Monday, October 5, 2015

The Importance of Inspections and Maintenance for Commercial Roofing

The roof is every commercial building’s first line of defense against the elements. Since commercial building roofs are usually flat and wide, they are often more prone to early wear than residential roofs. Experts agree, most flat commercial roofing systems last an average of 15-20 years if properly maintained, depending on the material used. 

Commercial roofing damage occurs for a variety of reasons. The roof could be old and have already deteriorated beyond repair. Membranes can easily crack, shrink, or puncture which lets water seep into the roof’s insulation. If roof penetrations, like HVAC units, gas lines, pipes, and drains, are not properly sealed with watertight materials, they can put everything underneath them at risk of water damage. Since flat roofs aren’t sloped, water can pool and add significant strain on the roofing system, particularly if the drains are clogged.

A failing commercial roof puts the entire building at risk of costly damage. For instance, it can be a fire hazard when water leaks come into contact with electrical wires. Mold and mildew can also accumulate within the building which can trigger respiratory illnesses such as asthma, rhinitis and nasal congestion among workers and customers. Furthermore, insulation damage as a result of water intrusion can also result in higher utility bills.

To minimize risk of damage, building managers should conduct regular, scheduled inspections and preventive maintenance, especially on roofing components such as drains, flashing, and vents. It would also be best to add a reflective coating to the roof’s surface to help combat the wearing effect of excessive sun exposure. For those looking for commercial roofing solutions in Kansas, trusted contractors like Easton Roofing Company can help.

Source: Protection from the Top: The Importance of Commercial Roof Cover Maintenance and Repair, DisasterSafety.org

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