Is your business dealing with a leaky roof? Do you know how to care for your roof to stop this from happening in the future?
Roof care isn\’t always a straightforward thing, which is why it\’s often difficult to prevent roof problems. The good news is that, once you know what to do, it\’s easy to implement.
This is why we\’ve put together an easy guide to take you step-by-step through the process. Keep reading to learn all of the things you\’ll need to do to keep your roof as good as new!
Frequent Inspections
One of the best things you can do for your roof is to do a thorough roof inspection at least every three months. Taking the time to check each part of the roof gives you a great idea of its condition. It also gives you the chance to spot a weakness in the roof before it becomes a problem.
During your inspection, make sure to check for things such as:
- Holes
- Rust
- Missing nails
- Crooked gutters
- Dents
- Cracked material
- Damaged flashing
- Clogged vents
By checking all of these things several times throughout the year, you\’ll avoid the cost of an expensive roof repair. You\’ll also avoid unproductive downtime during those repairs.
The more you know about the condition of your roof, the better off you\’ll be!
Clear Away Debris
It\’s not uncommon for debris to collect on top of a roof, especially after a big storm sweeps through the city. The problem is that things like twigs and rocks can lead to even more damage if they\’re left on the roof for too long.
The best thing to do is to clear these things away as soon as possible. A simple sweep with a regular broom can make a big difference in the longevity of your roof.
Depending on the design of your building, this may be a job that\’s better suited for professional roofing services. Safety is always an important part of maintaining a roof.
Replace Insulation
When was the last time you checked the insulation of your roof? This material is vital to keeping your roof at full strength so it needs to be replaced as soon as it starts to wear down.
Without good insulation, you\’ll start to notice a rise in your energy bills since the outside temperatures will get inside much easier.
To save on energy costs, replace your insulation once you notice any deterioration. A quick change of the material will keep the whole building at comfortable temperatures without breaking the bank.
Insulation doesn\’t need inspection as often as the exterior of the roof but should be done at least once or twice a year.
Clean the Chimney
If your building has a chimney, then you\’ll want to pay special attention to this area of the roof. Taking care of a roof often means maintaining all of the other areas connected to the roof as well.
A chimney can be a problematic area if you don\’t keep it under control.
A thorough cleaning once a year gets rid of any build-up of soot or other debris, preventing future clogs and damages. Whenever it\’s time to work on the roof, make sure your chimney gets attention, too!
Check for Water Damage
Water damage is a dangerous thing. It can lead to mold growth which is difficult to remove. It\’s also a health hazard for anyone in the building.
That\’s why you\’ll always want to be on the lookout for signs of water damage.
If you find water damage around the interior of your building, it\’s time to check for a roof leak. Although water damage can come from other sources, the roof is the most likely culprit.
Stop Moss and Algae Growth
Some people enjoy the look of moss on a roof. It adds an extra pop of color to the building\’s exterior that looks attractive to many environmentally-minded customers.
The problem is that things like moss and algae are invasive species that cause a lot of damage to a roof. Even a metal roof can suffer from damage, though at a much slower speed.
It doesn\’t take long before these things burrow into the material of the roof and create holes. They have the capability of growing in weak spots that will soon allow water to leak in during the next rainstorm.
You\’ll want to prevent moss and algae from growing on your roof by applying the right chemicals. This eliminates the risk of unwanted things damaging your roof in the future.
Trim Back Tree Limbs
Do you have trees near your building? Do they have long limbs that hit the roof during strong winds?
Allowing trees to have branches that close to your roof introduces a lot of stress and damage to the roof. A big storm could be all it takes for those branches to create a hole in the roofing material.
You must trim back the tree until it can no longer reach your roof. Keep in mind the flexibility of the branches as you trim them away. This step gives your roof an extra layer of defense even in the middle of a bad winter.
Fallen limbs are also a great danger for flat-roofed buildings, so always make sure your trees are always trimmed and healthy!
Set a Roof Maintenance Schedule
Even with all of these things working together to protect your roof, there still comes a time when maintenance is necessary. The main thing to keep in mind is that you don\’t want to wait until there\’s a problem before doing repairs or maintenance.
Instead, set up a regular schedule in which you\’ll have maintenance done to the roof. Not only does this prevent future problems, but it also lengthens the lifespan of the roof.
Effective Roof Care Begins With Preventative Measures
When it comes to roof care, preventing damage is the best thing you can do for the building. By following this guide, your roof will have everything it needs to stay protected even in the worst weather.
The more time put into maintaining your roof now means you\’ll spend less time on repairs later!
The best way to keep your roof in good condition is to get help from professionals. Check out how our roofing services can keep your building standing strong for many years to come!
