Commercial properties come with several inherent risks that can negatively affect their profitability. While some risks are completely beyond a business’s control, such as natural disasters, other threats can be avoided with a bit of preventative maintenance. For example, one of the most common hazards facing commercial properties is exposure to the elements.
Think of your roof as a living entity that must be taken care of in order for it to continue serving you for many years to come. If you maintain it, it will last you a long time. But, on the other hand, it will eventually fall apart if you neglect it.
If you own a business with a roof, you need to understand the types of maintenance that will protect it from the elements and ensure it lasts as long as possible. This article will discuss the ins and outs of commercial roofing maintenance, including identifying the various weather conditions they are susceptible to.
Why is Commercial Roof Maintenance Important?
Maintaining your commercial roof is inspecting, cleaning, and repairing your roof to ensure it continues to provide the protection you need and lasts as long as possible. It is important to regularly maintain your commercial roof because doing so will ensure that no damage occurs that could lead to costly repairs or replacement.
With poor or neglected maintenance, plus unpredictable weather as we have in California’s Bay Area, your roof could experience premature wear and tear, be more susceptible to damage from the weather, and lose its ability to protect your building.
Extreme Heat Weather Conditions in California
Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause your commercial roof to warp, rot and even cause it to delaminate. A warped roof is unsound and in danger of collapse and can be cost-prohibitive to repair. Excessive heat can also cause flashing and other protective barriers around your property to expand, placing additional pressure on the roof structure. If this occurs, your roof could cave in, causing serious damage to your building.
Your commercial roof should withstand the temperatures we normally find in California. However, if you frequently experience extremely hot weather, you should consider installing a roof conditioning system to prevent your roof from being damaged.
Extreme Cold and Snow Weather Conditions in Bay Area
Freezing winter weather can cause ice dams to form on your commercial roof, leading to flooding and excessive damage without any visible signs of distress. In the case of heavy snowfall, your commercial roof may even be at risk of structural failures due to the weight of the snow. For example, a snow load of around eight pounds per square foot can cause your roof to collapse.
If your commercial roofing is in an area that frequently experiences snow, you should have your roofs evaluated regularly to ensure they are safe for you and your employees. Also, an excellent way to prevent any damage is by cleaning your roof before the arrival of winter and post-storm and unclogging your commercial gutters.
Protect Your Commercial Roof From Wind Damage
Strong winds can cause debris to blow off your roof, which can cause damage to your landscaping and lower-lying outdoor structures. You can spot wind damage in your commercial roof by noticing leaks, missing, curling, or lifting shingles and shingle particles in the gutter.
To protect your commercial roofing from wind damage, make sure trees aren’t too close to your roof, consider investing in more robust roofing material, and evaluate your roof at least twice a year. Our commercial roofing experts will not only check on your roof, but they will examine your vents, flashings, drains, and gutters that can cause damage to your roof or your neighbor’s if those are loose or not working properly.
Protect Your Commercial Roof Before Rainy Season
Rain is one of the most common causes of roof damage. When it is the rainy season, it can cause your commercial roof to leak and cause your shingles to become misshapen. It can also damage flashing, gutters, and other roof components, especially when there wasn’t previous maintenance or checkup.
Stalling drip edges will help guide any water down the roof and away from the fascia of your business—another way to protect your roof from rain damage besides cleaning your gutters for proper drainage.
Final Words About How To Protect Your Commercial Roof
Your commercial roof is a valuable asset, and you need to make sure it is maintained correctly to ensure it lasts a long time. However, there are a number of factors that can cause your roof to fail, from extreme heat to extreme cold. You should be on the lookout for these threats and take steps to protect your roof from damage.
Your roof may be more susceptible to damage in areas that frequently experience extreme weather conditions. Ensure to have your roof regularly inspected by roofing experts, and if any signs of damage are detected, have your roof assessed as soon as possible.
At Yorkshire Roofing, we start with a thorough commercial roof inspection to assess the roof’s condition, note any damage, and take pictures. This roof review will allow us to determine what maintenance is needed and give you a better idea of how long the roof should last. So give us a call at (800) 794-7444. We are always happy to share our knowledge and experience with you.