Did you know that in May, Illinois weather averages nearly 4.5 inches of rain? Spring is a great time as the weather warms and snow and ice melt, but excessive rain and poor roof maintenance can lead to more damage than you might suspect to your commercial building.
Have you had your roof and gutters checked before spring fully hits? If not, you might be in for high repair costs that can impact your business, employees, and customers. So – where do you turn when you need someone to check out your roof this month?
Luckily, we have put together six helpful tips to get your commercial roof ready for the warmer weather, so keep reading for more information!
1. Clear Off and Inspect Roof Debris
Most commercial roofs are flat or low-slopped and made of metal. The lack of steeper pitch, as seen in residential roofing, means your business is likely to harbor a lot of debris.
After winter, leaves, sticks, and garbage that have blown onto your roof can accumulate and put it at high risk for damage. Heavier debris after large storm systems can add too much weight to your roof and make it prone to leaks.
Yet, even minor debris can scratch and chip at your roof material. Neglected metal roofs can also lead to rust and rot underneath your roof’s surface.
First, check your property for overhanging trees – you may need to call a professional company to help trim back branches. Next, now that temperatures are warming, hiring a professional roofing company to help clean off debris will help them perform more thorough roof inspections.
2. Prepare Your Gutters
Along with debris on your roof, clogged gutters can develop from leaves blown onto your roof over the winter months. Once spring hits and rain starts coming, you might begin to notice overflowing gutters.
Sometimes, it is hard to tell with larger businesses if you have a gutter problem and the last thing you want to do is climb up there yourself. A professional roofing company can check your gutters, ensuring they drain correctly and away from your building’s foundation.
Excess and improper water drainage can damage the exterior of your building and foundation.
3. Install Walkway Pads
Maintenance crews often need access to your roof to check HVACs and other equipment. Frequent walking on your roof can cause structural integrity damage.
Eventually, you’ll find leaks and more extensive repairs that will cost more money. Walkway pads are anti-slip materials that help reduce strain on your roof and increase safety measures. You want them simple and convenient, so call your local roofing team to get an estimate on what you’ll need.
4. Do You Have Metal Roof Coating?
Most companies should apply a metal roof coating after installation. If your roof is not set up with this, it will have a greater chance of developing rust down the road.
Metal roof coating holds many benefits, including:
- UV ray protection
- Energy saving
- Extend roof longevity
- Prevent leaks
You have a couple of options for a metal roof coating. First, if your roof is relatively new and didn’t receive a coat, the professionals at Williams Roofing and Construction can add a coating after inspection.
It can restore your commercial roof and offer better long-term protection. If you have had your roof for several years, a professional roof inspection might advise you to replace your metal roof and combine it with a sealant.
On the plus side, your metal roof should last for decades if taken care of. Depending on the climate, installation, and coating, your metal roof might not need to be replaced for upwards of 70 years.
5. Fixing Seams
Metal panels are held together by seams and screws. Over time, these can degrade or weaken, especially if it has added pressure points.
When seams leak, it causes water to seep into your building and leads to mold or rot. At that point, you have bigger issues on your hands than simple repairs. Unfortunately, construction costs have risen nearly 25% over the past year.
Materials for roofing or other construction needs might be higher and harder to come by. Taking the proper steps now by having regular inspections and removing ice and snow can help your seams last longer.
6. Schedule Regular Maintenance Plans
When you prepare your roof for spring, you should schedule a regular maintenance plan to help with your roof and gutters. Experts recommend that you have your roof checked twice a year.
Simple things like roof coatings can prolong your roof’s lifespan by almost 25 years. Roof inspections might also include checks for flashing, seams, rust, pooling water, debris, and other hazards. What goes into a regular roof inspection cost?
- Size of building
- Material type
- Slope or pitch
- Accessibility
Roof inspections are not something you want to do yourself since they can be dangerous, time-consuming, and cause damage to your materials.
You can protect employees, customers, and maintenance crews by teaming up with Williams Roofing and Construction during spring and fall roofing checks.
Protect Your Roof and Gutters
You can start protecting your business’s roof and gutters by using a professional roofing company. They can help with maintenance, repairs, and inspect your roof. If you need a new roof, Williams Roofing and Construction can provide you with affordable and transparent roofing quotes.
Hiring a reliable, cost-friendly, and efficient roofing team on your side can save you the headache of worrying about your roof this spring.
Are you ready to get started? Check out our website for a full list of commercial roofing services!
