How to Take Care of a Commercial Roof
Commercial roofs are built to last for many years because of the tough materials they are made from. If your commercial roof was installed correctly, proper maintenance can help it last 25, 35, or even 50 years. But what is proper maintenance for a commercial roof? In this article, we take a look at the things you can do to make sure your commercial roof has the longest possible lifespan. If you have any questions, call Springtree Restoration for more information. We restore roofs of all kinds, and we will provide a free inspection to see what kind of repairs your roof requires.
Commercial Roof Types
The number of years your roof will last depends on many factors, including the material it’s made from. Some materials are simply more durable than others. All types of roofs will benefit when you take proper care of them. Here are some of the most common types of commercial roofs and how long they are typically expected to last.
- Modified Bitumen – 10-25 years
- TPO – 15-30 years
- EPDM (Rubber) – 10-40 years
- PVC – 10-50 years
- Built-Up Roof – 25 years
- Green (Rooftop Gardens) – 30-50 years
- Blue (Controlled Flow Drainage Systems) – 35 years
- Metal – 40-50 years
- SPF (Spray Foam) – 50+ years
- Concrete Tile – 50+ years
A roof’s longevity also depends on the local environment, the kinds of weather it is exposed to, and how quickly damages are repaired after detection. It also depends on how well the roof was installed in the first place.
Commercial Roof Maintenance
Here are some steps you can take to prolong the life of your commercial roof.
Clearing Debris
Possibly the single most important thing you can do if your building has a flat roof is periodically sweep it clean of debris. Dirt, tree branches and piles of wet leaves can build up on your roof and cause it to deteriorate if left too long. If your roofing membrane has cracks in it, debris can make them worse and cause water to seep in through your roof.
You can take a push-broom and sweep all the buildup over the edge of your roof. Do this about once a month, or more during storm season. If severe storms come through your area, check your roof to make sure downed limbs or power lines haven’t fallen on it. If they have, call a professional to remove large tree limbs or your power company to deal with power lines.
Check the Drainage
Your roof has a drainage system built in to keep water from sitting in one spot. It can only do this job if the system is clear and unclogged. Check your drains for bunched up debris or anything else that might cause water to back up onto your roof. Drainage is especially important on flat roofs, where the weight of pooled water can overload them and cause them to sag in places.
Regular Roof Inspections
Lots of things can cause damage to your commercial roof: weather, neglect, rust, and just plain age. Unfortunately, you can’t see most of your roof from ground level. That’s why it’s important to get regular roof inspections from a trusted professional. They climb up on roofs and ladders every day, and they know how to spot signs of deterioration, rust, and compromised roofing membranes. It’s recommended that you have an expert check out your roof twice a year – once after the snow and ice have melted, and once after storm season has quieted down.
Call Springtree Restoration for All Your Roofing Services in DFW
If roof problems can be prevented, why not do that? Regular roof inspections and maintenance can save you lots of money and headaches down the road. To get your commercial roof inspected, repaired or replaced, call Springtree Restoration today! We have offices in Allen, Frisco, and Gainesville, TX. Our service area includes Dallas-Fort Worth and all the surrounding areas.
