As a business owner or manager, you know to prepare for the worst-case scenarios to ensure daily operations go uninterrupted, regardless of the situation. But are you prepared to deal with a necessary commercial roof repair to prevent minor damages from becoming total operation disruptors?
Due to the nature of the materials and certain factors such as foot traffic, commercial buildings tend to be more vulnerable to inclement weather and sun exposure. This can lead to ponding water, premature aging, curling, and torn-up roofing membranes, which leave the rest of the building vulnerable to the elements.
Roof damage, in general, isn’t something you want to put off until later — especially when it comes to commercial roofing systems. Addressing a commercial roof leak promptly is crucial to avoid extensive damage and increasing repair costs. Small damages don’t remain small for long and they certainly don’t become cheaper as time goes on. Therefore it’s important to have a game plan for the roof over your business, and below we’ll give you an overview of what that should look like.
Here’s what’s inside:
- The process of handling a commercial roof repair
- How to choose the best repair option for your roof
Read on to learn everything you need to know about commercial roof repair!
How to Commercial Roof Repair: A Quick Overview
Effective commercial roof repair involves a systematic approach to ensure long-term durability. Before we dive into what you can expect during a commercial roofing project, here’s a small how-to commercial roof repair guide:
- Identify the Source of the Leak: Use a measuring tape to map out the area where the leak originates.
- Clean the Area: Clear any debris, dirt, or loose materials from the roof surface.
- Apply a Patch or Sealant: Patch the damaged area with roof cement, flashing tape, or a sealant.
- Apply a Primer: Choose a primer suitable for your specific roof type to prepare the surface.
- Apply a Coating: Evenly apply the coating with a paint roller or brush to protect the repair.
- Apply a Second Coat: For extra protection, consider applying a second coating layer.
- Check and Re-secure Drain Bolts and Clamping Rings: Ensure that downspouts are clear of debris and securely fastened.
- Address Visible Membrane Defects: Use the appropriate materials to fix any visible membrane issues.
For long-term commercial roof maintenance, schedule professional inspections, keep the roof surface free of debris, clear gutters regularly, trim overhanging branches, and address minor repairs promptly. These steps can help extend the life of your commercial roof and prevent costly issues down the line.
What is Commercial Roof Repair?
Commercial roof repair refers to the process of fixing or restoring a damaged or deteriorated commercial roof to its original condition. This can involve a range of activities, from minor repairs to major overhauls, depending on the extent of the damage. Whether it’s addressing leaks, replacing missing shingles, or applying roof coatings, the goal is to ensure the roof remains functional and protects the commercial building from the elements.
When considering the definition of commercial roof repair, many business owners draw a blank, but commercial roof repair is a critical aspect of property maintenance for commercial property owners. It involves identifying and addressing issues with the roof, such as leaks, cracks, and damaged flashing, to prevent further damage and ensure the structural integrity of the building. By tackling these problems early, you can avoid more extensive and costly repairs down the line, ensuring your commercial roof remains in top condition.
Importance of Regular Maintenance for Commercial Buildings
Regular maintenance is essential for commercial buildings to prevent costly repairs and ensure the longevity of the roof. Neglecting commercial roofs can lead to severe issues, including leaks, water damage, and structural problems. By investing in regular maintenance, commercial property owners can protect their property and its occupants, while also reducing the risk of costly repairs. Routine inspections and timely roof repairs can extend the life of your roofing system and save you money in the long run.
How to Tackle a Commercial Roof Repair
When we talk about commercial roof repair for beginners, we’re not necessarily talking about repairing commercial roofs yourself. However, that is an option for very minor repairs and a business owner that’s handy with certain tools. Quality in roof installation, particularly in a commercial context, is crucial. Poor-quality installations can lead to mismatched shingles, wall stains, and other significant issues.
What we’re referring to is your overall game plan, which should involve everything from familiarizing yourself with roofing materials, spotting roof damage, and knowing how to find the right roofing contractor.
Here’s what you need to know when it comes to commercial roof repair:
Shop Around For a Professional Roofing Contractor
Before any roof damage even occurs, it’s important to take the time and find a local roofing contractor who specializes in commercial roofs and other roofing services. Planning and selecting the right contractor for a commercial roof replacement is crucial to ensure a smooth process. This way, you’ll have someone you can call immediately for a roof inspection when an issue arises.
When sifting through the roofing contractors in your area, here’s what to look for:
- Years of industry experience
- Licensing, insurance, credentials, and accreditations
- Ability to work with commercial roofing materials
- Positive customer testimonials
- A professional online presence that’s easy to navigate
By identifying these common sources of damage, commercial property owners can take proactive steps to prevent issues and ensure the longevity of their roof. Regular inspections and maintenance are key to keeping your commercia
Understand the Signs of Damage
Business owners and managers don’t often spend time on their roofs. In fact, it’s highly likely that you’ve never been up there at all. Therefore, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the warning signs of roof damage, indoors and out.
These are the most common indicators of commercial roof damage:
- Ponding water
- Damaged flashing
- Blistering or bubbling in the roofing membrane
- Cracks and tears in the roofing membrane
- Loose or unattached roofing membrane
- Roof leaks
- Collection of debris
- Water spots and stains on ceilings and walls
- Loose roof fasteners
- Mold or algae growth
Common Sources of Damage, Including Weathering and Poor Installation
Commercial roofs are susceptible to damage from various sources, including:
- Weathering: Exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, high winds, and extreme temperatures, can cause damage to the roof. Over time, these elements can lead to issues like ponding water, cracks, and blisters.
- Poor Installation: Improper installation of the roof can lead to issues such as leaks, cracks, and damaged flashing. Ensuring that your roof is installed by a professional roofing contractor can prevent these problems.
- Aging: Over time, commercial roofs can deteriorate, leading to issues such as cracks, blisters, and damaged flashing. Regular inspections can help identify aging signs early.
- Foot Traffic: Heavy foot traffic on the roof can cause damage to the roofing material and underlying structure. Limiting access and using designated walkways can mitigate this risk.
- Equipment Damage: Installation of equipment such as HVAC units, vents, and pipes can cause damage to the roof if not properly installed. Ensuring that all installations are done correctly can prevent unnecessary damage.
By identifying these common sources of damage, commercial property owners can take proactive steps to prevent issues and ensure the longevity of their roof. Regular inspections and maintenance are key to keeping your commercial roofing system in optimal condition.
Get to Know Your Repair Options
Your commercial roof repair options will depend directly on the damage at hand and the type of commercial roofing system you have. This could mean you need a simple roof patch or a complete tear-off and replacement.
Generally speaking, your options include:
- A complete roof replacement
- Roof patches
- A roof coating system that can be installed directly over your old roof, depending on its condition
- Asphalt emulsion, which is a long-lasting option that can also be installed over your existing roof if it’s in good condition
Once again, this will all depend on the type of damage that has occurred to your roof. Another option for very minor damages is DIY roof repair. As long as you know the type of roofing materials you’re working with and can get your hands on the right supplies, here are the general steps to carrying out a commercial roof repair yourself:
- Inspect your roof for problem areas to determine the issue.
- Clean the area by removing any debris or pooled water.
- Remove any blistering you find by slicing it open to release the air and moisture — without cutting into the roofing felt.
- Continue to seek out moisture-filled areas and proceed to dry them completely
- Apply roofing cement where needed by spreading a thick coat beyond the damaged area. Finish it up by smoothing it out and repeating the process as necessary.
- Add more roofing membrane by measuring the materials and cutting it down to size. You’ll want to apply your roofing membrane directly to the roofing cement while it’s still wet, ensuring it covers the entire area. From there, you’ll want to smooth out the membrane to release any air and then nail it down using galvanized nails.
- Apply an optional coating to block the sun’s harsh UV rays to extend the life of your roof repairs.
Get the Best Commercial Roof Repair with AllPhase 💪
When it comes to commercial roof repairs, you want to be armed with the knowledge and the right roofing contractor. AllPhase Roofing & Restoration has an expert commercial roofing team that’ll be there when you have a roofing emergency or require regular maintenance. Schedule your free roof inspection today to mitigate any potential damages before they become major problems!
