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?
Commercial buildings tend to be more vulnerable when it comes to inclement weather as well as sun exposure due to the nature of the materials and certain factors such as foot traffic. All of these things can lead to ponding water, premature aging, curling, and torn-up roofing membranes — which leave the rest of your 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. 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 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.
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 Contractors
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. 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
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
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!
