Spring Cleaning for the Roof of Your Commercial Building

It’s hard to believe that we’re already well into spring, and it won’t be long before the hottest days of summer are upon us. Before we reach temperatures in the triple digits, it’s important to ensure that your commercial roof will be able to properly serve you and your building throughout the warmer seasons ahead. In this blog post, we’ll address some of the most important reasons for spring-cleaning for the roof of your commercial building.

It’s well known to all that spring is a popular time for cleaning, and cleaning your commercial roof is no exception to this unofficial rule of the season. Removing dust, debris and things like tree branches that may have fallen on your roof can help to keep your commercial building safer. Not only will cleaning your roof help to prevent damage, but it can also help to alleviate any dirt or allergens that might otherwise enter into your HVAC system, causing damage and a decrease in indoor air quality in your commercial building.

Spring-cleaning allows you to address any damage that may have incurred over the winter months, which you’re likely well aware can wreak havoc on your roof. During times of extremely cold temperatures, wind, snow, and ice, your roof can become damaged and unable to properly protect and secure your commercial building. Spring-cleaning allows for a professional roofing contractor to assess any damage caused by any winter storms, and either make the necessary repairs or recommend a roof replacement or retrofit.

Spring-cleaning for your commercial roof will also include unclogging scuppers, drains and gutters if your building has them. These structures all allow for water to properly drain off and away from your building, so proper cleaning and unclogging if necessary is imperative to ensure that your commercial building and roof will not suffer any avoidable water damage.

Spring-cleaning for your commercial roof is an important part of readying your building for the warmer months ahead. If you have any questions on roof cleaning or would like to schedule commercial roof maintenance before summer, click here to visit our website.

A Leaking Ceiling Doesn't Always Mean a Leaking Roof

Water damage to your ceiling can be a very stressful problem for commercial property owners. Not only does it pose a couple of different problems, but finding the source and fixing the issue can be a strenuous task. The earlier you take action after noticing a leak in your ceiling, or a water stain, the better.

There are a couple of different reasons why a leaking ceiling should concern property owners. The first, while definitely the least important issue, is one that can help people identify and prevent larger issues. Leaking ceilings are often accompanied by water stains. They most often look like coffee colored circles around the leak.

While a water stain on your ceiling does not always indicate an active leak, they should not be taken likely. Finding and fixing the leak as soon as you notice a water stain could help prevent more serious damage. While water stains may not bother all property owners, the more serious issues they can present should not be overlooked. One issue that leaks in the ceiling are often accompanied by is mold. Mold can potentially contaminate the air and be harmful to tenants and visitors.

However, the biggest threat that a leaking ceiling presents to a property owner is affecting the structural integrity of the ceiling. Over time, as water continues to leak and build up in the drywall of the ceiling, the extra weight added by the moisture can cause the ceiling to collapse. The possibility of something this dangerous should alarm owners to take action against leaking ceilings.

A very common cause of a leaking ceiling is a leaking roof. However a leaking ceiling doesn't always mean a leaking roof. The leak can be caused by a variety of different sources. It is important to look into all of the potential sources when looking for the cause of a leak. Here are a few things to keep in mind when determining if a leak is stemming from the roof.

1. Does the ceiling only leak while it is raining? If leaks from your ceiling correspond with rainy weather, it is likely that the leaking ceiling is caused by a leak in the roof. However, if the ceiling leaks no matter the weather, it is likely caused by another issue.

2. Take a close look at the water. If the water appears dirty or leaves a colored stain on your ceiling, it is likely coming from a leak in the roof. If the water seems clean, there is a good chance it is coming from the plumbing.

If you have determined that the leak in the ceiling isn't caused by a leaking roof, the next step is investigating the internal source of the water.

One of the most common causes of ceiling leaks is faulty plumbing. A professional should look at the area surrounding the leak for issues with the plumbing. A moisture meter can be used to determine if there is an active leak or if the water damage is from a past issue. Common problems with plumbing include old pipes or pipes that are no longer sealed correctly.

While not as common, there are other potential causes of the leak worth looking into. If the leak is in a bathroom, the source of water could be an exhaust fan. If the vent is not properly insulated, the moisture collected by the exhaust fan can condense and start to leak. Another potential cause of a leaking ceiling is a buildup of frost in attics or surrounding exterior walls.

No matter where the water is coming from, it is important to deal with the issue as early as possible. The most important step in fixing a leak is finding and correcting the source of the water. Repairing or replacing the ceiling will not help very much if the leak is not dealt with.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at (267) 327-4680. We’re a commercial roofing company in New Jersey, and we’re more than happy to help you explore your options and identify the best solution for your commercial buildings.

Infrared Testing – When and Why It's Needed

As a business or commercial property owner, damage to your roof is at the top of the list of potential threats to your building. The roof is your property’s main defense, protecting it from rain, wind, heat, and many other natural hazards. While roofs are designed and installed to withstand the forces of nature, over time, sections of your roof can be weakened by repeated or abnormal exposure to moisture. 

Too often, owners or occupants of buildings do not notice an issue with their roof until damage starts to show in the interior. Unfortunately, by the time a leak or other damage is noticed, your roof may be past the point of simple repairs. Repairing or replacing your roof can be one of the most expensive costs during the building’s life span, so it is important to be proactive and identify possible issues before they develop into larger problems. A great preventative measure you can take to protect your roof is infrared testing.

Infrared testing is a non-destructive method to detect moisture damage to your roof. As the sun shines on your roof throughout the day, the temperature of your roof increases. As the sun sets and your roof cools down, areas where moisture is trapped cool off at a slower rate. Infrared cameras are able to spot these temperature differences and pinpoint affected areas of your roof.

Infrared testing is beneficial to property owners in numerous ways.  As the owner of a building, the last thing you want to risk is the safety of the occupants. Identifying potential areas of concern can go a long in way in protecting the structural integrity of your entire roof. Additionally, water damage adds to the weight of your roof, so identifying issues early on will help avoid structural issues with the rest of your building.

Identifying compromised areas of your roof also helps reduce your expenses. Instead of spending money repairing or replacing your entire roof, infrared testing allows you to locate and repair only the damaged sections. As for long term costs, water-damaged areas of a roof affect your roof’s insulation. Repairing a damaged section of your roof will increase the energy efficiency of your building, in return lowering electricity bills.

It is recommended that you have your roof inspected using infrared testing at least once a year. If your property is located in an area that experiences extreme weather, it is smart to have your roof inspected before and after the severe weather season. Additionally, whenever a building is purchased, sold or leased, you should have the roof inspected to make sure any damage is identified.  

If you have any questions about infrared testing, please give us a call at (267) 327-4680 or visit our website. We’re a commercial roofing company in New Jersey, and we’re more than happy to help you explore your options and identify the best solution for your commercial buildings.

Why Manufacturer Warranties are Important

Purchasing a new roof for your commercial building is a decision that requires time, research, and frankly, the willingness to invest financially in the project. With all of this in mind, you need to be certain replacing an existing one will be worthwhile for both you and your business. A manufacturer warranty can help to ensure this and help to protect you against any mishaps with your roof.

A state of the art roof, when properly installed by a group of professionals, should last you for decades. However, mistakes can be made and accidents do happen. While many things, such as the weather, are out of our control, there are some things you can do to ensure the safety and longevity of your roof. The more you can do to protect yourself from future expenses the better off you will be in the long run.

Before you get started on a roofing project, it is always a good idea to consult your roofing contractor about manufacturer warranties. A good manufacturer warranty will ensure that any products used in the installation of your new roof that do not hold up to the test of time will be replaced. Manufacturer warranties usually last somewhere between 15 to 50 years, though it will depend on the materials used and the specific manufacturer. When a manufacturer offers a warranty on their product, you can rest assured knowing that they back their products and believe in what they are selling.

Purchasing a warranty along with your new roof will ensure that you will not be held accountable for paying for any product defects. This type of warranty also usually ensures that you'll receive warranted repairs for the first few years after installation at no additional cost to you.

In addition to a manufacturer warranty, there are other types of coverage that you may want to consider when investing in your new roof. Many roofing contractors offer warranties on their workmanship, which ensures that you will be protected against any roofing installation defects.

Remember what when deciding on what warranty you will purchase or be provided when investing in a new roof, the coverage is only as reliable as the roofing contractor you've chosen to work with. Make sure that you understand the terms of your warranty and discuss anything you may be concerned or confused about with your contractor before getting started on your roofing project.

Matrix Roofing Systems is a respected leader in the roofing industry and have won numerous awards from several manufacturers as proof of their superior workmanship. Not only are we members of the NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association), we are certified by the top manufacturers to successfully complete your new roofing project to your satisfaction. Give us a call today to discuss your roof replacement, retrofit or repair for your commercial roofing in Bucks County, PA.

Retrofit vs. Replacement

A properly installed and maintained roof can last for decades, but it won’t last forever! Perhaps you've noticed some damage to the roof of your commercial building, or maybe your roof has simply exceeded its lifespan; whatever the reason, you've decided that it's finally time to replace your existing roof with something newer and more durable. It's a major investment to undertake, but considering your roof is an essential part of the structure of your building and works to keep your building and those inside of it safe, it's well worth it!

There are several different roofing options to choose from, but did you know that you don't need to start from scratch? In many cases, a retrofit roof can be placed over your existing roof and eliminate the need and costs of an entire replacement. Interested in learning more about retrofit roofing solutions? Check out just a few of the reasons why a retrofit roof in an excellent option when installing a new roof on your commercial building:

• They’re less expensive. A retrofit roof can save you money, since you won't need to worry about the cost of tearing off your existing roof and having materials properly moved and disposed of.
• They’re convenient. Since the construction of your new roof will be far less extensive than it would be had you installed a brand new one, your building can remain open while a professional roofing contractor installs your retrofit!
• They’re no less effective than a replacement. Retrofit roofs are flexible, which not only makes them easy to install and fit over your existing roof, it also makes them durable and able to stand up to severe weather conditions and wind.
• They come with options. Retrofit roofs are available in a wide variety of colors and styles, including "cool roof" options that will increase energy efficiency and keep your roof and, in turn, your building cooler!

There are a few scenarios in which retrofitting your roof is not a viable option for your commercial building. If you're constructing a new building and need to add a roof, you will of course need to start with a roof build, not a retrofit. Additionally, if your roof is severely damaged, it's likely that it will be worth investing in an entirely new roof rather than retrofitting your existing one.

If you have any questions about retrofit roofs, replacements or repairs, please give us a call at (267) 327-4680 or visit our website. We’re a commercial roofing company doing business in New Jersey, and we’re more than happy to help you explore your reroofing options and identify the best solution for your commercial buildings.

Energy Efficient Roofs

As the weather continues to get warmer, you are likely performing all of the necessary maintenance to make sure that the air conditioning in your commercial building is in proper working order to run smoothly throughout the summer. Unless you spend a great deal of time on your roof, you may not know that the roof of your building can get extremely hot during the warmer months, which causes your air conditioning system to work harder to cool your building! Luckily, there is a solution! An energy efficient roofing system can not only keep your building cooler during the summer, but also cut energy costs significantly!

There are several different steps you can take to make your roof more energy efficient. We’d recommend the following:

Cool Roofs: You've probably heard on several occasions that you should avoid wearing dark colors on hot days, as these colors absorb sunlight and make you even hotter. Well, the same logic can be applied to your roof! A cool roof is one that is lighter in color and designed to reflect sunlight and heat. A traditional asphalt roof will absorb 85% to 95% of the energy from the sun, while a cool roof will absorb only 35% or less!

We'd love to help you develop an energy efficient roofing system that is right for you building! We’re a commercial roofing company doing business in New Jersey. Give us a call today at (267) 327-4680 or visit our website to learn more and request an estimate.

Respecting Your Roof

Whether the roof of your commercial building is equipped for leisure or is only accessible to vendors and contractors, you always want to make sure that the area is safe, secure, and being well taken care of. Below are some tips to help you maintain your roof and treat it with respect, all while staying safe!

Be cautious: It's important to always take caution when up on the roof, whether you're working or enjoying the view. Never enter the roof when it is storming or extremely windy and avoid spending time on the roof when it's wet as it may be slippery. Do not smoke while on the roof, as this can easily lead to fire that can spread to other parts of the building. We recommend that you never enter the roof alone, but if you do, make sure that someone nearby knows where you are in case of an emergency.

Careful with tools: If you work with tools often, it will come as no surprise to you that they can cause some serious damage when dropped onto the roof and off of it! When working around the edge of the roof, be sure to place tools a safe distance from the edge to prevent them from falling off. Additionally, make sure that you place tools onto the surface of the roof rather than dropping them to prevent damage to the roof.

Secure Doors: For safety purposes, most rooftop access doors will lock from the outside. The last thing you'll want is to get locked out on top of the roof unable to get back inside! Make sure that you secure the access door with a door stop or something suitable to hold the weight of the door that cannot be accidentally moved.

Be courteous: If you're working on the roof, or are lucky enough to work in a building where the roof is easy and safe to access, be courteous of other people! Do not leave any trash or food behind. Doing so can entice pests and make the area unpleasant to spend time out on.

Remember that treating the roof of your commercial building with respect will help to keep it safe and in good condition! For more information on properly maintaining your commercial roofing in Delaware County, PA give us a call today!