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Flat roofs are economical solutions for commercial properties, but they are prone to damage. To protect and preserve your commercial building’s flat roof, take these 10 money-saving steps now.
1. Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
By having annual or semi-annual roof inspections performed by a commercial roofer, you can prevent small issues from growing into expensive nightmares. A good inspection will check everything from drains to insulation, flashing and seams.
2. Arrange for Prompt Repairs
After a careful roof inspection, attend to roof repairs immediately. A single open seam can admit hundreds of gallons of rainwater from a single storm. A faulty drain can allow water to infiltrate, ruining insulation.
3. Limit Foot Traffic
Work boots abrade roof membranes. Any shoe can dislodge gravel ballast. An accidental misstep can tear open a seam. The HVAC technician, satellite dish person and billboard hanger should be escorted and advised on safe footing.
4. Clean Up After Storms
Your maintenance crew or facilities manager should perform post-storm inspection and cleanup to remove debris from the roof as soon as safety permits.
5. Consider Waterproof Coatings
Light-reflecting, waterproof spray coatings can add an extra layer of security to your roof at very little expense compared to a complete tear-off and replacement.
6. Prune Back Growth
Any vegetation overhanging your commercial building’s roof can lead to expensive damage. The same is true for wall-clinging vines that surmount your parapet. Keep trees and other plants away from the roof.
7. Monitor all Roof Penetrations
Later additions to your commercial roof, such as a satellite dish for communication, are often installed by people with no roofing experience. Any penetration is a potential leak, so ensure proper installation (no concrete blocks as ballast; watertight mechanical fastenings).
8. Dry Up Ponds Promptly
After a rain shower, major thunderstorm or steady drizzle, help your roof get rid of the water. Water weighs enough that ponding and depressions can form when water sits for a day or two after precipitation.
9. Like Patches Like
Know your roof’s composition so you can ensure compatible patching materials are used during roof repairs.
10. Consider a Maintenance Plan
BELDON® offers its KISS program for your commercial roof, to Keep It Safe and Secure. You can combine inspection, repair and warranty coverage all under one plan. For all your commercial roofing questions, contact BELDON® Roofing Company today. We can protect and extend the life of your roof.
