It’s not easy to take care of a commercial roof in Pickerington, OH—so, here are some preventative maintenance tips to keep in mind!
A commercial roof is one of the most important investments your business can make. It protects your building, inventory, employees, and customers from Ohio’s unpredictable weather.
In Pickerington where heavy rain, snow and seasonal temperature swings are the norm, preventative roof maintenance is the best way to ensure your commercial roofing system lasts as long as possible. Because after all, neglecting your company’s roof can lead to expensive repairs, or even premature roof replacements.
This is why our Pickerington-based commercial roofing experts have helped us develop the below list of preventative maintenance tips to help you maximize your commercial roof’s functional lifetime!
1. Scheduling Regular Roof Inspections
Routine roof inspections are always going to be your company’s first line of defense against major problems.
Most roofing experts recommend two inspections per year, including one in the spring and one in the fall. This helps ensure that any winter damages are repaired before summer storms hit, and that the roof is prepared for another winter after the hot, humid months end.
During roof inspections, our specialists will be on the lookout for the following:
- Cracked, blistered, or missing roofing materials
- Pooling water on flat roofs
- Damaged flashing around vents and HVAC units
- Clogged drains and gutters
- Early signs of leaks or water intrusion
The importance of catching these types of roofing issues early on can’t be overstated, because it allows for quick, affordable fixes that help you avoid major repairs down the road!
2. Keeping Drains & Gutters Cleared
Water is the enemy of any commercial roofing system, and in Pickerington, heavy rains and melting snow can overwhelm gutters and drains if they’re clogged with debris like leaves, twigs, or even bird nests.
When water backs up on your property’s rooftop, it can lead to issues like:
- Roof membrane deteriorations
- Structural water damages
- Mold and mildew growth inside the building
This is one reason why we often recommend quarterly cleaning schedules for commercial properties in order to keep water flowing properly and prevent these sorts of problems.
And for flat roofs, we’ll be sure that all of internal drains are clear and functioning!
3. Promptly Addressing Minor Roof Repairs
Although small issues like loose flashing or minor punctures in your roof’s membrane may not seem all that urgent, the truth is that even tiny breaches can lead to significant water damages.
Some common examples of minor roof repairs that need to be promptly addressed include:
- A single loose seam in a flat roof potentially allowing water to penetrate insulation.
- Damaged flashing potentially allowing water to seep behind walls.
- Small punctures from dropped tools or wind-blown debris growing into costly leaks.
And in Pickerington, OH’s freeze-thaw climate, water can rather easily expand inside these types of small openings, which tends to worsen damages!
4. Maintain Commercial Roofing Equipment
A lot of commercial roofs in the Pickerington area host heavy-duty HVAC systems, ventilation fans or satellite dishes. If these units aren’t properly maintained, they can potentially damage your roofing system.
In order to protect your commercial roofing investments, you’ll want to do the following:
- Ensure HVAC service crews follow rooftop safety protocols.
- Install walkway pads to prevent foot traffic damage.
- Regularly check for and seal any gaps around penetrations.
By keeping your company’s roofing equipment in good shape, you’ll undoubtedly reduce the overall risks of water infiltration and all sorts of structural strains.
5. Watch Out For Pooling Water On Flat Rooftops
Flat roofs are common on commercial buildings, but what a lot of business leaders don’t realize is that they inevitably require extra maintenance.
If water is still present 48 hours after rainfall, it’s considered pooling—which can cause a variety of major roofing issues. Some of these potential problems include:
- Membrane deterioration from standing water
- Increased roof load, which can compromise structural integrity
- Freeze damage in winter
If your property’s roof is experiencing pooling water dilemmas, our contractors will improve your roof’s drainage by adding tapered insulation, adjusting scuppers and installing additional drains.
6. Document Everything For Warranty Purposes
If your commercial roof is under warranty, failing to keep proper maintenance records could void it.
This is why business leaders should always document the following:
- Dates of inspections and cleanings
- Details of any repairs
- Photographs of damage before and after repairs
This type of paper trail can be truly invaluable if you ever need to file a warranty or insurance claim!
Reach Out To Roofs By Warren When You Need Commercial Roofing Support In Pickerington, OH!
Well-maintained commercial roofs in Pickerington, OH can last 30-40 years, which will go a long way to save your business a significant amount of money over time.
By scheduling regular inspections, keeping drainage systems clear, fixing small roofing issues promptly and working with experienced local contractors, you’ll protect your investment and avoid costly disruptions.
Reach out to us online or give us a call at 614-522-9966 to schedule your next preventative maintenance appointment with our Pickerington-based commercial roofing experts today!