For a business, security and protection are essential. Whether that be cybersecurity or security personnel, protection can help you carry out business operations without interruption.
But it\’s easy to forget about how vital physical protection is, such as from your roof – especially when roof leaks are not always in view.
However, maintaining your roof\’s quality is essential for your business. Not only does it prevent breezes and leaks, but it also shields against many environmental dangers.
Leaks are hazardous for your roof and can cause many problems in and of themselves. That\’s why business owners must prevent leaks the best they can.
So keep reading to learn six tips for preventing commercial roof leaks. Afterward, you\’ll understand the importance of calling a professional when you need to.
1. Regular Inspections
It\’s not enough to set calendar dates for routine maintenance. You also have to perform regular inspections even if you conduct regular maintenance sessions.
That\’s because you never know how much damage your roof can accumulate without you noticing. For example, there could be a leak in an area of your property that you can\’t see without knocking down a wall.
Extreme winds, heavy rain, and heatwaves can all do a number on your commercial roof. So don\’t rely on a roof\’s typical lifespan to know when to fix your roof.
2. Waterproofing
Your roof is your building\’s first line of defense against UV rays, surrounding fauna, and rainfall. Waterproofing your roof can at least protect against water damage.
This is important since water damage is one of the worst culprits for commercial roof leaks. Not only will the water itself leak through the roof, but it can further damage if left unchecked.
Water can disintegrate your roof\’s structural integrity. But it can also make its way underneath. Since many roofs have wood paneling underneath, this can spell disaster for your entire property.
Mold and mildew can also emerge from water damage, which is dangerous for your building occupants. They can produce harmful airborne pathogens, which are bad enough for any healthy person. But people with respiratory conditions and allergies can suffer even more lethal consequences.
3. Drain Cleaning
Regularly cleaning your building\’s drains can prevent the need for roof leak repair. Otherwise, water can build up and accumulate water damage to your roof.
By drains, we don\’t only mean the pipe closest to your roof. We mean your entire drainage systems, field drains, and auxiliary drains.
Employing an in-house maintenance team or a commercial handyperson will ensure that your roofs are tended to constantly. Not doing so can let water, grime, old leaves, and even small dead animals affect the state of your roof.
4. Reseal Pipes and Openings
If your commercial roof is leaking, then there\’s a chance your pipes and openings are poorly sealed. With unsealed pipes and outlets, water can easily burst through and trickle to your roof\’s surface, causing water damage.
This is a bigger problem if the pipes or openings extend up and beyond your roof. Water can pool out of the pipes and puddle in the surrounding area. At the very least, this could cause the type of water damage we mentioned earlier.
That alone is bad enough. But pooling water can even get into building vents and valves, depending on your building\’s structure. While this sounds bad in and of itself, it\’s worse in the context of disease. While a well-tended HVAC system should circulate clean air, it will do the opposite if it\’s circulating dirty water vapor.
5. Spray Foam Roofing
Spray foam roofing can add protection to your roof in two key ways. First, it can insulate your building, making it easier for your property to maintain the temperature you set it to. This can do great things for your energy bill and the environment.
Second, spray foam roofing offers plenty of durable protection. Not only that, but it\’s quick and effortless to install. As its name suggests, spray foam roofing is carried out by spraying foam onto the roof in question.
After spraying, the foam will harden. This layer is waterproof and durable, making it a great option to prevent damage and moisture buildup. Not only that, but this method can redirect rainwater from the roof, improving drainage.
6. Roof Replacement
Most commercial roofs last about 20 to 50 years, depending on the material they\’re made from. This is important to consider since there are many old buildings, perhaps yours included. If you know your roof is close to its expiration date, then it\’s time to call a professional for a replacement.
But some roof lifespans are cut prematurely, especially if the building is made in harsh climates. Thermal shock, UV rays, and humidity all affect and degrade building materials differently.
So even if your roof was meant to last forty years, do not be surprised if you need to replace your roof a little earlier. It\’s possible that past building owners were not diligent about roof maintenance or that the roof was initially installed with sloppy technique.
After getting a new roof, you can set a precedent and perform all necessary maintenance and inspections to prevent your roof\’s lifespan from getting cut short again.
Don\’t Let Roof Leaks Ruin Your Business!
Maintaining your roof can be tedious. But preventing roof leaks is necessary for the health, safety, and comfort of your building occupants and your property\’s structural integrity.
At Yutzy Roofing Service, we understand how important a sturdy roof is for a business\’s big picture. That\’s why we provide exceptional commercial roofing services for any business. Contact us today to get a free quote if you\’re interested in learning more!
