How to Properly Maintain Commercial Roofing
Choosing the right commercial roof can protect a business and its employees from damage caused by weather conditions. It can also help reduce heating costs by preventing heat loss through the roof.
Unlike residential roofing, commercial roofs can be expensive to install and maintain. They require specialized tools and protection equipment. For professional assistance, contact Roofing Companies Lafayette LA.
Commercial roofing is an important investment for business owners. It ensures that water won’t seep into walls and cause costly damage, and it offers superior insulation for energy efficiency. Moreover, it protects employees and customers from inclement weather and makes the building look more attractive.
The cost of a commercial roof can vary widely depending on its size and complexity. The cost of installing a new commercial roof can also be affected by the type and brand of materials used. It is best to consult a professional contractor for more information about the costs of various roofing materials.
A commercial roof should be designed to last for at least 30 years. Proper maintenance can help extend the life of the roof and reduce its repair costs. For example, a silicone restoration coating can be applied to the existing roof to add a protective layer and prolong its life. A good silicone coating can be applied in just a few hours and costs between $2 and $5 per square foot.
There are many different types of commercial roofs. These include asphalt or composition shingles, metal panels, EPDM rubber membranes, PVC membranes, concrete tiles, slabs, and blocks, and green roofing systems. Some of these materials are more durable than others, and they are available in a variety of colors and designs. Some also have an algae-resistant finish to prevent moss growth and other problems.
Besides the roofing material, the cost of a commercial roof can be affected by its installation and maintenance requirements. For instance, shingle roofs require regular maintenance to keep them free of algae and other debris. They are also susceptible to sun damage, which can reduce their lifespan. EPDM and PVC membranes, on the other hand, are resistant to adverse conditions and require less maintenance.
The condition of the existing roofing will also impact the cost of a re-roofing project. An aging or damaged roof may need to be replaced sooner than expected, and this can increase the overall cost. In addition, a damaged or leaky roof can lead to the replacement or repair of interior components and structures.
Durability
Commercial roofing comes in a variety of styles and materials. The durability of a roof is largely dependent on its material type and the weather conditions it’s exposed to. Some common types of commercial roofs include shingles, EPDM, and metal. Shingles can last up to 20 years, while EPDM can last up to 30. If a commercial property is well maintained and inspected by a professional, these lifespans can be extended even further.
A single-ply commercial roof is durable, energy efficient, and easy to install. It also has a high resistance to UV radiation and is mold, mildew, and dirt-resistant. It’s a good option for businesses that are susceptible to water damage and need to protect valuable assets from the elements.
Modified bitumen is another durable roofing option that can stand up to strong winds and extreme temperatures. It’s also fire- and hazard-resistant, and it doesn’t absorb heat quickly. However, it’s more prone to punctures and difficult to identify the source of leaks.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) are durable roofing membranes that are ideal for flat roofs and offer excellent protection against the sun’s rays. They’re also highly reflective, which can help reduce cooling costs. Additionally, they’re resistant to most chemicals and bacterial growth. This makes them a great choice for restaurants, which frequently release oils through their ventilation systems.
Metal is another popular roofing material, and it’s long-lasting with a lifetime guarantee. It’s also durable against wind and snow, and it’s available in several colors and finishes to match a business’s design aesthetic. A metal roof will also add value to your business and improve its curb appeal.
Many people assume that a flat roof isn’t as durable as other types of roofing, but that’s not necessarily the case. Some flat roofs are built with reinforced decks, which can be made of plywood or asphalt sheets. In addition, they’re often covered with layers of tar to protect against the elements and prevent water damage.
Appearance
While it might seem that commercial roofing and residential roofing are very similar, the process is actually quite different. Commercial properties and their roofs are much more extensive than a typical home, and they typically have more complex and durable materials. The appearance of the roof also differs greatly between these two types of properties.
For example, most commercial properties outfit their roofs with single-ply membranes like PVC and EPDM. This is due to the fact that these materials are more protective against corrosion and other industrial hazards than shingles or metal. In addition to this, single-ply membranes are also more visually appealing than other roofing materials.
However, there are a variety of other roofing materials that can be used for commercial properties as well. This includes built-up roofing systems (BUR), asphalt shingles, and many other materials such as concrete, granules, and even tar and gravel.
Additionally, some of the most advanced roofing materials include seamless elastomeric coatings, which are liquid-applied spray foam roofing. These unique types of commercial roofing offer high resistance to extreme temperatures and help reduce energy costs. They’re also incredibly durable and have a long lifespan. This means that the initial investment may be higher, but the longevity of these unique commercial roofing options will save property owners a lot of money in the long run.
Maintenance
Commercial roofing needs to be maintained properly in order to maintain its structural integrity and protect the building from water damage. This requires regular cleaning, repairs, and inspections. Keeping up with the maintenance of your commercial roof will help you avoid costly repairs and prolong its lifespan. The most effective way to keep up with the maintenance of a commercial roof is to have a preventative program in place that will be implemented on a schedule to ensure that any damage or general wear and tear is caught as soon as it occurs.
The most common problems with commercial roofing are punctures, cracks, and leaks. These are often caused by debris, aging, and other environmental factors. These issues can lead to serious interior damage and the need for expensive repairs. A professional commercial roofing company will be able to inspect and repair these problems before they cause major damage or even structural failure of the entire roof.
In addition to identifying these issues, a professional commercial roofing company will also check the condition of the roof’s structural components. They will look for signs of rust, rot, and mold. They will also look for open seams, leaks, and sagging areas. They will also check the gutters, drains, and scuppers to make sure they are clog-free. This is especially important in Minnesota, where the freezing temperatures can cause the drains to freeze and block drainage when thawing occurs.
A good commercial roofing company will also ensure that all of the flashing and sealant are intact. Sealants are installed at various places to seal a small opening or waterproof a unique detail, such as above clamps on pipe boots, pourable sealer pockets (aka pitch pockets), and exposed termination bars. Exposure to the elements and repeated use cause the sealant to break down, leading to cracking and eventually delamination of the entire membrane. A preventative maintenance program will include reapplying the sealant as needed.
Another important part of commercial roofing maintenance is keeping up with repairs and cleaning as recommended by the manufacturer. This can be done by scheduling a regular appointment with the roofing company or reading the warranty carefully to find out the frequency of inspections and maintenance required by the roof.
