Why does your roof need regular maintenance?

When was the last time a roofing professional performed regular maintenance on your commercial roof? Your roof has a number of potential problems that can be caused by weather, UV rays, snow, debris, poor repairs, roof traffic, improper installation, and other issues.

Problems with your roof can lead to premature malfunction and if not caught early, the life of the roof can be shortened.

Regular roof maintenance gives you the opportunity to inspect every part of your roof, review the condition of the materials and components that make up your roof, and look for any changes that may be the latest scheduled maintenance.

Even minor roof leaks can cause major problems within your building, such as damage to roofs, walls, electrical work, building structures, and equipment or machinery. In addition these can add to the cost.

If there is a small gap in the flashing around an exhaust fan, water enters the roof system through this vacuum, allowing moisture to enter the roof insulation and possibly your building.

If you wait for the water to appear inside your building, it can take a long time to detect. Until then, wet insulation is less effective and can lead to other problems, reducing the performance and longevity of your roof.

A qualified commercial roofing Wilmington DE specialist will notice this slight difference and fix it on the spot while minimizing damage to your roof system and the water damage within your building.

The pool of water on your roof is an example of a red flag that needs attention. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), the water on your roof should drain or evaporate within about 48 hours.

If this does not happen, you may have a basic problem that is as simple as a closed drain system or as complex as the problem of improperly tapered roof insulation or roof deck.

Standing water is heavy, compressing your roofing system and can weaken the support and deck or, if the pond is deep, the integrity of your building. If the roof membrane in the pond area is punctured during a storm or other event, the accumulated water can go directly to your roof system and property.

Ponded water can also contain contaminants that damage your roof membrane. Even today's high-quality roofing materials are prone to deterioration due to prolonged exposure to contaminants.

Another red flag encountered during routine roof maintenance is a change in the appearance of your roof membrane. Cracks, blisters, bubbles, and gaps in the seam are signs of problems, such as premature breakdown of the material. These problems can be particularly important with single layer systems.

If you see evidence of roof leaks inside your building, such as a stain on the ceiling or wall, or mold or odor, these are red flags that could have been prevented with regular maintenance.