With winter behind you, spring is an excellent opportunity to schedule a professional inspection for your commercial roof. Our inspector can identify any potential issues and then carry out the spring maintenance that prevents leaks and other costly roof damage.
Clearing Debris
During your inspection, a roofer will clear the entire surface of debris. This includes dirt, leaves, branches, pinecones, pine needles, trash, and so forth. This important because debris absorbs moisture, and it will eventually compromise the roofing material if it’s left to sit there.
Check Seals and Joints
The next step is to inspect all seals and joints. These are the areas most vulnerable to leaks. Common locations for seals include around pipes, skylights, vents, chimneys, and HVAC equipment. Any loose seals should be resealed to prevent water from getting in. We’ll also inspect the entire surface to check for any cracks that may have developed either due to the elements or foot traffic. In most cases, these can simply be sealed over.
Improve Drainage
It’s also important to look for any ponding water or signs of it. This is one of the biggest issues with flat commercial roofs. It can lead to leaks and many other problems. There are number of preventative maintenance solutions. These include installing an additional drain or adjusting the roof pitch. If any flashing or other metal has rusted due to the water, we can go ahead and replace those items as well. Even if there is no problem with ponding water, it’s important to check the entire gutter and clean all roof drains and scuppers. Our team can also replace any worn drainage components.
Apply a New Coating
The general guideline is that you should have your commercial roof recoated every five years. You may want to do it earlier if the current coating is breaking down. Commercial roof coatings provide a waterproof barrier that prevents water intrusion. You can also choose a coating with other qualities. These includes coatings that reflect UV rays and can even help to lower energy costs for the building.
Wash Your Roof
If a new coating is not needed, we recommend washing your roof. Pressure washing on low pressure with a soft-bristled brush is an effective way to remove moss, algae, and other growth. If you have a material like EPDM, PVC, or TPO, it’s important to wash away any dark spots. These will often be found where any debris had collected. If left, those dark spots will absorb more UV light and cause the roof to break down faster in those specific areas.
If you’re located in or near Bakersfield, CA and want spring maintenance for your commercial roof performed, call Ed & J United Roofing.
