Commercial roofing materials are made to stand up against harsh weather. But there are things you can do to achieve additional roofing protection for commercial roof systems. Here’s what facility managers can do to avoid roof damage caused by severe weather.
Trim your trees.
Prepare for strong storms by having your trees trimmed periodically. Not only can big falling tree branches damage your roof membrane, but leaves and small twigs can also clog your gutters and drains. A malfunctioning drainage system can cause pooling water on the roof’s surface. This problem will eventually lead to the breakdown of the roof membrane.
Remove debris from the commercial roof surface.
Anything that is not essential should be removed from your roof to protect it from damage. Even small items that wouldn’t seemingly harm the roof’s surface, such as tennis balls or loose wiring, could clog your drainage system. Gutter system failures not only cause pooling water and leaks, but clogged gutters can also destroy your foundation and landscaping.
Examine the roof-mounted equipment.
HVAC systems and solar panels must be securely attached to your roof – especially if there is a predicted wind event. Strong winds and pounding rain may knock around the equipment installed on the roof, causing severe damage. Check to ensure that filters and metal panels on HVAC equipment are secure and sealed.
Hire an expert roofing contractor to perform inspections twice a year.
The best way to make sure your existing roof is ready to stand firm during intense storms is to follow a maintenance plan. While your maintenance crews can trim trees, remove debris, and periodically examine the roof-mounted equipment, you will need the advice of an expert to maintain your roofing system.
Your roofing contractor will closely inspect the roof membrane – looking for small cracks that can become big problems if ignored. They will also ensure the flashings haven’t failed and look for signs of ponding water or leaks you may have missed.
Superior roofing products will break down over time – even when properly installed. However, hiring a top-tier roofing company to perform maintenance and inspections will prolong the life of your roof. (Your roof warranty may also require periodic inspections.)
Ask about roofing protection solutions.
If it’s time to install a new roof, ask how new technologies can provide additional protection to your commercial building.
If you live in a hot climate, you may not be concerned about the damage caused by snow and ice, but you may see the effect of the sun on your roofing material. TPO single-ply roofing systems are very popular for their high resistance to UV rays. A TPO roofing system is also resistant to environmental pollutants and chemicals and can stand firm against tears and punctures. Additionally, some TPO membranes are Energy Star-rated and Cool Roof Rating Council approved.
On the other hand, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is ideal for commercial buildings in areas with a lot of ice and snow. This “rubber roof” single-ply system has a strong elasticity that is ideal for hail, freezing, and thawing. While it is resistant to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, it also provides insulation during winter.
Contact Nations Roof to Find the Perfect Solution for Your Climate
You can certainly do things to extend the life of your industrial roof on your commercial building. However, you must partner with a professional if you are serious about protecting your investment.
Nations Roof offers a preventive maintenance program. Our team will identify deficiencies and address minor concerns before they become significant problems. You’ll receive a straightforward assessment report with the repairs needed listed in order of priority, pricing, and recommendations with our 21-point inspection checklist.
And when it’s time to think about installing a new roof system, depend on Nations Roof for quality service. We have partnered with the leading manufacturers of roofing materials, which means we will install the best roofing solution for you.
Fill out the contact form on the Nations Roof website to schedule a thorough 21-point inspection.
Quick Tips for Weatherproofing Your Commercial Roof
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Trim back the trees that overhang your building.
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Protect your roof membrane by removing debris.
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Examine the installation of the equipment on your roof to ensure it is adequately secured.
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Hire a professional roofing contractor to perform periodic inspections.
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Work with a commercial roofing company that has relationships with the best roofing materials manufacturing companies. Ask about the benefits of using new materials on the market to eliminate leaks, seal seams, and stand up to harsh weather conditions.
