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.

How Do You Know When to Coat a Commercial Roof?

There are a few things that point directly to a new roof. Curled shingles, excessive wear and tear around the roof, stains on the interior ceiling, attic leaks, curled roofing materials, and other similar damages are almost always a sign your roof is failing to protect your commercial property. Should you get an entirely new roof or should you get it coated? The following will help you figure that out.

Check Out the Existing Roof Condition

Sometimes a roof meets all the criteria for getting a new coating but it simply won’t work because the existing roof is in such poor condition. A coating won’t permanently adhere to certain types of roofing materials, especially if they are in poor condition or have been installed improperly. If the existing roof is in good enough order and you’re certain it won’t create problems underneath the coating, go ahead and check this box.

Check Out the Texture

Proper application of a roof coating requires a smooth surface. Too much texture and the coating won’t seal. Without a proper seal, you’ll end up dealing with leaks and other problems. Speaking with the professionals about the texture of your roof will give you a better idea of whether or not yours is smooth enough.

Check Out the Moisture Level

You want your roof to be completely dry before applying any type of coating. Though you might think this is referring to the top layer of the roof, it goes for every layer. Many commercial roofs that have a porous layer will have built up moisture from any leaks that may have occurred over the years. Putting a coating over something such as that will trap the moisture and damage the roof.

As you can see, there are some things you need to be sure about before coating a commercial roof. If the condition, texture and moisture level are just right, that’s when it’s time to schedule your roof coating. Contact Matrix Roofing today by calling 267-863-4481 or sending an email to info@matrixroofing.com to learn more.

4 Signs a Commercial Flat Roof Needs to be Replaced

The busy day-to-day bustle of operating a business can make it easy to overlook the physical structure of the building. Although everything may seem fine, time and the elements slowly deteriorate a commercial low-slope roof. The roofing system is one of the buildings most valuable assets, as it protects everything else in the building. Unfortunately, with many building owners, the roofs are “out of sight and out of mind” until there is a serious problem. Making it a priority to inspect and service the roof at regular intervals will help prolong the life of the roof system. However, there comes a time, as with any physical asset, that continuing to make repairs and sinking money into a depleted roof isn’t a financially sound strategy. Below are four indicators that it may be time to consider roof replacement.

Age

Most roofs are built to last, but they don’t last forever. Depending on the type of roofing system that was installed and how it was maintained and serviced over its lifetime, a flat roof could potentially last up to 25 years or more. Unfortunately, not all roofs were installed well enough and/or serviced consistently enough to last that long. If your property’s roof is more than 10 years old, it is time to have it inspected by a roofing professional that can provide you with a report on the overall condition of the roof system, its components (flashings, penetrations, perimeter metal, etc.), and the roofs projected remaining life expectancy.

Leaks/Water Stains 

The most apparent sign of impending problems is the appearance of leaks. While water spots on ceilings and walls could be from another issue, such as leaky plumbing or air conditioning, they should be immediately investigated and addressed. Over time, prolonged water penetration can create mold and mildew, sicken employees and attack the building components. In addition, allowing a roof to leak over a prolonged period of time can accelerate the roofs deterioration and lead to premature roof system failure, wet insulation and damaged roof deck. All of which will make the necessary repair or replacement more expensive.

Roof Membrane Damage 

Built-up roofs often show visual signs of deterioration years before they need replaced. Deterioration of the bitumen surface (alligatoring, cracking and crazing), splits and open laps, exposed felts and blistering of the built-up assembly are signs of advanced deterioration. Punctures and/or splits in the felts, failing perimeter and projection flashing's and soft areas of insulation are also indications that it is time to start planning for roof replacement.

Single ply roofs (EPDM, PVC, TPO), while all different, have many similarities. Open seams in the field of the roof and at penetration flashing's are typical first indicators that the roof is aging and is in need of attention. Shrinkage of the membrane, exposed reinforcement scrim and soft areas of insulation are signs of accelerating deterioration.

With all roofs, unintentional damage by other trades can also create problems i.e. cuts and punctures. 

While not all these signs indicate a roof is in need of replacement, they are indicative of a roof that is in some degree of distress and in need of attention. A trained roofing professional will be able to pick up on things the average person will not. To have your roof assessed, contact Matrix Roofing Systems, an industry leader in roof repair, replacement and waterproofing at 267-863-4481 or send an email today.

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!

Single Ply Roofing Options

If it’s time to re-roof your low slope, commercial building, there are numerous things to consider and many options to choose from. Unsure which commercial roofing option to choose? The following may help you get started.

SINGLE PLY SYSTEMS

Single ply membranes are the most widely used products for both new and re-roof, low slope applications. There are several different types of single ply membranes, each with its own features and characteristics.

EPDM (rubber) is a thermoset material, meaning it is in an irreversible, fully cured state when installed. The membrane comes in rolls ranging from 7.5’ x 100’ up to 50’ x 100’. Rolls are seamed together with primer and seam tape or splice adhesives. The product is available in black or white, with the black membrane being the most widely utilized. EPDM is manufactured in both reinforced and non-reinforced rolls, with the reinforced rolls being used less frequently, mostly in mechanically attached installations. On a larger building, an EPDM system utilizing larger rolls will reduce the number of seams thereby reducing the potential for leaks in the future. EPDM was one of the first single ply membranes and for years EPDM had the largest market share out of all the single ply membranes.

TPO is a thermoplastic material, meaning the polymers become softer and more fluid as heat is applied, allowing the membrane overlaps (seams) to be thermally fused at high heat with electronic, robotic welders. Heat welded seams tend to be significantly stronger than taped or glued seams, reducing the potential for seam failure in the future. TPO is reinforced and is available in rolls up to 12’ x 100’. While the vast majority of TPO installations are done with white membrane, it is also available in gray and tan, as well as a variety of other colors. The white membrane is usually preferred, as it lowers roof surface temperatures down to 5 degrees above ambient, which can significantly reduce HVAC load & costs. Black roofs can reach temperatures of 180 – 190 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot, sunny day. While a white, TPO roof would be about 100-105 degrees Fahrenheit on the same day. TPO has more all-around chemical resistance than EPDM.

PVC & PVC Co-alloy are also thermoplastic membranes. PVC is a chlorinated sheet, which gives it resistance to more chemicals than either EPDM or TPO, although there are differences and limits in what chemicals the three membranes can resist. PVC roofing membrane is reinforced and is available in rolls up to 10’ x 100’. PVC is available in white, gray and tan. Other colors may be available, depending on the manufacturer. PVC’s have been around as long as EPDM but tend to be more expensive than EPDM or TPO.

According to Roofing Contractor magazine (Feb 3, 2016), TPO accounted for almost half of all single ply roofing sales. EPDM accounted for 27% and PVC 23%.

These membranes (EPDM, TPO & PVC) can all be installed by mechanically attaching them to the roof deck, fully adhering them to the substrate or ballasting the membranes with river washed stone. TPO & PVC can also be installed with a plate bonded system.

To find out more about these and other roofing systems that are available please contact Matrix Roofing Systems today by calling us at 267-863-4481 or sending an email to Matrix Roofing Systems to get started on your project.

FAQs about a New Commercial Roof

As a business owner, the last thing you want to worry about is your roof! A commercial roof protects your business investments, so understanding how to take care of it is important. Here are a few frequently asked questions when it comes to a commercial roof.

Q. How much will my new roof cost?

A. The cost of your new roof will depend on a lot of factors and each situation has its own unique challenges that cause the prices to fluctuate. Some factors that can contribute to the price of your new commercial roof include the size of your roof, insulation and installation choices, condition of existing roof, type of warranty, and more. Our team of professionals can provide you with an estimate on your roofing installation.

Q. Does my building need a new roof?

A. It’s often hard to determine visually whether or not a flat roof needs to be replaced. A professional will be able to take a close look at the vapor barrier and determine if it is intact or torn anywhere. Take it as a sign that the roof should be replaced if there are any leakages or if wind has blown off the tar-paper and exposed the undercoat of the roof.

Q. When it comes to getting a new roof for my building, how do I know which type of roof is best?

A. There are many different types of commercial roofing systems. We offer metal roofing, TPO roofs, PVC roofs, EPDM, and modified bitumen. Our thorough, educated and experienced team of professionals will work with you to determine the roof that's right for your building and your budget. If you are considering a roof replacement, give us a call today and we will help you identify the best solution.

Q. How long does it take to install a new roof?

A. The time it takes to install a commercial roof depends on a variety of factors. The size of the job, the type of roofing material, and any existing damage can all affect how long installation will take to complete. You’ll be provided a time estimate as well and cost estimate when you setup a consultation with a professional commercial roofing company.

You can count on Matrix Roofing for your commercial roofing installation and maintenance needs. Our company delivers top-quality products that meet the highest industry standards, and out years of experience have established our credibility among homeowners in the Mid-Atlantic region. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions that you may have on the topic of this blog post – we’re happy to further discuss!