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.

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.!

Restore Your Facility with Masonry Repairs

When property managers notice leaks in their buildings, a roof leak is often considered to be the culprit. More often than not, however, water is entering through a different part of the building. The components of a building’s masonry often give way to moisture entering your property, making masonry repairs a must to prevent further damage. Coping stones and joints, walls and cornices are all different aspects of your building that could be making the structural integrity of your facility more vulnerable.

So, what can be done to repair the masonry of your facility? At Matric Roofing Systems, Inc., we offer a variety of masonry repair services that are targeted towards making your building as safe from structural damage as possible. These services include the following:

Caulking

A professional caulking will be able to address any areas of your building’s concrete that have noticeable cracks. Caulking not only keeps water from entering any of these cracks, but it also prevents any further cracking or eroding.

Brick and Stone Pointing

Even though brick and stone are some of the strongest and most reliable materials to build with, they still are vulnerable to damage from time, weather, and the overall structure of the building. Brick and stone pointing extends the life of the mortar that holds your building’s materials together. The pointing process removes deteriorated aspects of your brick and stone and replaces it with something stronger.

Masonry Waterproofing

An incredibly effective way to prevent water from entering your building, masonry waterproofing gives your brick and masonry a longer life. Often times, wind can blow rain right into your building, especially when cracks are present. Waterproofing helps to seal the exterior of your facility against water, all without altering the appearance.

Coping Stone Repair and Restoration

“Coping stone” refers the covering of a wall, often made of stone, brick or terracotta. Over time, this material can noticeably crack and cause the curb appeal of your facility to suffer. With masonry, it is always much easier to repair and maintain than it is to replace.

Lintel Replacement

Lintels, which are a horizontal support of steel, stone or concrete often found above a window or door, degrade over time when not maintained. This can cause cracks and damage to the integrity of a facility. The replacement of a lintel can be tricky, as an experienced technician can easily damage surrounding brick or stonework. Make sure to place your trust in a service provider that knows what they’re doing and can get the job done right the first time.

Contact Matrix Roofing for all of your masonry repair needs and restore your facility today!

Does Your Roof Withstand High Winds?

Excessive snow or rain is often seen as enemy number one to commercial roofs, but don’t forget about the hazards that high winds bring. Strong gusts can severely damage the structure of a roof and demand expensive repairs if not prepared. While some roofing materials claim to be able to withstand wind speeds of up to 90mph, most can exhibit signs of damage at 50 mph. Considering that the minimum wind speed of a severe thunderstorm is 58 mph, it’s important to make sure that your roof is able to handle the elements.

Wind damage can be easy to spot when you understand the common culprits. Wind can often loosen your HVAC components and cause them to roll around across your roof, resulting in noticeable and severe damage. A strong gale can also rip off sections of your metal roofing system, especially when hail or other debris is involved. You can also look out for damage to your gutters, downspouts, and flashing to get a feel for how your roof may have been affected by high winds.

There are a few strategies you can take to prevent substantial damage next time high winds come around. If there are any trees nearby with branches that could damage your roof, have a tree service trim those back. Also, have your gutters cleaned regularly. Gutters that don’t drain properly can contribute to pooling water on your roof, which can be severely damaging. In the event of a storm, you’ll want your gutters to direct all rainfall away from your building, not on top of it!

To get the best understanding of your roof’s resilience to high winds, the best strategy is regular maintenance and check-ups. After a storm or any other period of high winds, have a look at your facility’s roof. If you notice the HVAC machine on its side, leaky and crooked gutters, missing sections of the roof cover, damage to the roof’s flashing, and/or more, your roof may not be in such great shape.

A professional roof inspection will be the best way to assess the conditions of your commercial roof. A roofing expert can highlight any areas that may be susceptible to damage and possibly help you to prevent expensive repairs after a storm. At Matrix Roofing Systems, we service commercial clients across the Mid-Atlantic area and are happy to be a resource for wind-proofing your roof. Call us today to schedule an inspection!

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!

Signs that your Commercial Roof is in Need of Masonry Repairs

Your commercial roofing is the most important barrier that your building has against outdoor element. From rain, to wind, to snow, and everything in between, your commercial roofing is both your first and last line of defense. Unfortunately, cracks can form and begin to expose its vulnerability. When these defects happen, it may mean that your roof is in need of masonry repairs; and it can be a sign to get your commercial roof checked, fixed, or replaced.

Matrix Roofing has the expertise you need to understand your roof to identify certain concerns that need to be addressed before they become more serious and costly. Here are some signs to look out for: 

• Roof Sagging: A sagging roof indicates that there is structural damage to your building, and needs to be replaced as soon as possible in order to prevent injuries. Sagging affects the entire roof and it is possible that the roof could collapse! Please don’t hesitate to contact our team as your safety is very important us.
• Gaps in Flashing: Flashing is the strips of material (typically metal) around the perimeter of the roof’s edge where it meets the wall. Issues can occur when there are gaps present between the flashing and the roof’s edge, which can result in failure during high winds and rain.
• Prolonged Standing Water: If you start to see bubbles appearing on your commercial roof, this may indicate that there’s trapped moisture within the roof cover, which can lead to leaks, reduce the lifespan of the cover, and reduce the roof cover’s effectiveness against extreme weather conditions.

A properly maintained roof is necessary for the safety of everyone in your building. We encourage you to give us a call here at Matrix Roofing to schedule a roofing inspection in order to determine the best course of action for your roof. We are here to help, and happy to be at your service!

What is the Typical Life Expectancy for Commercial Roofing?

The lifespan of a commercial roof can differ based on different styles and materials, so knowing the life expectancy of the different commercial roofing materials can help you make the right financial decision when replacing your roof.  As a business owner, you want to know what kind of roofing materials are going to be the most energy efficient, cost efficient and durable.

In today’s market, commercial roofs can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years – or even more! Below is a breakdown of the life expectancy for some of the most common types of commercial roofs:

• EPDM rubber roof life expectancy: EDPM rubber is one of the most common commercial roofing materials and is put together using rolls of a highly durable rubber. This type of rubber gives your roof a life expectancy of anywhere from 20 to 30 years. An EPDM roof is usually installed on a large building with a flat roof.
• TPO single ply roof life expectancy: These types of roofs tend to last at least 10 to 20 years, although they can sustain themselves anywhere between 20 and 30 years.  TPO is similar to EPDM in that it is usually installed on a building with a flat roof.
• Metal roof system life expectancy: Metal roofs are one of the most long lasting roofs you can install, and will last anywhere from 30 to 45 years. They are very adaptable to roofs with steep-slopes.
• Asphalt roof system life expectancy: These types of roofs can last up to 30 years depending on the slope of the roof and whether or not there is a consistent maintenance schedule. 

By scheduling regular maintenance, you can maximize the lifespan of your roofing system, as well as reduce overall costs! Give us a call today to schedule a maintenance check or click here to visit our Website.

How Do I Know if My Roof Needs to be Replaced?

It can be hard to determine exactly when you need a roof replacement because honestly, how often do you look at your roof? The answer is probably not often. However, inspecting your roof regularly and making little fixes when they’re needed can prevent some costly repairs down the road. Also, keeping your roof in good condition will be a huge plus if you decide to sell your building in the future. Here are some signs that your roof may need to be replaced:

•  If you notice loose panels. Loose roof panels can lead to leaking and expensive damage to your commercial building. Loose panels from storms, winds, and warping can also compromise the safety of your facility. While thieves generally try to force their way in through doors and windows, loose metal roof panels can also provide an easy way into your building. Small rodents and other animals can identify loose roof panels and make their way inside, as they love building nests in temperature controlled environments.
• The age of your roof is above 20 years. Most professionals say that a roof will generally last 20 to 25 years. This depends on various factors though. If the roof was installed over another layer or several layers and it is older than 20 years, chances are you need a new roof.
• If you see moisture or mold. Be sure to check for signs of moisture, rot, or mold. Mold and fungi can grow quickly, so make note of the wet spots on or underneath your roof. This is best done by a professional and can be addressed accordingly. If lots of problematic moldy areas are found, a roof replacement may be required.
• If you notice rising energy bills. A good roof should act as an insulating material to prevent your building from losing its heat during the winter season, and prevent an increasing amount of heat in during the summer season. If you notice that your energy bills continue to rise, don’t assume that it’s the other parts of your building that are causing the change. Be sure to have your roof assessed at least once a year to ensure it’s functioning the way it should.

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your building, so contact Matrix Roofing Systems, Inc. for all of your roofing needs!