How the Winter Can Lead to Roofing Issues in the Spring

Anyone in the Mid-Atlantic region can tell you how punishing the winters can be. Property managers are especially aware of this when it comes to the buildings they manage. The cold season throws several challenges to commercial roofing, which can be exasperated by the incoming warmer months. Pre-spring is a great time to handle roof maintenance, as it can catch the following issues that are caused by winter weather:

Leaky Roofs

Commercial roofing tends to collect ice and snow over the winter months. With rising temperatures and more intense sunlight, all of the ice will be melting into water. Depending on the amount of ice that's melting, all of the moisture can find its way through various cracks or openings and cause leaks in your roof. Look around your facility’s walls and ceilings; if you notice stains, it's likely that your roof is leaking and in need or repair. 

Wildlife Infestation

During the cold weather, animals like squirrels, raccoons, and birds are extra determined to find warm spaces to take shelter. Areas like chimneys, loose siding, and broken shingles are common places for animals to live in. Keep an eye out for the presence of pests or take note of strange noises coming from the walls or ceilings. You'll risk electrical damage and more if you allow wildlife to remain unchecked.

Clogged Gutters/Drainage Systems

If you haven't had your drainage system checked in the past year, there’s a big chance that it needs a cleaning. Fallen leaves and other debris can clog your gutters and downspouts, which can advance to greater problems like roof and siding damage. Don't skip out on your gutters on your spring cleaning to-do list, or you may need to take on a lengthy roof repair project. 

Roof Sagging

If you live in an area that got a lot of snowfall this year, you may want to check in on your roof's structural integrity. When snow and ice accumulate, the weight of the frozen material can damage your commercial roof, leading to sagging, cracks, and pooling water. A professional roof inspector can spot these areas before they graduate to bigger issues. Smaller roof repair projects can prevent expensive roof replacements!

To get the most out of your commercial roofing, it's key to check in on it after the winter months. Kick off your spring with a clean slate by booking a roof inspection. This will especially be helpful before the summer heat and storms pose threats of their own in a few months. To learn more, contact the experts at Matrix Roofing Systems, Inc.!

5 "Red Flags" to Look For When Hiring Commercial Roofers

If you are in need of a roof replacement or even general roofing repair for your facility, there's a good chance that you'll be hiring a commercial roofing company to get the job done. Unfortunately, not all roofing companies out there can provide you with the level of service and workmanship you deserve. Specifically, as you shop around for a roofing contractor, there are some potential red flags you'll want to be on the lookout for.

Soliciting With a Free Inspection

A lot of times, roofing companies will go to different commercial buildings (especially after heavy storms roll through the area) offering a free roofing inspection to the property managers. These roofers are known as "storm chasers," and they are generally after the money put up by your business’s insurance policy to pay for any repairs caused by hail, high winds, or other severe weather.

Generally, you should not trust these "free" estimates, because they almost always result in the company finding major damage and repairs that need to be done - even if the damage isn't really there. A reputable company will not solicit.

Requiring Up-Front Payment

Any time you're having any major roofing work or replacement done, you should be able to put down a deposit in order for work to get started. You should never have to pay in-full for your work before it's completed, as you deserve a chance to make sure the work was done properly before you shell over the rest of the money. If a company tries to get you to pay in full before starting work--especially if they want you to pay in cash - it's time to look elsewhere.

Sneaking Hidden Fees Into the Quote

Any time you review a quote provided to you by a roofing company, be sure to read it over carefully and ask if any added fees have been tacked on. For example, some companies may include additional services in their estimates that you don't really need so that they can get more money out of you. Ask your roofer for a bare-bones quote that includes just the necessities to get your job done.

Being Misleading About Warranties

Another potential red flag to be on the lookout for when looking for a roof company is that of providing misleading information about your roof's warranty (if you're having a new one installed). They may mention, for example, that the roof comes with a 20-year warranty; what they may not mention, however, is that the warranty only covers certain types of damage and/or does not include parts and labor.

Always make sure you receive detailed information about a roof warranty before you decide to go with any roofing company for your replacement job, as warranty offerings can vary greatly.

A Significantly Lower Bid Than Others

Finally, if you receive a bid from one contractor that's significantly lower than your bids from other roofing companies, then this should generally be seen as a red flag. The cheapest bid in any job is usually a result of the company cutting corners; so even if you end up saving money up-front, you could end up with a faulty roof, bad installation, or poor quality materials that you need to spend more money to repair and replace down the road. Generally, it's better to spend a little more on a company and materials you can trust.

As you can see, there's a lot to keep in mind as you shop around for the right roofing company. By keeping an eye out for these red flags, you can make the best decision for your needs. And if you are looking for a reputable commercial roofing contractor you can trust, contact Matrix Roofing Systems, Inc. today!

What To Do When You Notice Your Commercial Roof Leaking

Anyone that manages a facility knows how unsettling a roof leak can be. This is an all-too-common experience for those in the Mid-Atlantic area; the humid climate and frequent rainstorms are not friends of commercial roofs! It is important to know how to respond when you notice a leak, and not to fear or stress out. The right response can mean the difference between a quick fix or thousands of dollars in repairs.

Noticing the Leak
The first step in fixing any problem is knowing that it exists in the first place. While one may feel that noticing a leak is a no-brainer, not every commercial roof leak looks the same. For example, you may not notice water drops or puddles, however stains in the ceiling may appear. Water creates areas of discoloration in ceilings during leaks, so be sure to watch out for these signs of damage. Another sign of a leak may be through smell. An unpleasant smell may be signs of hidden mold; mold thrives in moist environments, so you roof may have a leak if you start to notice the odor.

Quickly Respond
Once you notice a leak in your facility, you must respond quickly in order to minimize damage. First, remove any people, equipment, and inventory from the affected area. If there are objects that cannot be moved, cover them in plastic to prevent water damage. Once the area is cleared and/or the equipment is protected, place buckets or any other type of receptacle under the droplets to prevent puddles from forming.

Place a Marker
One thing that will be very helpful when you speak with your roofing contractor and insurance agents is to mark the point of entry for the leak. While it may be a no-brainer while the leak is actively occurring, it is likely that the leaking will cease after the storm has passed or time has gone on. Simply take a piece of tape and stick it to the area of the ceiling where the water entered your building.

Scan for More Damage
While we certainly hope your commercial roof only has one area of water damage, you should still check for more in case the problem is spreading. The best time would be when the rain is still pouring outside, as leaks are tough to find when the affected areas dry.

Call a Professional
Now that you have covered all your bases, it is time to call a roofing expert! While they can certainly handle the above tasks on their own, you will be well-suited to minimize damage at your facility if you can provide a professional with all the details as soon as possible. A roofing contractor will be able to assess the damage, determine how to fix the leak, and give you any tips about how future leaks can be prevented.

To learn more about commercial roof leaks, call Matrix Roofing Systems, Inc.!

How to Ensure Your Facility is Watertight

Did you know that the leak in your building might not be coming from the roof? Most leaks are thought to originate at the roof, but that is not always the case. While roof deficiencies can result in leaks, it’s possible that the water is entering the building through one of the components of the building’s masonry. Your building’s masonry can include coping stones and joints, walls, and/or cornices (also known as molding). Since there are so many potential areas for leaks, it’s important to have a professional inspect your facility to keep everything watertight.

Knowing What to Look For

A professional will be able to locate improperly insulated areas that could potentially lead to water damage. They also know how drainage systems should look to properly perform their job. Concrete cracks are also areas that need to be watched (and often repaired). It takes a special eye to identify these trouble areas. The most vulnerable spots vary depending on the building, but an expert will know when, where, and how to repair.

Waterproofing

One way of keeping your building watertight is by sealing your concrete. We offer caulking to repair dangerous cracks in your facility’s concrete. Another way is by coating your roof. Flat roofs require coating to prevent leaks and doing so will save you money down the line.

Maintenance

Once you’ve taken the necessary measures of waterproofing your facility, it's crucial to schedule regular checkups to ensure that everything is doing its job. Coatings, caulking, and other sealants need to be reapplied to prevent future water damage, so having a professional inspect it from time to time is important.

Our team of professional inspectors can diagnose and recommend solutions for these types of problems and ensure that your facility has a plan of action for staying watertight. Contact our team today to request an inspection.

Common Commercial Roofing Problems that Can Be Avoided

Commercial buildings experience a range of roofing issues that cause business owners to seek a roofing contractor. Leaks, clogged gutters, and damaged membrane are some of the most typical problems that all types of buildings endure. However, there are some problems that are unique to commercial roofs.

Tree branches, leaves, and other debris can collect on top of drain covers and slow down water drainage. A clogged drain in a commercial building can be, at best, an unpleasant mess. In some cases, clogged drains are the cause of significant damage to the building. Serious clogs or clogs that are deep in the plumbing or drainage system will most likely require professional attention.

If drains become clogged with debris, standing water on the roof will follow. This standing water can attract insects, lead to mold and algae growth, and create interior leaks. It can also accelerate the deterioration of the roof, thus reducing its longevity. To ensure the roof isn’t "ponding," contact a professional.

Pitch pockets protect the pipes that run through roofs. Occasionally, a pitch pan becomes dislodged and then water trickles down the pipelines and causes leaks. This can happen for a few reasons, usually related to structural movement. The sealant can also dry out and shrink. It’s also possible that the penetration that is wrapped by the pitch pocket moves or vibrates, thus compromising the pitch pocket seal. Regardless of the reason, all pitch pocket problems mean leaks.

To help prevent problems in the future and ultimately avoid headaches for your business, clear debris from your roof any time you can see it building up on your roof or gutters. If you notice any of your downspouts not draining properly, be sure to check your gutter system and call us today to learn how we can protect your company's largest asset! Our Preventative Maintenance Program ensures that our experienced inspectors perform an in-depth survey of your roof and document and photograph its conditions to create customized repair and/or maintenance recommendations for you.

Melting Snow and Your Commercial Roof

Winter is here – heavy snows, cold temperatures, and other winter effects tend to keep us indoors and focused on maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. However, it’s important not to forget about your commercial roof, especially when it snows! Commercial buildings with flat roofs are at increased risk of snow damage because of their wide spans and their low slopes. Those specific conditions can allow snow to melt with ease.

Heavy snow can add a considerable amount of weight to your roof and can affect its structure. Even a minor snowfall can have a major impact. Since moisture levels can vary significantly, it’s almost impossible to judge snow weight by depth. If you hear loud popping noises, see bends in metal or wooden support, or notice sagging, this means there is too much snow on your roof and it should be removed immediately.

Additionally, melting snow can also leak through your roof, causing distortion and structural damage that can be costly to repair. That’s why it is vital to develop a comprehensive snow removal plan so that snow does not sit on your roof for too long. Most importantly, this work should only be completed by professionals to avoid damaging the roof and to prevent accidents.

In any case, it’s always best to be proactive. In addition to removing the snow on your roof, you’ll get the longest lifespan out of your roof by having it professionally inspected regularly, making repairs when they are needed, and scheduling routine maintenance.

No matter what circumstances Mother Nature throws at your commercial roof, it’s best to be prepared and proactive. Matrix Roofing Systems, Inc. can ensure your building is ready for any weather condition, so give us a call today!

Why Your Roof Could Use a Post Winter Check-Up

Now that winter is slowly coming to an end and the snow is melting, make it a priority of spring-cleaning business to check on how your roof fared through the colder months. Damages that might have been caused by snow, ice, wind, and cold temperatures can lead to major problems and costly repairs for you in the future! You want to inspect for obvious signs of damage like punctures in the roof membrane from falling tree limbs, and if you spot any major wear and tear, you might want to bring in a professional roofer. Here at Matrix Roofing Systems, Inc., we will make sure to maximize your roofs life expectancy and ensure the physical integrity of it.

There are a few important things to remember when it comes to post winter inspection of your commercial roof.

• During the winter season, the weight of snow and ice can damage your roof and even cause damage to the interior of your business.  Damage to your roof can include punctured or torn roof membrane. If you’ve noticed water spots on your ceiling, it could potentially be from a roof leak. These are issues that should be addressed immediately to determine if you need a roof repair or a complete replacement.
• Now is a perfect time to clear debris, leaves, and tree branches from your gutters and roof, so they can properly do their jobs during the rainy spring season. Loose objects, especially heavy ones, can tear through or seriously damage your roof’s membrane, so it’s important to get all debris removed Clogged gutters and scuppers can cause various problems like ice dams which cause damage to not only the gutters but also the life expectancy of your roof. Make sure to clean out your gutters and scuppers manually to avoid clogging the downspout, and then use your hose to flush out remaining residue.

Remember, safety is the number one priority, so call Matrix Roofing Systems, Inc. to set up an inspection of you roof. We’ll provide a thorough inspection and give you piece of mind that nothing was overlooked!