Home owners see regular flat roof maintenance as an unnecessary expense that they can live without. That is not at all true, though. Frequent maintenance not only prolongs the lifespan of your flat roof but can also prevent costly repairs down the road. Even if they are only a year old, flat roofing is always vulnerable to damage. The earlier you identify a roofing issue, such as blocked drains or membrane impairment, the better. Some of these problems could require you to replace your roof years before you would normally need to if they are not addressed. Your first line of defense against such situations should be to schedule routine maintenance inspections.
Commercial flat roofing comes in a variety of forms. The most popular are the single ply type membranes, which are made of EPDM, TPO, and PVC. Different types of asphalt membranes are also available. It’s crucial to remember that the kind of roof you have will determine the kind and frequency of maintenance required. Even so, there are a few main causes of roof damage that apply to all the varieties of flat roofs.
Seasonal and extreme weather
You can always expect weather-related damage to your business roof, rain or shine. Regular inspections and maintenance are a good idea in the summer to find items that might later become potential issues. An acrylic or silicone roof coating may be recommended by a maintenance specialist to shield your older roof from the summer’s harmful UV rays. They will be able to identify any water damage during the wet season before it gets worse.
Getting an inspection of your roof following a significant storm is also a good idea. There might be ponding of water from too much rain, or damage to the membrane from debris or hail. Also flat roofs should be designed to withstand a particular amount of snowfall. The structure may be hampered or possibly collapse due to too much snow. Find out from your roofing contractor how much weight is acceptable on your flat roof before snow removal is necessary.
Drainage problems and leaks
Regardless of the season, drainage problems are a constant worry. The term “ponding” refers to the situation where water on a flat roof collects in one area due to blocked roof drains. Eight pounds is one gallon of water and over time, the weight of constant ponding can cause your roof to droop. Inspections for routine maintenance will take care of drainage problems before they cause too much ponding.
The majority of flat roofs will have penetrations of some kind, such as skylights, HVAC curbs, or pipes. A variety of flashing materials that may deteriorate with time in the sun are used to tie these penetrations into the roof membrane. Water may seep in due to material deterioration that leaves gaps and cracks between the penetration and the roof. Roof leaks can also result from HVAC duct rust.
Your commercial roof could sustain long-term damage from even the smallest leak. Getting a roof leak fixed as soon as possible is recommended for any size leak. Regular maintenance can help you prevent costly commercial roof repair services by detecting leaks before they become more serious issues.
Human error and high traffic
The HVAC system of most commercial buildings is housed on the roof. Installing mechanical equipment, such as HVAC systems, has the potential to cause damage to your roof. After installing any equipment, it’s a good idea to arrange for a maintenance inspection to determine whether you require flat roof repair services. Periodic maintenance and filter replacements are also necessary for A/C units and other HVAC equipment. This is because of high foot traffic on your flat roof. The roof’s membrane will eventually deteriorate due to foot traffic. By making routine maintenance investments, you’ll be able to stop damage before it gets out of control.
Conclusion
Make sure the maintenance and repair team you choose to inspect your roof is reputable. Roofing technicians at Northern Roofing Ltd, providers of commercial roofing in Newcastle, are experts in repair and upkeep around-the-clock.
