Commercial Roofing: Three Practical Tips for Prolonging the Structure's Lifespan
Commercial roof replacement can be an expensive undertaking for any business. In general, the costs of purchasing the roofing materials and the labour required for removing the old structure and installing the new one will be high. Therefore, if you are constructing a new building for your business applications or rental and lease, you should establish some measures to prevent premature failure of the structure and the subsequent need for replacement. Here are some useful tips to help increase the service life of your commercial roof.
Choose an Ideal Roofing Product
The most important factor determining the lifespan of your commercial roof is the choice of roofing material. Therefore, if you are building a new structure or are currently replacing an old roof, you should choose a durable material for installation. There are numerous materials to consider, including metal roofs such as copper and steel, single-ply membranes like EPDM and TPO roofs and built-up roofing systems such as modified bitumen and coal tar. You should evaluate the options with care and select the most appropriate for your building, environment and company. Remember, it is better to purchase an expensive and long-lasting roof than to deal with constant repairs and replacements in the future.
Clean the Roofing and Drainage
You should be diligent in maintaining the commercial roof. Proper upkeep can slow down the rate of structural wear and ensure longer service after installation. One of the most important maintenance practices is cleaning the roof. You should keep the roof clear from leaves, general debris and accumulated grime and dust. These materials will compromise the appeal of the roof and building. Moreover, they can cause faster deterioration of the roof due to unfavourable reactions and mechanical stress. You should also clear snow and ice build-up during winter to minimise strain under the weight. In addition, you must remember to clear out the roof drainage structures such as gutter and downspouts for smooth rainwater flow.
Conduct Regular Inspections
Finally, you should hire a commercial roofer to conduct regular roofing inspections. This practice can be beneficial in extending the structural service life and reducing your long-term maintenance expenses. In simple terms, when a roofer conducts an inspection, they will detect problems in the roofing surface during the early stages of development. Therefore, you will make arrangements for immediate repairs. If the roofing problems are discovered late, they will be difficult and expensive to resolve. Moreover, the extensive and advanced damage might necessitate commercial roofing replacement.