How’s your commercial roof doing? Maintaining this critical structure takes consistent attention and a proactive approach. Whether it’s blistering summer heat, damage from storms, or ice dams, your roof sees it all. Stay on top of your commercial roof maintenance with this twelve-month plan.
Routine Checks to Do Monthly
While each month and season brings its own challenges, do a walkthrough every month. Perform a visual inspection and look for these issues:
- Loose Debris: Remove any leaves, branches, trash, or other debris that can accumulate and block drains.
- Pooling Water: Check for areas with pooling water. While some pooling is normal after rain, if water remains for more than 48 hours after rainfall, you may have a drainage problem.
- Drainage Systems: Ensure all gutters and drains are clear and free flowing. Check for any clogs, damage, or loose connections.
- Obvious Damage: Look for visible cracks, tears, or loose seams in the roof material. Note any discolored or stained areas.
- Check Seals: Inspect flashings and seals around all skylights, vents, pipes, HVAC units, etc. Look for any signs of damage, detachment, or deteriorated sealant.
- Interior Water Damage: Check the interior of the building (ceilings, walls) for any new water stains, drips, or musty odors that could indicate a leak.
January through March
If it snows where you are, monitor snow and ice accumulations. Heavy snow loads can stress the roof structure. Remove snow carefully using a roof rake or hire professionals to avoid damaging the roof surface. Check for ice dams around drains or edges, which can lead to water pooling and leaks.
Post-Winter Inspection: As the weather warms, perform a more thorough inspection for any damage caused by winter conditions (e.g., freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, ice dams). Look for new cracks, splits, or compromised seals.
Clear Drains (again): Ensure any debris from winter storms hasn't clogged drains.
Spring: April through June
The warming weather brings a new set of challenges for commercial properties. Commercial roofs need a comprehensive inspection twice a year by your local professionals. Here at Henson Robinson, we conduct a more in-depth assessment, including:
- Complete a full roof inspection
- Clean out drainage components
- Touch up maintenance items like sealants and pitch pockets.
- Share a detailed report. At Henson Robinson, we assign each roof section a grade and realistic life expectancy.
- Caulk items that need immediate repair.
After the survey is complete, we send a proposal for any in-depth repairs and additional preventative maintenance. This includes but isn’t limited to strip seams and reinforce penetration flashings. These steps provide comprehensive preventative maintenance performed by professionals.
Summer: July through September
When it gets hot, your roof just bakes in the sun. Sizzling heat will crack, blister, and bust any roof without a protective coating. Here’s what to check on in summer:
UV Damage Check: Inspect for signs of UV degradation, such as chalking, blistering, or surface cracking, especially if your roof doesn't have a protective coating.
Protective Coatings (if applicable): If your roof uses reflective coatings, check their condition and consider recoating any cracked, flaked, blistered, or worn areas. This helps reduce heat absorption and lower cooling costs.
HVAC and Equipment Check: Inspect the areas around any rooftop HVAC units, solar panels, or other equipment. Ensure their bases are sealed, flashings are intact, and no leaks are occurring around them.
Pooling Water Monitoring: Continue to monitor for pooling water, which can be exacerbated by intense summer rainfall.
October through December
Prepare your roof for the colder months with the second comprehensive inspection required for maintenance. Repeat Henson Robinson’s Survey and Seal Program for comprehensive roof maintenance.
Our program ensures you address all of the following needs:
- Thorough Debris Removal: This is crucial. Clear all leaves, dirt, and other organic matter to prevent drain blockages and moisture retention over winter.
- Drainage System Preparation: Ensure all drainage systems are completely clear and functioning to handle winter precipitation (rain and melting snow).
- Reinforce Insulation: Check and reinforce insulation, particularly around the edges, to prevent ice dams.
- Address Any Repairs: Complete any necessary repairs before cold weather sets in, as materials may not adhere as well in freezing temperatures, and minor issues can worsen with ice expansion.
- Winterizing Equipment: If any rooftop equipment needs winterization, ensure it's done correctly and doesn't impact the roof membrane.
By following this comprehensive monthly and seasonal maintenance plan, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your commercial flat roof, prevent costly emergency repairs, and protect your business from water damage.
Overall Principles for all Months:
Safety First: Always prioritize safety when on the roof. Avoid working during wet or windy conditions, use sturdy ladders, wear non-slip shoes, and consider a safety harness. If uncomfortable with heights or complex tasks, hire professionals.
Documentation: Keep detailed records of all inspections, repairs, and maintenance activities. This helps track the roof's condition, aids in budgeting for future work, and is crucial for warranty purposes.
Professional Help: While many visual inspections can be done in-house, it's highly recommended to have professional roof inspections at least twice a year (spring and fall), and immediately after severe weather events. Professionals can identify hidden issues and perform complex repairs safely and effectively.
Clear Rooftop Traffic: Minimize unnecessary foot traffic on the roof to prevent wear and tear. If equipment or personnel regularly access certain areas, install walkway pads.
When you need help with your commercial roof maintenance, you can depend on us. Contact Henson Robinson for the professional expertise and dependable service you demand. Call (217) 544-8451 to schedule an estimate or service.