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End of Summer Maintenance for Commercial Flat Roofing

Summer is coming to an end. Before you know it, the temperatures will dive and the trees will be bare. The changing seasons bring new challenges to exterior surfaces. Our roofs bear a large share of this burden. They are the first line of defense against falling snow and rain, strong wind, and debris. Keeping your commercial flat roofing in top condition will help with energy efficiency during the cold months. It will also expand the lifespan of your roof.

There are a lot of things that can be done to prepare your roof for the coming winter. Here are a few ideas to get you ready for it.

Give It a Deep Clean

Depending on your local tree population, this could be an ongoing task. Falling leaves are a near-constant source of debris as the autumn wears on, but it’s important to stay on top of it. Proper drainage is important. Leaves can clog things up and pool water where water shouldn’t be pooled.

Aside from leaves, storms can blow all sorts of debris onto commercial flat roofing. Sticks, litter, dirt, all of it should be cleaned off as well as possible. Don’t use a pressure washer for this, however. It might be tempting to get up there and blast everything off, but you run the risk of damaging your roof. Use a broom, mop, or even just your hands.

Check For Damage

A damaged roof creates large problems as time goes on. Roof problems are never good, but winter is the worst time for them. Take a walk around your roof to see if there are any tears, holes, or anything else that looks unusual. You’ll be doing yourself a big favor if you find damage early.

The changing seasons are also a time many people service or replace their HVAC units. If so, be very careful when moving these heavy items. Sliding or dropping something like an HVAC unit is a great way to damage your roof. Be sure to take great care while moving them. Afterwards, give the area another look to make sure nothing was damaged.

Contact JBK Roofing for all of your commercial flat roofing needs!

Trim Overhanging Trees

Trees are beautiful but they make a mess. This is especially true in the months leading into winter. Leaves can clog drainage points, fallen branches can damage your roof, and animals can use them as access points. All of these things can add up to a problem down the road.

Try to trim any branches that are near your roof. Don’t worry about it if the tree towers thirty feet over your building. There is a maximum amount of trimming you can do before you hurt the tree. This could lead to it eventually falling and creating a much larger problem. Definitely trim anything touching your roof as well as branches that are within arm’s reach.

Fix Small Holes

Consider this the follow-up to checking for damage. Small holes in the roof or siding basically invite animals to come inside your building when the temperatures start to drop. It might be fun to watch squirrels run around in trees, but you don’t want one in your walls. They can chew through cords and wires, scratch holes in your walls, and leave behind an unpleasant odor.

Holes also act as rain receptacles. Water damage not only looks bad but can degrade the structural integrity of building materials over time. So be sure to take care of whatever problems you find when you walk your roof.

Check Inside As Well

Roof inspections don’t only mean walking around outside. There can be many signs inside of small damage that might not be apparent to the naked eye. Inspect areas below the roof, including ceilings and walls, for signs of leaks. This includes water stains, peeling paint, and strange odors. These can indicate a problem that you will need to address quickly.

Call a Professional

Routine inspections are important. This is the best way to ensure your roof stays in prime condition. At the very least, walk the area yourself and try to find issues. Call a professional right away if you find something you think needs to be addressed. But it’s recommended to go one step further: Have a professional perform routine inspections to make sure everything is as it should be.

Maintenance is important. This is true for most things in life. But when it comes to commercial flat roofing, it’s essential. Even the smallest repair can save you a lot of time and money when compared to leaving it unchecked. Contact us today!