What You Risk When Putting Off Commercial Roof Repair

When it comes to commercial roof repair, it’s pretty understandable to most that it’s necessary. No one wants to work underneath a damaged roof, after all. Property managers can sometimes be guilty of putting off important roof repairs, however. Doing this can spell disaster in the long run. 

In this blog, we’ll be explaining the types of pitfalls that come along with failing to complete commercial roof repairs. 

The Damage Gets Worse

As you can imagine, not addressing your roof’s damage right away can result in further damage. Take a leak, for example. If you allow moisture to permeate your roof, the problem will only grow until you fix it. Some roofs have multiple layers with a lot of space for leaks to hide. Once the water starts coming in, it won’t stop until a professional handles the repair job. 

Wildlife Can Enter

In addition to allowing water to enter your facility, holes in your roof can also provide a convenient entrance for rodents, birds, and insects. Once these animals find their way in, they tend to set up their new home quickly. Wildlife in a commercial facility can put you and others at great risk. From the physical threats of raccoons & possums to the sanitary dangers of mice, holes in your roofing need to be dealt with immediately. Every moment you allow for damage to go unfixed is another opportunity for new wildlife to settle in. 

Electrical Danger

Water damage to a roof poses great risk to your electrical system. Lots of wires and cables are present in your facility’s walls and ceilings. Water will cause mildew and corrosion to your roof, leading to tripped breakers and power outages. The worst case scenarios can include fire hazards and even electrical shocks. Rather than putting up with these risks, make commercial roof repair a priority. 

Your commercial roof requires care and maintenance in order to serve its function and keep your building safe. If you allow small problems to remain, they will continue to fester until they turn into big, expensive problems. Matrix Roofing is the Mid-Atlantic area’s top source of commercial roofing repair. Give us a call today to secure your investment and get your roof back to working order!

Winter Is Coming: Protect Your Flat Roof with These Simple Steps

Flat roofs are often considered the standard for commercial facilities. They make any business look sleek and modern instantly. But they do present a few unique challenges for property managers looking to keep their facility safe from heavy snowfall. Luckily, it's easier than you might think. Here are a few simple ways to protect your flat roof this winter. 

Get Your Roof Inspected

A damaged roof is a leaky roof and when the snow has a chance to sit and melt on that damaged roof, you'll have major problems. The best thing you can do is schedule an annual roofing inspection and let your commercial roofer check for damage. If they see anything out of place, they'll be able to make the repairs quickly. 

Clean Your Drains

Flat roofs are equipped with drainage outlets that help funnel snowmelt and rainfall away from your roof and towards a designated drainage area. When they're clogged, that runoff won't have anywhere to go. Over the course of the winter, that moisture can soak through the roofing materials and into your ceiling, putting you at risk for mold and mildew growth indoors. Take the time to clean those drains and downspouts thoroughly. 

Get Your Trees Trimmed

Low-hanging branches become a major safety hazard after a major snowstorm. The weight of the snow causes the limbs to hang lower and, in some cases, breaks them. If they scrape against or land on your roof, they can do serious damage to your facility. Take preventative measures and get any neighboring trees trimmed before winter is in full swing. 

Look for Puddles

Flat roofs aren't completely flat. This allows water to run off the roof rather than collecting in puddles. If you notice puddles on your roof after a snowstorm or winter rainstorm, contact your roofer immediately. Puddles mean your roof is warped and may have water damage that could spread if left unrepaired. 

Get Your Roof Ready for Winter

Preventative maintenance is the best way to protect your flat roof from water damage during the winter months. Don't wait. Contact Matrix Roofing today to schedule a free estimate and let our team help you get your commercial roof ready for the elements.

Should I Repair or Replace My Commercial Roofing?

The average commercial roof can last anywhere from 10 to 40 years. During that time, it requires occasional repairs and consistent maintenance to keep it in great condition. The well-being of your commercial roof says a lot about the safety and value of your facility. So, how do you know if you should repair your roofing or consider a replacement? The following information will help you decide.

Cracks and Imperfections

Over time, you may notice cracks, splits, or other imperfections in your roofing. This can be due to rain, erratic temperatures, and sun exposure. So long as only a few areas are affected, a professional can normally repair this damage rather easily. On the other hand, when a large portion of the roofing has become damaged, you may be better off going with a replacement. 

Ponding

Many flat commercial roofs can suffer from ponding, which is when water isn’t properly draining from the roof and pools. Ponding water can cause big issues for your roofing, like leaking, plant/algae growth, mosquitos, and other signs of overall roof deterioration. When it comes to this phenomenon, you will definitely need to seek the help of a professional for the next steps. Simple roof maintenance can help drain the ponds and restore your roofing to good health. In some cases, however, a new roof may be the suitable option.

Old or Outdated

Roofing technologies are always changing significantly over the years. Accordingly, you may also wish to replace yours if it appears old or outdated. It’s important to work with a trusted roofing expert that can walk you through their different solutions and come up with the best option for you. Some roofing options may be unnecessary for your needs, so be sure that the expert comes up with ideas that make sense for your operation. 

At Matrix Roofing, we aim to be your trusted source of commercial roofing expertise in the Mid-Atlantic region. We know how much an investment your roofing is, which is why we’ll only suggest a plan that works for your bottom line. Give us a call today to discuss your commercial roof repair & replacement needs.

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.!

The Importance of Commercial Roofing Insulation

For improved energy efficiency and temperature control in your building, commercial roofing insulation is necessary. Roofing insulation is a critical piece of every roofing system and is installed between the structural roof deck and roof membrane. The bigger a building is, the more it is impacted by insulation, making proper insulation extremely important for commercial and industrial buildings. A poorly insulated roof causes higher energy bills because your HVAC system needs to be constantly running to maintain your indoor comfort.

Here are some reasons why roofing insulation is important:

• Energy & Cost Efficiency: A properly insulated roof can regulate heating and cooling costs, helping business owners save on energy costs. Like the insulation in your walls, your roof’s insulation works to keep the heating and cooling you pay for inside. The better your roof’s insulation, the more energy efficient your building will be.
• Extra Layer of Protection: If a roof is not insulated properly condensation can form under the roof membrane and can cause a whole slew of moisture problems, such as mold and a rotted out roof deck. Roofing insulation acts as an extra barrier to protect your roof from condensation by regulating the temperature internally.
• Reduce Carbon Footprint: Insulation is an essential factor in minimizing your property’s carbon footprint because it saves energy. By insulating your roof, your building is naturally regulating its temperature, rather than having to resort to unnecessary artificial heating and cooling.

Matrix Roofing, among the most trusted commercial roofing contractors in the Mid-Atlantic region, will work with you to determine the roofing needs that are right for your building and your budget. If you’re interested in learning more about commercial roofing insulation, please give us a call today!

How Often Should Commercial Roofing be Inspected?

Winter weather can wreak havoc on your commercial roof, and when it comes to your business and roofing you can’t take any changes as it pertains to your residents, employees or building equipment. This is why it’s so important to ensure that your commercial roof is in good working order and condition at all times.

We often receive questions about how often you should have your commercial roof inspected. The most important thing to consider if safety, and you can never truly be too safe. This blog will highlight when to have your commercial roof examined by a roofing professional and how often you should expect to have it inspected.

The rule of thumb in the roofing industry is to have your commercial grade roof inspected twice a year. We highly recommend an inspection during the spring and fall, before the extreme weather seasons. It’s generally easier to schedule roofing inspections during these times, and also in between seasons where your roof sees the most wear and tear. Of course, if it has been over six months since your last inspection, we highly recommend scheduling an inspection now rather than waiting for the end of the winter season.

If you have direct access to your roof, it might be tempting to complete a roofing inspection on your home. While it’s good to keep an eye out for obvious structural damage, nearby tree branches or pole wiring that could come in contact with your roof, a full roofing inspection is an in-depth and detailed process that requires a roofing professional. They can adequately and professional evaluate your roof, determine if any repairs or replacement need to be made, all while keeping you out of harms way.

If you have any questions or if it’s time for your biannual roofing inspection, click here to visit our website.