Roof Maintenance
Fix Problems Before They Start with Our Preventive Roof Maintenance Program
You know the saying, ‘prevention is better than a cure’? Well, that certainly applies to commercial roof repair in Florida. Ask any commercial roofing contractor in Florida. Whether you’re in Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, your roof is going to be subject to some challenging conditions over the years.
From punishing thunderstorms to scalding summer heat, it’s important to stay on top of the health of your roof and limit the need to call a roof repair contractor.
Thankfully, we’re here to help. We’ve put together some information on the most common types of commercial roofing and how best to maintain them throughout the year. Whether you have a small unit or a large, industrial-size plot, these tips will guide you toward a long, secure life for your roofing. Read on to find out more!
Common Types
Common Types of Commercial Roofs and Their Maintenance Needs
For our purposes, we’ll be covering the three most common types of commercial roofing – these are flat roofs, metal roofs, and shingle roofs.
First of all, let’s look at the flat roof. As the name might suggest, this is a flat structure rather than a sloped roof commonly seen across many commercial buildings. Whilst a flat roof benefits from a reduced size and reduced need for materials, there are several risks a flat roof can pose.
One of these is that of standing or pooling water. As a flat roof does not offer the same water run-off as a sloped one this can be a common issue, especially during periods of heavy Florida rain. This added weight can lead to damage and misshaping over time, leading to potentially large-scale repairs.
Another common issue with flat roofs is blistering, or ‘alligatoring’. This is a form of cracking as a result of fluctuations in temperature – and we know Florida is prone to that! Because of these issues, it is crucial to have regular inspections of your roofing and conduct cleaning and small-scale repairs on a steady basis.
Metal roofs, on the other hand, pose a lower risk of damage or necessary repairs if they are installed correctly. Thanks to the strength of the material, it is possible for metal roofs to last for as long as 40 years.
However, the rigid, sturdy nature of a metal roof can lead to physical damage including denting and scuffing, both of which can affect the run-off capability and structural integrity of the roof.
One other feature of a metal roof is its ability to corrode if left uncared for. Simple cleaning and clearing of debris can help to eliminate this issue, but it doesn’t take too long for neglect to leave a massive impact.
Finally, we have shingle roofing. Asphalt shingle roofing is one of the most common types across Florida and the U.S. as a whole due to its cost efficiency and versatility.
Unfortunately, shingle roofs are not exempt from the need for maintenance. Exposure to the elements can damage the tiles themselves, as well as promote biological growth such as blue algae. For this reason, shingle roofing must be regularly cleaned to prevent the buildup of harmful substances.
Furthermore, as a roof made up of a large collection of tiles, it is common to see a small number of tiles suffer damage. Thankfully, due to its design it is easy to remove and replace any affected tiles – but this must be done in a timely manner to avoid any lasting damage from leaks or lost energy efficiency within the building.
Technology Usage
Using Technology to Improve Commercial Roof Maintenance
We hear you – maybe clambering up onto the top of your building every time you need to complete an inspection isn’t ideal. It can be difficult for many people, not to mention unsafe.
But, remember – we live in the 21st century! Technology has provided many benefits when it comes to maintaining your commercial roofing.
Take, for example, a drone. If you purchase, or lease, a drone, you can use it to capture a bird’s eye view of your roof and identify any areas in need of attention. This can be completed in a matter of minutes, from the safety of your office.
Going even more technical, thermal imaging and moisture detection technology can identify exactly where you may have areas of heat loss or water damage before it becomes a larger issue.
Depending on your budget, using this level of technology may or may not be possible, but we recommend speaking with a commercial roofing contractor in Florida to weigh up all your options before making your mind up.
Which is Right for You?
DIY vs. Professional Commercial Roof Maintenance
Now, you may wish to complete any small-scale repairs yourself, but for anything substantial, we would always recommend bringing in the help of a roof repair contractor in Florida.
Not only are you putting yourself at risk of injury by attempting a complex repair, but you are also running the risk of damaging your roof even further and requiring more expensive, time-consuming repairs as a result.
If you are unsure, many roof maintenance professionals offer free consultations for you to discuss your needs. At the end of the day, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
By working with a licensed commercial roof repair contractor in Florida, you are guaranteeing safety and efficiency, as well as extending the lifespan of your commercial roof.
Best Practices
Best Practices for Commercial Roof Maintenance
Inspect
Cleaning
Repair
Inspection
Many commercial roof repair contractors in Florida recommend two roof inspections per year. This not only helps to identify any current damages but also to locate any areas that may be in need of attention in the near future. By completing inspections on a six-monthly basis, you are drastically reducing the need for large-scale repairs in the future.
Cleaning
After an inspection from a commercial roof repair contractor in Florida, you may be informed that your roof is in need of some housekeeping. Thankfully, this is a relatively simple process for most roofing types. A well-practiced cleaning regime can consist of gentle rinsing with a low-pressure power washer, cleaning of the surface with a mild, non-abrasive cleaning solution, and a soft-bristled brush, followed by another round of rinsing and clearing out of gutters. This will help to eliminate any algae, dirt, or debris that may lead to future issues.
Repairs
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to find areas in need of repair after an inspection from a commercial roofing contractor in Florida. From damaged shingles and dented metal sheeting to punctured membranes and blistering, there is a laundry list of potential repairs you may need to complete.
Summary
So, to summarize, follow the three-step plan:
- Inspect
- Clean
- Repair
It’s really that simple! If you’re reading this and wondering what horrors lie above on your uninspected roof, we highly recommend booking an appointment with a local roof repair contractor in Florida.
Sure, it may not be causing you any problems right now, but that’s not to say there isn’t a storm brewing in the coming months.
From Fort Myers to Miami Dade, the rules are the same. Get it checked, get it cleaned, and keep it safe for everyone involved.
Why Us
Maintenance Benefits
- Maintain Your Manufacturer’s Warranty
- Find Problems Before they Start
- Extend Roof Service Life
- Can Qualify for Restoration and Coatings
- Extended Warranties Available
- Maintenance Expenses are Tax-Deductible
- Manage Roof Assets through Cloud-Based Technology
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GAF ROOFING MANUAL
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