Autumn is the Perfect Time for Maintenance on Roofs

Why Does Your Commercial Roof Need Maintenance?

While commercial roofing has come a long way regarding durability, semi-annual inspections and maintenance is essential to maintaining your roof and preventing premature wear or damage. Your commercial roof is part of your business assets and preserving that asset will save you costly repairs and replacements down the road.

Why is Autumn the Perfect Season for Bi-Annual Maintenance?

Autumn is the perfect time for you to inspect your commercial roof and perform your bi-annual maintenance. First, the weather during Autumn is usually ideal as it is not too warm nor too cold or dangerous to be on the roof for maintenance. Additionally, the summer months can be rough on roofs due to the weather elements such as intense UV rays, strong winds, and rain which can all cause wear and damage that needs to be addressed. Most roof maintenance and repair schedules involve bi-annual checks in Spring and Autumn.

What Maintenance Procedures Should You Perform?

One of the first and most essential steps in your Autumn commercial roof maintenance is the visual inspection of the roof and its components. Your visual inspection should include all of the following:

Check the interior walls and ceiling for possible water damage or leaks.
A visual inspection of the roof exterior including flashings, edges, roof adhesive, and any penetration or worn areas.
Make a note of any loose flashing, corrosion, damaged metal, problems with seam integrity, or deteriorating sealants.
Determine if areas with penetration could withstand rain, sleet or winter weather without permeating the insulating layer and causing water damage.

Once you have completed your inspection and made a note of any damage that may be an issue in the upcoming months, it is time to make basic repairs and perform some roof maintenance. Below is a list of preventative measures and repairs that should be addressed before the winter months.

Gutters and Downspouts

All gutters and downspouts should be inspected for damage and cleared of any debris, including dirt and leaves to ensure that there is proper flow through them. These need to flow freely so the water does not back up into the roof causing water damage.

Heat Tape

For roofs that utilize heat tape to prevent freezing and ice backups during the winter months, you will need to make sure that the tape is not damaged and test it to verify it is working correctly. If the heat tape did not prevent all the ice backup from the previous year, consider adding more strips to open areas.

Fix Areas That Are Potential Sources of Leaks

Replace any metal edging or pieces that have become damaged or corroded, and make repairs to flashing and penetrations that could serve as entry points for water to leak through the roof. If you are unsure whether the damage is enough to cause a leak, err on the side of caution as even a small leak can lead to water and mold damage that can be costly to remediate.

Sealing

Areas, where the sealant may have become worn or seems less effective, should be resealed to ensure that they are watertight. The temperature and weather during Autumn months is an ideal time to apply any additional sealant.

Contact Vertex Roofing Contractors SLC for Commercial Roof Inspections and Repairs

If you would like to learn more about Autumn maintenance or would like to schedule an inspection or repair services, contact Vertex Roofing Contractors in Salt Lake City, Utah today to have qualified and certified professionals assess and fix any of your roof concerns to extend the life of your roof and prevent damage from wear and tear.

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