If you are the owner or manager of a rental/commercial property, then you know how important regular building maintenance is. Everything from landscaping and lawn care to seasonal cleanups and equipment inspections are crucial in keeping your property operating safely and effectively. Your building’s roof should be no exception.
To keep your property in good condition, safe for your staff and customers, and cost-effective, you need to protect your roofing investment. Regular maintenance can help avoid and prevent unexpected damages, repairs, and even roof replacement which will save you money and increase the life span of your property’s roof. Here are some tips from our Empire Roofing & Exteriors experts that you should consider when creating your business maintenance checklists this year.
Tip #1: Schedule Regular Inspections
The best way to maintain the health of any roofing system, commercial or residential, is to schedule regular inspections so that you can catch issues in their early stages. Remember that even minor issues can soon become more significant problems if they spread or worsen over time. Always hire an experienced roofing contractor to inspect your roofing system every 6 months or at least every year. We will be able to catch any potential areas of weakness that could undermine the performance, structural integrity, and longevity of your roof. Regular preventative maintenance also allows our team to record and monitor any changes in your roof over time that could be a sign of future damage, leaks, or sagging.
Tip #2: Do Post-Storm Assessments
Outside of these inspections, it is also a good idea to have a professional assess any potential damage on your roof after any kind of bad storm. Bad weather (including heavy rain, hail, strong winds, fallen debris, etc.) can cause some of your materials to lift off your roof, crack or break which will lead to more damage and leaks. Bad weather can create weak spots in your roof that will eventually lead to some sort of failure if not detected and repaired right away. Don’t rely on wishful thinking after a storm – let our team perform an inspection to give you peace of mind while also preventing costly damage and replacement.
Tip #3: Keep It Clean
Speaking of fallen debris, you should also try to keep your roof as clean as possible. This includes leaves, twigs and branches, rocks, snow, and any other loose material that can clog your eavestroughs and create sitting water pools. Standing water can lead to leaks, cracks, rot, and the growth of algae which will escalate how quickly your roof deteriorates. Keeping your downspouts and roof drains free from any kind of blockages is key to maintaining a healthy roofing system. If you notice any signs of backed-up gutters, get a professional to come and clean them out as soon as possible to prevent water from accumulating and overflowing. Remember that a clean roof is a safe roof.
Tip #4: Keep Roofing Accessories Functional
It is not enough to just keep your actual roof in good shape, you also need to maintain all your roofing accessories. This includes roof vents, plumbing boots, exhaust vents and any sort of roof-mounted heating or cooling units that could be leaky or broken. Keeping your roof vents sealed properly and unblocked will help maintain your property’s efficiency over time so if you notice any damage or leaks, get them fixed as soon as possible. Especially after a storm, it’s important to keep your heating and cooling systems clear of anything that may have accumulated around them from strong winds or trees nearby. We always recommend having a professional AC maintenance crew regularly inspect, check, and repair any units you have as needed – even a small leak from an air conditioning unit can cause severe damage.
Tip #5: Stay Off the Roof
It is never a good idea to go on your roof yourself or attempt any DIY roof repairs. Unless you are a trained professional, you can cause lasting damage while attempting to repair your property’s roof. This damage will oftentimes also impact the life expectancy of your roofing system as well. We know it can sound tempting to climb up and check out your roof yourself but trust us when we say it is not worth causing more damage and risking injury.
Tip #6: Hire Empire Roofing & Exteriors
Leave your commercial property’s roof maintenance to our professional team to ensure the health and longevity of your business. Empire Roofing and Exteriors is your best choice for roofing support in Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo & surrounding areas. As a professional Guelph Roof Repair company, Empire Roofing & Exteriors will be there for you now and in the future. You can trust our Empire Roofing & Exteriors team with local, reputable, and licensed roof repair services backed with years of proven expertise.
Let the roofing experts at Empire Roofing & Exteriors get your attic and roof done the right way today by calling 519 265-ROOF (7663) or fill out our online quote form. Don’t forget to ask us about our financing options as well through FinanceIt, the most powerful financing in the industry.