Importance of Post-Winter Roof Maintenance

While the increasing temperatures of spring are surely a cause for celebration, don't be so sure that the responsibilities of winter are behind you. The freezing temperatures, snow and ice are known to be brutal on whatever stands in their way, and your business's roof has been at it all season! Now that winter is over, it's a great time to assess any damage to your commercial roof and make repairs as needed.

Having your commercial roof inspected and maintained in the spring is essential to running your business efficiently. Your roof is one of the largest investments in your facility's future, so it wouldn't make sense to ignore it and hope for the best. Winter damage can result in expensive repairs or even entire roof replacement if nothing is done to address it. Regular maintenance helps to boost the lifespan of your roof, just like it would with a car.

While it makes sense to focus on the parts of your business that you can see, there are plenty of concerns to address on the roof that may not be apparent at first. A spring roof inspection could shed light on the following concerns:

• Clogged drainage systems, which can result in pooling water. Keep in mind: a square foot of one inch of water comes out to five pounds of pressure, so larger pools of water can really put a strain on your roof.
• Debris and vegetation, which can cause tears in the roof membrane. The roof membrane is the waterproof covering that prevents moisture from entering your building.
• Damage to perimeter flashing. Any splits or cracks in the flashing require professional attention, or you risk substantial to both the roof and interior of your building.

While addressing these issues should be reason enough to include your commercial roof in your spring cleaning checklist, don't forget about appearances! The way you present your building to others speaks volumes about your business. Even though your roof is high up, people are likely still able to see it from somewhere. Don't let dirt, loose roofing materials and murky water lead others to think poorly of your company identity.

A roof may not last forever, but it can surely last a long time if you give it the care it needs! Similar to how cleaning out weeds and leaves from a garden can lead to blooms in the spring, maintaining your commercial roof after the winter will set it up for success (and minimal repairs) for the season.

We know how important regular care is to a commercial roof at Matrix Roofing Systems, Inc., which is why we offer the Preventative Maintenance Program. Call us today to learn how we can protect your company's largest asset!

4 Clean Up and Maintenance Tips for Your Commercial Roof This Spring

Spring weather can be unpredictable. From heavy rains to hail storms followed by bouts of heavy winds and bright sunshine, commercial roofs take a beating. Over time, these weather extremes can lead to a variety of roofing issues as well as leaks. So, to keep your commercial roof in the best shape possible, here are four clean up and maintenance tips.

1. Trim Those Trees

Most plants don’t grow much in the wintertime. However, once spring has sprung, they will start to make up for months of stagnation. If there are trees close to your building, then this may present hazards if a strong wind should send a tree or its branches falling onto your roof. Consider trimming the branches, or removing the tree altogether. You can always replant one further away from the building.

2. Clean the Roof

When was the last time you cleaned your roof? You may believe that Mother Nature does a great job of this on her own, but this is far from the truth. Inspecting and cleaning the roof on regular intervals removes dirt and debris that can collect in numerous places on your roof, especially near drains and scuppers, preventing prolonged areas of standing water which can lead to dirt and silt deposits that support plant life, algae and possibly mold or fungus. Geese and/or seagulls flocking on rooftops are more than just a slight nuisance for many building owners. Gulls often bring their scavenged food up on rooftops to eat in peace, leaving behind bones and other scraps. Then there is the waste that both of these birds deposit on the roof. This biological stew can be unhealthy and cleaning it up is best done by professionals with respirators, and protective suits and gloves. 

3. Inspect the Roof

Once the roof is clean, inspection of the roof system itself becomes a whole lot easier. Roofing system manufacturers recommend that you have your commercial roof inspected at least twice per year, typically before and after the winter season. Here are a few things contractors are on the lookout for:

·         Open seams/laps

·         Punctures

·         Buckling of insulation

·         Splits in the roof surface

·         Exposed felts or scrims

·         Cracked caulking

·         Damaged perimeter metal

·         Deteriorated penetration flashings

4. Hire Professionals

Roofing is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in America and with good reason. For the safety of yourself and your workers, leave this work up to professionals who are trained, equipped, licensed, insured and highly experienced with this type of work.

Are you looking for professional assistance with maintenance work on your commercial roof? Matrix Roofing is proud to be the commercial roofing leaders of the Mid-Atlantic. Contact us today by calling 267-863-4481 or sending an email to info@matrixroofing.com for roof replacements, maintenance, repairs or disaster response.