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Old or Outdated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 Accordingly, you may also wish to replace yours if it appears old or outdated.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.

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.!

Is Your Commercial Roof Ready for the Summer Weather?

Your commercial roof goes through a lot with each season, but it can really go through the ringer during the summer. The summer season can put a lot of stress on your roofing due to the weather and climate. This stress can lead to damage, which is why it is so important to stay on top of your roof’s maintenance during these next few months.

The heat of summer is one of the biggest culprits of commercial roof damage. Heat causes materials to expand; once the sun sets and temperatures decrease, the roof will begin to shrink again. This daily process results in wear and tear that can weaken the integrity of your roofing.

Summer is also known for severe thunderstorms, especially in the Mid-Atlantic region. If your roof already has leaks or cracks that have not been addressed, you may start to notice them once water damage begins to rear its ugly head. From leaks to pooling water, summer storms are no friend to the commercial roof.

The best way to stay on top of the safety of your roof is through commercial roof inspection. Your facility’s roof plays a huge role in the overall safety and value of your operation. Similar to how you inspect your vehicle periodically to make sure all of the parts are healthy and operational, your commercial roof needs the same level of care. An inspector can review your roofing system, notice any areas of damage, and identify areas that can be fixed now before the issue gets worse.

Make sure to have your roof inspected as soon as possible. The sooner you address any possible issues with your roofing, the less likely it will be that summer heat and storms will exacerbate these problems. Damage to your roof tends to have a snowball effect, where some weakened areas spread damage to other areas. Through a professional inspection, you can nip these issues in the bud and worry about running your business.

At Matrix Roofing, our team of professionals offers more than 120+ years of combined experience in roofing inspections and evaluations. We offer service throughout the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, so give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you!

The Best Ways to Maintain Your Roof

Managing a commercial property or running a facility is a lot of work. It is understandable that certain things can fall off your radar when you’re handling your day-to-day. One item that should not be ignored, however, is the maintenance of your commercial roof. As the most essential part of any structure, your commercial roof needs to remain in tip-top shape in order to avoid expensive repairs or full replacement. 

The saying “A good defense is a good offense” is very apt when it comes to roof of a facility. Staying on top of maintenance can save money and keep an operation moving smoothly. Below are some of the best ways that you can manage your commercial roof maintenance:

Keep it Clean
One way to get the most out of your commercial roof is through cleanliness. When loose material like twigs, leaves and rocks accumulate on a roof, they contribute to clogs, standing water, and the growth of algae. All these result in the deterioration of the roof, making it important to remove all debris on a regular basis. 

Stay on Top of Leaks
Whether the cause stems from the weather or accumulation of debris, leaks are a common occurrence for commercial roofs. As soon as you notice an area of seepage or a full leak, call a repair as soon as possible. Leaks can become more than just a hassle and have the potential to cause electrical damage, equipment/inventory damage, or even the entire collapse of your roof. 

Schedule Regular Inspections
It does pay to be observant, but unless you are a trained roofing professional, there is bound to be aspects of your roof that will “go over your head” so to speak. Schedule an annual inspection from a licensed roofing professional. They can spot weak spots in your roof and work to prevent costly damage and replacement. Inspectors will be able to spot leaks and sagging in your roof and come up with a plan for restoration. 

At Matrix Roofing Systems, we have been a resource for commercial facilities for years. Our team of professionals knows what it takes to keep a roof maintained and safe for the long haul. Whether you think your facility needs repair or you want to start scheduling annual inspections, give us a call to learn how we can help you!

Signs Your Masonry Needs Repair

Even the best of construction can begin to show signs of aging over time, so it’s no wonder that your building may be showing signs of needing masonry repair work. Signs of age such as cracks, chipped bricks or stones, or missing mortar indicate that it is time to contact a professional for masonry repairs. Left unrepaired or attempting to cover the issue with a temporary fix will almost always lead to bigger problems down the line.

For the safety of your building’s structure and the people inside, it’s best to contact a professional, like Matrix Roofing Systems, Inc., for the repairs. Depending on the issue at hand, there are a variety of techniques that we use for repair.

Brick and Stone Pointing

The mortar between bricks and stone is strong, but over a period of time and exposure to the elements, even the sturdiest of mortar can begin to break down. If you notice any mortar missing, “pointing” removes the old and replaces it with new, stronger mortar.

Caulking

No matter the size of a crack, if it allows water between bricks or stones or further into the building’s structure, it can cause plenty of damage. Professionally caulking the cracks will keep moisture from entering through the openings.

Coping Stone Repair and Restoration

The coping on your building is an important structure that keeps rain away from the building. If your coping is damaged, it is best to have a professional do the repair or restoration.

Lintel Replacement

Lintels are the structures above a window or door and overtime, they may need to be replaced. Due to their location, it is very important that this be done correctly by professionals to avoid damage to the brick or stone wall exterior.

Masonry Waterproofing

Waterproofing your building, with an application of sealant on the façade, will give you the confidence that the exterior of your building and interior are protected.

Waiting for repairs can often lead to more damage. Contact Matrix Roofing Systems, Inc. today and let’s discuss your masonry repair needs!

The Dangers of DIY Roofing

Unless you are a professional roofer, chances are you do not have an intuitive knowledge of navigating a roof. Maneuvering skillfully along the surface of a roof is something that is learned over years of experience and training. Despite how difficult it is for most to overcome the fear of being on a roof (let alone properly performing whatever task you went up there handle in the first place!) some people would rather risk their lives than pay for a professional roofing company.

Roof repair can be very dangerous if it is not performed by a licensed professional. Here are some of the dangers of DIY roofing to keep in mind:

1. Safety Risks

It should go without saying that performing a complex procedure on an elevated location is putting yourself in harm’s way. However, injuries caused by falling off a roof are among the most common types of construction injuries. Despite many of our projects being completed on commercial flat roofs, we still take extreme caution – especially when surfaces are slippery, winds are high, or edges are flush.

2. Improper Repairs

While nothing compares to your physical safety, it’s important to be aware that if you try to repair your own roof, you risk worsening the issue. Roofing professionals earn their title through hours of trainings and certifications in order to repair issues properly. Your property is one of your largest, if not your largest, investments and should be safeguarded by solving issues that arise in the most effective way possible.

3. Voiding Warranties

When you initially purchased your roof, you may have invested in a manufacturer warranty. Depending on the terms of your warranty, completing DIY work on your roof may void your warranty benefit that protects you against paying out of pocket for any mishaps. In order to avoid losing warranty benefits, do not allow anyone but a qualified worker to perform work between installation and last restoration.

Rely on Matrix Roofing Systems for your next commercial roofing project. Our team of experienced, thorough, and educated roofing professionals has seen it all. We are safety oriented and OSHA compliant. Contact us today for more information.