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7 Commercial Roof Maintenance Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The cost of installing a commercial flat roof ranges from $40000 to $90000, depending on the material. When you spend such a huge amount of cash on a roof, you want it to last.

Proper roof maintenance extends your roof’s lifespan and maintains its structural integrity. Your roof may last 10 to 20 years longer if you do regular maintenance.

But, when maintaining your roof, ensure you avoid making mistakes. Commercial roof maintenance mistakes may shorten the life span of your roof or pose a serious risk to people.

Knowing the most common missteps may save you from spending thousands of dollars to repair or replace your roof before it’s time. Here are seven commercial roof maintenance mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Using Low-Quality Materials

Some business owners use poor-quality materials to try to cut costs. They also choose an inexperienced contractor who can’t identify suitable roofing materials.

During maintenance repairs, some contractors cut corners and use low-quality sealants at the seams and joints on your roof. A few months down the line, your recently fixed roof starts leaking. Other contractors fix your roof with old or reclaimed roofing materials that may not serve you well.

When doing maintenance repairs, ensure you use high-quality materials on your roof. Otherwise, you may compromise your roof’s durability.

2. Delaying Minor Repairs

Most people ignore minor signs of damage until they become serious roof problems. Do not wait until your roof leaks or caves in to contact a repair contractor. You should schedule routine roof inspections to spot and resolve issues before they wreak havoc on your roof.

3. Installing Insufficient Maintenance Features

Maintenance features are the elements and fixtures that make it possible to maintain your roof. For instance, your flat roof must have proper drainage. Otherwise, you will always have floods or water damage on the roof.

There should be adequate space around roof penetrations. That way, roofers can move around easily when doing repairs and maintenance.

Improperly installed penetrations may also threaten your roof’s structural integrity and performance. Your roof should also have adequate equipment clearance to allow roofers to work efficiently.

Without enough maintenance features, your roof will keep experiencing common roof issues. Inadequate maintenance elements also make it hard for contractors to maintain the roof.

4. Neglecting Insulation

Commercial roof insulation is vital for a commercial roof’s functionality. Insulation contributes to your roof’s energy efficiency and weather resistance. Most commercial property owners forget to include insulation in their inspection checklist.

If you fail to check the insulation during maintenance inspections, you will not know when it needs repairs. Insulation problems increase your energy bills. Bad insulation also causes ventilation problems, resulting in poor indoor air quality.

Sometimes, moisture accumulates in the insulation when you have roof leaks. When it goes unnoticed, moisture in insulation encourages mold growth and may cause structural roof damage.

Check your insulation routinely to ensure it is in good condition. Make sure your roof always has enough insulation, and replace wet insulation.

5. DIY Roof Fixes

A DIY job might save you from paying a roofer. But, it could cost your roof in the long run.

If you are not a professional roofer, you lack experience in commercial roof repairs. Hence, you are likely to do a lousy job.

Also, you may not know the best materials for commercial roof repairs or have the right tools. DIY enthusiasts often apply solutions that do not last long.

For instance, you may use duct tape or a flex seal to fix a roof leak. This solution cannot withstand extreme weather. So with time, your roof starts leaking again.

Often, the material used to fix a roof must have specifications that allow it to work with the type and thickness of your roof. You will likely use the wrong product for repairs if you are not a roofing expert.

6. Allowing Excessive Traffic on the Roof

Most commercial property owners treat the roof as another building floor and fail to limit foot traffic. Failure to limit foot traffic puts significant strain on the roof.

Different roof materials have varying capacities when it comes to foot traffic. Some, like built-up roofs and PVC, can withstand high traffic volumes. Others, like TPO and EPDM roofs, cannot handle much traffic and need extra reinforcement.

If you cannot avoid foot traffic on your roof, reinforce it with EPDM rubber mats on commonly used pads. EPDM rubber mats are not a perfect solution as they wear and tear due to sun damage and foot traffic.

Moreover, they only protect your roof as long as people walk on the mat-covered paths. Allow people on the roof when necessary; for instance, during cleaning and repairs. Other times, shut off access to the roof to protect it from damage.

7. Not Having a Maintenance Schedule

A roof maintenance schedule ensures you never neglect your roof. Sometimes, you get busy and forget to schedule maintenance with your contractor. But, when you have a maintenance plan, your roof contractor knows when to service your roof.

Some roof contractors offer clients preventive maintenance programs. When you follow this program, you will be sure that your roof is in good condition in all seasons. Also, you avoid surprise repair costs.

Avoid Commercial Roof Maintenance Mistakes

Many things that go wrong with commercial roofs stem from poor maintenance. These problems are avoidable if you are proactive in regular roof maintenance. Now that you are up to date on which commercial roof maintenance mistakes to avoid, we hope you will take better care of your roof.

If you want to give your roof the best care, consider HP Roofing Pro as your commercial roof maintenance partner. We are one of the most experienced roofing contractors in South California.

Contact us today for more information on our commercial roof maintenance services.