipment such as an HVAC system is properly secured. Otherwise, a storm may cause loose equipment to move around on the roof and inflict harm.
Waterproof Your Roof
One of the most important things you can do to help prepare your roof for storms is to waterproof it. Installing a waterproof membrane to your roof can offer great assistance in protecting against strong winds and torrential downpours. Waterproofing brush coatings or spray can work to ward off any moisture and improve the longevity of your roof.
If you’re worried about whether your roof can be waterproofed, don’t be, as most types of membranes found on commercial roofs are capable of being waterproof. However, be sure to ask your roofing expert if you have the right roof material.
Check Your Drainage System
Your roof drainage system is intended to help water drain from your roof so you don’t have standing water. No matter what type of drain you have, it can become clogged with debris if you don’t perform regular maintenance. If the drain system is clogged, water can’t flow off the roof properly, which means it will be backed up and most likely be pooling on your roof. That can lead to serious problems in the future.
Not only should you clean out your drains but you should also inspect them to make sure there are no cracks. If the seal around the drain is old or broken, water can leak around it and damage the area surrounding the drain. For example, it can leak under the roof’s membrane and cause leaks to the interior of the building. To avoid this, make sure you check your roof drainage system on a regular basis, especially before and after storms.
Have an Emergency Plan Ready
The last thing you or your business needs is to have to deal with an emergency situation with no one to call for help. To avoid this, you should form a relationship with a roofing repair company that you trust and can call on in times of need. Then you won’t have to scramble to find an expert at the same time as every other business in your area, ensuring you have someone who can fix your roofing problems right away.
Prepare Your Roof for the Worst
If you’re getting ready for storm season or are trying to get ahead during the warmer months for the next storm, make sure you prepare your roof for any damage that a storm may deliver. This includes checking to make sure your roof drainage system is in good order and clearing away any potential hazards. Having routine inspections can help you prepare for the worst by staying ahead of it.